Adaptive learning is a learning experience that adapts to each individual learner.[1] This is quite different from the “one size fits all” pedagogy of the didactic classroom. Instead of every student reading the same material and answering the same questions, each student has a unique experience based on their confidence and understanding of the subject matter.[2] It’s no surprise that advances in technology have made adaptive learning possible, but how does it work?

Adaptive learning capabilities exist in numerous teaching tools and LMSs like Adobe Captivate or Smart Sparrow to name a few. These tools rely on algorithms to determine the understanding of each student and adapting in different ways. Some of the ways the material may adapt include:

Adaptive Content: Course content that provides feedback or tips for the learner.

Adaptive Assessment: Changing the questions a student receives based on their previous answers.

Adaptive Sequence: This is similar on a basic level to how Netflix recommends shows or movies to watch next based on your past behaviors.

SOURCE: Learned.com

The main benefit of adaptive learning is that students are more engaged. The information is delivered at a custom pace so slower learners can catch up and gifted learners can run free. Teachers also enjoy adaptive learning because it gives them the data and the time to see which students would benefit from one-on-one instruction.[3]

The only potential downfall of adaptive learning technologies is that it requires a commitment to content creation. An adaptive system is, effectively, a series of content elements drawn from by rules instead of pre-sequencing[4]. Much like writing a choose your own adventure book, you need to have pages for every possible choice a reader can make. In adaptive learning, this could be in the form of creating multiple paths a student can traverse, or creating and curating additional content to fill in any gaps.

[1] "What is Adaptive Learning? - Smart Sparrow." https://www.smartsparrow.com/what-is-adaptive-learning/. Accessed 4 Jan. 2020.

[2] "6 Benefits You Should Know About Adaptive Learning In ...." 28 Nov. 2018, https://elearning.adobe.com/2018/11/6-benefits-know-adaptive-learning-corporate-training/. Accessed 4 Jan. 2020.

[3] "Six key benefits of adaptive learning - DreamBox Learning." 17 Jul. 2013, https://www.dreambox.com/blog/six-benefits-of-adaptive-learning. Accessed 4 Jan. 2020.

[4] "The pros and cons of adaptive learning | Litmos Blog." 19 Apr. 2018, https://www.litmos.com/blog/articles/pros-cons-adaptive-learning. Accessed 6 Jan. 2020.