Embracing Adaptive Learning: A Pathway to Personalized Education
In our rapidly evolving educational landscape, the one-size-fits-all approach to learning is becoming increasingly outdated. In episode 95 of the Designing with Love podcast, Jackie Pelegrin invites instructional designers and educators to explore adaptive learning, a method that tailors educational experiences to meet individual learner needs. This post delves into the key concepts discussed in the episode, highlighting practical strategies for implementing adaptive learning effectively.
Understanding Adaptive Learning
Adaptive learning is not just a buzzword; it's a transformative approach that reshapes how learners engage with content. Jackie clarifies that adaptive learning goes beyond personalized learning. It involves a dynamic system that adjusts based on the learner's actions, performance, and confidence levels. For instance, if a learner struggles with a particular concept, the adaptive system will provide targeted support through refresher lessons before advancing to more complex topics.
Key Components of Adaptive Learning
Jackie identifies three main levers that adaptive learning can adjust: sequence, pacing, and practice.
- Sequence: This refers to the order in which content is delivered. If a learner has difficulty with a specific concept, the adaptive engine reroutes them to remedial resources before progressing.
- Pacing: Different learners require varying speeds of instruction. Adaptive learning accommodates this by allowing some learners to move quickly through content while providing additional support for those who need it.
- Practice: Effective practice is not merely about repetition; it's about reinforcing skills in a targeted manner. If a learner struggles with a particular question type, the system revisits that skill later, offering different formats and feedback to ensure understanding.
Powering Adaptive Learning
Jackie emphasizes that adaptive learning is driven by data signals such as quiz accuracy, time spent on tasks, and learner choices. However, the effectiveness of these systems hinges on the quality of the learning map provided to them. Clear objectives, aligned assessments, and constructive feedback are essential for adaptive learning to thrive. Moreover, transparency in the process allows learners to understand why they are being directed towards certain content, ensuring accessibility and support for all learners.
Practical Steps to Implement Adaptive Learning
Jackie encourages educators to start small when piloting adaptive learning initiatives. Here’s a four-step approach to run a mini adaptive pilot using existing content:
- Identify a High-Pain Module: Choose a module known for high failure rates or confusion among learners.
- Select a Success Metric: Focus on a simple metric, such as pass rates or learner confidence, to measure the pilot's effectiveness.
- Add Checkpoints: Implement two checkpoints, such as a pre-check that routes learners to different paths based on their performance.
- Build a Support Ladder: Create a hierarchy of support resources to assist learners as they navigate through challenging content.
Real-Life Example
Jackie illustrates the effectiveness of adaptive learning through a case study involving a customer support team onboarding new hires. By integrating adaptive elements into their training, they were able to provide differentiated paths for learners based on their pre-existing knowledge and skills, resulting in a more engaging and effective training experience.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
The key message from the podcast is that adaptive learning is about responsiveness rather than complexity. By focusing on sequence, pacing, and practice, educators can create personalized learning pathways that cater to individual learner needs. Remember, you don’t need to overhaul your entire curriculum to implement adaptive learning. Start with one module, incorporate a pre-check, and develop tailored paths to enhance learner success.
🔗 Resources and Related Episodes:
If you would like to explore today’s topic further, here are a few resources to check out:
📚 Adaptive Learning Resource
6 Benefits You Should Know About Adaptive Learning in Corporate Training: In this article by Suresh Kumar at eLearning Industry, read about the six benefits of how you can utilize adaptive learning in corporate training to provide custom-tailored learning experiences for learners.
📝 Canva Template
Adaptive Mini-Pilot Map: A roadmap to help you pilot adaptive learning without rebuilding your course. You’ll map a pre-check, two simple pathways (refresh + fast), and one metric to see what’s working.
🎧 Listen Next: Related Episodes
Episode 44: Designing for Everyone: A Guide to Universal Design for Learning: An introduction to UDL principles and how to design from the start with variability in mind, so more learners can access and engage with your experiences.
Episode 65: Accessibility in Action: Inclusive Design for Every Learner: Practical strategies for designing with accessibility at the forefront—from structure and media choices to small tweaks that make a big difference for every learner.
Photo credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/AndriiYalanskyi?mediatype=photography
Instructional Designer, Author, College Professor, and Podcast Host
Jackie, an Arizona native, leverages decades of experience as an instructional designer within both higher education and the corporate world. She holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, both acquired through online learning. In addition to her full-time role, Jackie serves as an adjunct instructor, teaching online courses at Grand Canyon University. During her leisure time, she delights in reading books across a range of genres, enjoying movies and TV shows, playing games, listening to uplifting music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
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