An ideal classroom is one where the needs of every child are prioritized and handled according to their preferences. And the sole aim of adaptive learning technology is to personalize teaching and learning.
For decades, teachers have used the one-size-fits-all, rote method to build their classrooms. While this may not entirely be a failure, it is time to redesign teaching approaches to suit the various categories of today's learners. Hence, the need to integrate adaptive learning technology. If this concept is relatively new to you, that’s ok, we have curated this article to explain everything you need to know.
What is Adaptive Learning Technology?
Adaptive learning technology means creating a suitable learning style for each student using technology. It is also a learner-based or student-centred educational approach that uses EdTech tools, algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to provide customized solutions for specific learning problems.
Every student has unique abilities and different learning patterns, but manually attending to each is demanding. Thus, the need for technology.
For example, suppose a student is stuck on a math problem. In that case, it is almost impossible to attend to him/her if there are over 20 other students in your class experiencing similar issues. But you can introduce adaptive learning technologies that can offer real-time support to students while you monitor their progress. Adaptive Learning technologies are mostly found in learning applications for students and are designed to appeal to learners helping them easily understand their learning materials. Some examples of apps with adaptive learning features are Practice Sets in Google Classroom, Prodigy, Zearn, and DreamBox.
Getting started with Adaptive Learning Technology in your Classroom
As an educator, introducing adaptive learning technology to your classroom is a gradual process. The following tips below will help you accelerate the process.
Assess the educational level of each student and group students with similar features to share the same EdTech tools.
You can introduce games first to warm students up for the main class. They can play these games on the same device you intend to use for teaching, so they get used to operating them. For example, they can play Sudoku or Word Puzzle.
Then introduce your lesson topic after a few minutes of gameplay. Ensure that each subject aligns with the program you want to use. For example, you can use Prodigy for mathematics classes. You can also divide each subject or topic into levels to enable students to learn and adapt to the learning format slowly.
Support and engage students while they learn. Although technology makes learning more fun, it doesn't take your place as an educator and mentor. Go around the classroom and monitor how children are progressing with learning.
At the end of the class, ask students about their experiences, difficulties, and suggestions. Listen to each student carefully and make adjustments where necessary. Repeat these steps for each lesson to build familiarity.
The transformation from conventional learning to self-paced learning is underway as schools explore digital education courtesy of the coronavirus pandemic. Nonetheless, the role of teachers is inevitable in sustaining quality education. Technology is only employed to simplify the process.