Adaptive Learning Software.

I'm sure by now, most teachers have used adaptive technology in their classrooms.  This past semester, I had students working on a program that used adaptive technology but they didn't understand that when they used calculators to do the arithmetic, it would give them harder problems because they gave correct answers.

Adaptive learning software is software that is used to teach and help the student learn via personalized lessons, practices, and assessments. It does this by using artificial learning and machine learning techniques to "adapt" a learning plan for individual students.  It also provides data for instructors and the administration to analyze so they can provide instruction to meet the needs of the students.  Usually, adaptive learning software is web-based and contains all the information necessary for the class so it can direct students along their journey of learning.

Adaptive learning software works by assessing what skills or concepts students have mastered before adjusting lessons or activities so students learn.  So this software begins with an evaluation to determine which skills or concepts the student needs to work on, creates an individualized pathway, and monitors and assesses their progress.  Some programs can distinguish between performance data and engagement data.  In other words, are they really engaged in their learning or just there going through it.

Adaptive learning software is able to provide a plan for personalized learning for every student with scaffolding, flexibility, targeted learning lessons, and any resources needed. In addition, they provide immediate feedback on practices, clear learning objectives, determine what is needed to improve, and low stakes assessment.

Furthermore, the software allows students to monitor their progress so they are more self-directed, work at their own pace by skipping skills and concepts they've already mastered while reviewing and practicing new concepts and skills more slowly than with direct instruction. It provides lessons that match their needs and readiness, can be used to replace textbooks, provides a framework of lessons, activities, instruction, and assessments that meet their needs while allowing instructors to provide additional instruction to students for areas they struggle.

Since the software contains all materials needed for the class, it is able to break down the concepts and skills into properly sequenced and manageable chunks leading students to mastering the learning goal. The software works on providing instruction and activities between the students comfort area and the zone where they get frustrated which is known as the zone of Proximal Development. This zone is the area between what students have already mastered and the material that is too challenging so they get frustrated.

Many schools are relying on adaptive learning software to help fill in gaps of student knowledge gained during the pandemic. Based on my personal experience, the students who really work through the material and try, tend to learn but those who didn't try, didn't accomplish much.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.