INTRODUCTION TO ADAPTIVE LEARNING

Simply put, adaptive learning is an educational method that responds and changes to the need of the learner. Focusing on the interaction with the learner and delivering a customized experience and learning tools.

Adaptive Learning

Adaptive learning focuses on the interaction with the learner and delivering a customized experience and learning tools. To address the unique needs of each learner, adaptive training programs adjust the educational material and delivery according to students’ learning needs, as indicated by their responses to questions, tasks, and experiences. The technology encompasses aspects derived from various fields of study, including computer science, AI, psychometrics, education, psychology, and brain science. Adaptive learning systems’ primary application is in education, but another application is business training.

These systems have traditionally been divided into separate components or ‘models’ some including computerized adaptive training (CAT) allowing you to test a student’s abilities and assess their level of competence. Some model requires you testing them when they first show up or years later to assess retention. But we believe adaptive training is so much more than that.

Responsive Training

Training should not only respond to your learning needs but it should also respond to the devices and places you are training in. This means training modules can be used interchangeably on different devices such as from desktop to mobile, which bring in the location factor.

When you think adaptive training in 2019, however, your mind goes to a much more technological place. Adapting to the needs of the learner through testing is great but what if training could respond to our needs in real time and react to actions performed, simulating a truly adaptive experience.

Adaptive learning has been driven by a realization that tailored learning cannot be achieved on a large-scale using traditional, non-adaptive approaches. These systems have to transform the learner from a passive receptor of information to collaborators in the educational process. Visual technology like Mixed Reality allows us to create scenarios that instantly respond to the actions of the learner. Performing regular knowledge checks allows for necessary remediation which identifies weaknesses, and allows us to readdresses them.

Implementations

In order to implement these changes in responsive training, we need a system in place to asses the skill level of the individual learner. At eCubed Training, learning management systems (LMS) have incorporated various adaptive learning features. Learning management systems are a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs.