Adaptive Learning Platform – The 4 Best Adaptive Learning Technologies Enhancing Student Learning
Adaptive Learning Platform – The 4 Best Adaptive Learning Technologies Enhancing Student Learning
Post Outline
An Adaptive Learning Platform is an educational technology tool that uses machine learning algorithms and data analysis to customize learning experiences for individual students. It provides personalized learning paths, assessments, and feedback based on a student’s strengths and weaknesses, the pace of learning, and interests.
Adaptive learning platforms track and analyze student progress through ongoing assessments, analyzing their performance to identify areas where they may struggle or excel. The platform then adjusts the learning content and pace of instruction to match each student’s unique learning needs and abilities.
The goal of adaptive learning platforms is to provide personalized instruction and support to students, promoting engagement and motivation while also improving learning outcomes. Adaptive learning platforms can be used in various educational settings, including K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and corporate training programs.
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These platforms gather student performance and behaviour data through assessments, quizzes, and other interactive learning tools. Then they use this information to generate personalized learning pathways tailored to each student’s unique needs.
Adaptive Learning Platforms work in several steps:
- Assessment and Data Collection: At the beginning of the learning process, students are given pre-tests and other assessments to determine their current level of knowledge and skill. This information is collected and used to create a student profile that includes data on their strengths, weaknesses, learning style, and pace.
- Personalized Learning Pathways: The platform generates a personalized learning pathway for each student based on the assessment data. This pathway includes content and activities specifically targeted to the student’s learning needs and may be adjusted as the student progresses.
- Feedback and Assessment: As students work through their personalized learning pathways, they receive immediate feedback on their progress and performance. The platform uses this feedback to adjust the learning pathway and provide additional support or challenges.
- Mastery and Progress Tracking: The platform tracks student progress and mastery of each learning objective and uses this information to adjust the difficulty level and content of subsequent activities. This allows students to work at their own pace and to focus on areas where they need the most help.
- Analytics and Reporting: Adaptive Learning Platforms generate detailed analytics and reports on student performance, engagement, and progress. These reports can be used by teachers and administrators to identify areas where students are struggling and to make informed decisions about instructional interventions.
Adaptive Learning Platforms aim to provide students with a more personalized and effective learning experience by tailoring content and activities to their individual needs and abilities. By using data and advanced algorithms, these platforms can help students achieve mastery of key concepts and skills more efficiently and effectively than traditional classroom instruction.
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Although the market for adaptive learning technology is still relatively young, a number of leaders have already emerged. Most of the top adaptive learning technologies offer online learning, individualized plans, micro-learning, and more if you want high-quality tools. Find out which businesses in this industry are worth watching as it develops!
1. Smart Sparrow
In 2011, the Adaptive Learning group, an Australian research team, gave birth to Smart Sparrow. An online learning platform that focuses on adaptive and interactive learning experiences was founded in San Francisco but is now operated from there.
Despite the fact that many students find online learning appealing due to the flexibility and accessibility it offers, Smart Sparrow was aware of how off-putting the online learning process can be for both students and teachers. To make learning as practical as possible for students, Smart Sparrow simulates the in-person experience.
By giving educators the platform and the support, they need to create their lesson plans and direct students based on learner feedback; Smart Sparrow functions as a platform and a service in equal measure. This is a special differentiator for adaptive learning technologies because many of their products rely on algorithms, eliminating educators’ unique personalisation.
Arizona State University is a key partner of Smart Sparrow. ASU and Smart Sparrow began collaborating in 2014 to develop HabWorlds Beyond, a ground-breaking initiative focusing on planetary exploration, climate science, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Their partnership hits the heart of Smart Sparrow’s mission: empowering teachers to make the world smarter.
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2. Knewton
This New York-based company, founded in 2008, can be summed up in one word: data. If information is power, Knewton wants to arm higher education faculty with as much knowledge as they can. Their learning analytics provide student insights so that teachers can determine which lessons are remembered and which are not.
Knewton collects additional data from the course materials to update and improve course materials to determine the most effective content. It also shares how students engage with the materials.
The success of Knewton’s enterprise solution has led to 23 partnerships with renowned educational institutions over the past seven years. Beyond business, Knewton’s new software, Alta (debuting in January 2018), has increased accessibility for instructors worldwide.
3. DreamBox
DreamBox is a market-specific adaptive learning program that aims to close math achievement gaps in settings such as elementary and middle schools. Because the software is customizable for each unique learner, teachers can deliver the ideal lesson every day. DreamBox gives every student the tools they need to succeed because it identifies opportunities for learners who are lagging behind and enhances the learning of students who are ahead of the curve.
The outcome? The advantages of DreamBox are obvious—students’ math scores increase by 58% when teachers use DreamBox for just 60 minutes a week.
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4. ScootPad
ScootPad is a favourite among educators because of its adaptability; the program offers a variety of levels of automation so you can be as hands-on as you like. For instance, educators can take the reins and ensure students master particular skills; however, if other educators prefer student-driven education that lets students forge their own courses, that choice is also available.
Nearly 220,000 teachers and more than 2 million students use ScootPad to improve educational experiences. One of ScootPad’s integrated schools actually experienced phenomenal growth on state standardized tests, rising by 21% in English and 7% in math.
Benefits Of Adaptive Learning Platform
- Personalized Learning: Adaptive Learning Platforms provide personalized learning experiences tailored to each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences.
- Improved Learning Outcomes: Adaptive Learning Platforms have been shown to improve student performance and learning outcomes by providing targeted instruction and practice.
- Time and Cost Savings: Adaptive Learning Platforms can save time and money by reducing the need for teachers to create and grade assignments and by providing instant feedback to students.
- Flexibility and Convenience: Adaptive Learning Platforms can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and on any device, making learning more convenient and flexible.
- Data-Driven Insights: Adaptive Learning Platforms generate data on student performance, which teachers can use to track progress, identify areas of weakness, and adjust instruction as needed.
- Engaging and Interactive: Adaptive Learning Platforms often use gamification and other interactive elements to keep students engaged and motivated.
- Accessibility: Adaptive Learning Platforms can be designed to meet the needs of learners with disabilities, making education more accessible and inclusive.
Overall, Adaptive Learning Platforms offer a range of benefits for both students and teachers, making learning more efficient, effective, and engaging.
Problems of Adaptive Learning Platform
While Adaptive Learning Platforms offer several benefits, they also have some potential drawbacks, including:
- Technical Issues: Adaptive Learning Platforms may face technical glitches, impacting the student experience and disrupting learning.
- High Implementation Costs: Implementing an Adaptive Learning Platform can be costly, requiring investments in technology, staff training, and content development.
- Lack of Human Interaction: Adaptive Learning Platforms may lack the human interaction that some students need to engage with the material, reducing motivation and participation fully.
- Limited Content: Some Adaptive Learning Platforms may have limited content or may not cover the full range of topics or skills required in a particular subject or course.
- Privacy Concerns: Adaptive Learning Platforms collect and store student data, which raises concerns about privacy and data security.
- Overreliance on Technology: Overreliance on technology can reduce critical thinking skills and other soft skills essential for success in the workplace and in life.
- Bias and Inequity: Adaptive Learning Platforms may perpetuate biases or inequalities, particularly if the algorithms used to personalize learning are not designed or tested for fairness and accuracy.
Overall, while Adaptive Learning Platforms offer many benefits, it’s important to carefully consider their potential drawbacks and ensure that they are used to maximise their benefits and minimise their risks.