What is Adaptive Learning?

Imagine if your lessons could adjust to fit exactly what you need to learn, at your own pace. That’s what adaptive learning does. It’s a method that uses technology to personalise your learning experience, making sure you get the right content at the right time. Instead of everyone following the same path, adaptive learning allows students to move through material based on their own strengths and weaknesses. But how exactly does this work?

Let’s dive into it and explore how adaptive learning is changing the way we learn.

What is Adaptive Learning?

Adaptive learning is an approach where technology is used to personalise education for each student. It gathers information about how a student is doing, like their progress, how engaged they are, and their performance, then adjusts the lessons based on this data. This helps create a learning experience that’s unique to each student, making it easier for them to learn at their own pace.

While equal access to education means everyone gets the same resources, adaptive learning goes a step further by recognising that each student learns differently. It provides the right materials and support to match each student’s learning pace and style, helping them succeed academically. This approach, along with adaptive teaching and assessments, works towards making education fairer for all learners, giving everyone a better chance to thrive.

Types of Adaptive Learning Technology

Adaptive learning technology comes in two main types: designed adaptivity and algorithmic adaptivity.

1) Designed Adaptivity

This type of adaptive learning lets students decide when and how they want to learn. It gives them the freedom to pick the content they need and the learning style that works best for them. It’s more about personal choice, allowing students to take control of their learning journey based on their preferences and comfort.

2) Algorithmic Adaptivity

Algorithmic adaptivity is more about the system adjusting automatically based on how the student behaves and their specific needs. For example, if a student answers all the questions correctly in a quiz, the system might make the next set of questions harder to keep the student challenged. On the other hand, if they struggle with certain questions, the system could lower the difficulty level.

This type of adaptive learning ensures that learners can go at their own pace, while still providing the right level of challenge to help them grow. It tailors the learning experience to match the individual’s progress and abilities.

Benefits of Adaptive Learning

• Students can better understand their progress and work at their own pace, which helps them become more independent and confident in their learning.
• Lessons and activities are adjusted to meet individual needs, making learning more engaging and meaningful.
• It can be a more affordable option compared to buying expensive textbooks.
• The system aligns lessons, practice activities, and assessments with course goals, helping students see how everything connects. If students struggle, teachers can check if the materials match the learning objectives.
• It gives useful data about how different groups of students are doing, helping teachers and administrators identify challenges faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Teachers and administrators can use the insights to support individual students or specific course sections that need extra attention.
• By comparing data over time, improvements can be made to teaching strategies and course content.
• Personalised lessons and tests for each student help reduce cheating and make learning more tailored to individual needs.
• Teachers can spot where students are having trouble early on and step in to help before students lose interest or drop out.

Best Practices for Making Adaptive Learning Successful

• Human interaction and guidance are important for adaptive learning to work well. Instructors play a big role in helping students see its value and move from being passive participants to active learners.
• Choose an adaptive platform that allows instructors to select learning activities and assessments so that the content aligns with the course objectives.
• Plan carefully while designing adaptive learning and know whom to contact for support if needed.
• Take time to learn how the adaptive system works and explain it clearly to students.
• Set clear expectations for how the course will run and how students should use the adaptive materials.
• Get familiar with the analytics the system provides. Use these insights to guide your teaching and support students based on their individual progress.

How Can Extramarks Improve Learning Outcomes with Adaptive Learning?

Extramarks uses adaptive learning to help students understand concepts better by personalising the learning experience. Its Smart Class Plus solution provides interactive content that aligns with the NEP and stays updated with real-time curriculum changes. The platform includes features like game-based learning and reports based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, which help teachers assess performance and plan lessons according to each student’s needs. Tailoring content and pace to individual learners keeps students interested and helps them stay on track in their studies.

Closing Thoughts

Adaptive learning brings a fresh approach to education, shaping lessons around what each student truly needs. Combining technology with personalised support, helps learners move forward at their own pace. This method not only enhances understanding but also builds confidence, making learning more meaningful for everyone involved.

Last Updated on January 24, 2025