Several Reasons that Adaptive Learning Systems are Catching On

Remember what school used to be like? The teacher taught a concept, gave some examples on the chalkboard, and then moved on. Your homework was based on what you had learned that day in class—and if you didn't grasp it, tough luck. If you mentioned the idea of "adaptive learning systems" to a teacher just a few years ago, you might as well have been speaking a foreign language. Luckily, things have changed. Students today are able to learn in a style that is tailored to their individual needs. Read on, as HeuLab explains what adaptive learning systems are and why some educators think they're the best thing since sliced bread.

What is an adaptive learning system?

In a nutshell, it is a computerized teaching tool that tailors the presentation of lessons to individual students, based on how they respond to questions and task assignments.

Why are adaptive learning systems so great?

Some traditional educators are wary of adaptive learning systems, worrying that they will lose control of their students' educations or even that computers will take the place of teachers. Far from it! Adaptive learning systems can help teachers enhance every student's classroom experience. Some of the benefits of adaptive learning systems include:

• Adaptive learning systems let students learn at their own pace – Maybe Joey is a whiz at long division, while his classmate Jane is still struggling with more basic math skills. An adaptive learning system lets Joey advance through math problems more quickly, while still giving Jane the time she needs to master the basics.

• Adaptive learning systems free teachers to offer customized individual help – The example of Joey and Jane above is familiar to every teacher—and it's a struggle for every teacher. What's the best thing to do? Slow down to make sure Jane grasps the material, while Joey gets bored? Or keep moving so Joey stays engaged, while Jane is lost and frustrated? With adaptive learning systems, teachers don't have to make this choice. They can float around and offer individualized help to students—without worrying that the rest of the class is tuning out.

• Adaptive learning systems make students active, not passive, participants in their own education – Instead of sitting back while the teacher lectures, or letting other students answer all the questions, students using adaptive learning systems are forced to participate in their own educations. There is no hiding in the back row when this type of system is being used! Every student has to play a hands-on role in learning.

Are you eager to see HeuLab's adaptive learning system implemented in your child's school? What kind of a difference do you think it will make?