Adaptive learning: the future of customized e-learning

E-learning has proven to be an effective alternative to on-campus education, but it still has its hurdles. For example, in a physical classroom, teachers have greater ability to adjust their pace and help every student understand the subject matter. When it comes to online classes, it can be challenging to tailor the learning experience to each student's needs, especially if sessions are pre-recorded. This stumbling block has long affected the capabilities of e-learning and the outcomes for students. Fortunately, adaptive learning technology aims to remedy this issue.

Adaptive learning to the rescue

Adaptive learning is a new trend in e-learning that makes use of algorithms to provide a more customized experience for learners. It adjusts to each student's pace and gives learners equal opportunities to understand the course content.

According to Adaptemy, refinement in adaptive learning technology has increased the pass percentage of online learners from 67% to 80%. It also increases the quality and results of online learning without affecting the overall curriculum. Rather, it offers lessons in a way that helps each student understand topics effectively.

How does adaptive learning work?

In adaptive learning, an AI algorithm evaluates students based on their performance. Depending on test results, progress, and learning style, the algorithm can assign particular lessons and materials to each student.

Just as social media algorithms generate customized feeds for users, adaptive learning presents course content in a way that meets each student's learning needs. This means that there are no low-performing or high-performing students in adaptive learning. All students can access their unique course syllabus at their own pace. Learner performance data and analytics are processed continuously to provide dynamic and tailored lessons for every individual. This method improves engagement and learning efficiency.

How does adaptive learning improve the e-learning industry?

Adaptive learning breaks the stereotypes that were once associated with online education. Some of the important benefits of adaptive learning include:

• Allows students to learn and complete courses at their own pace.

• Ensures that students completely understand the content of a lesson before moving on to the next one.  

• Gives teachers clearer insights into the learning capacity and progress of their students.

• Improves the quality of e-learning by providing immediate assistance, feedback, and the option to customize the course pace.

• Keeps all students included and engaged throughout the course.

• Boosts learner confidence, as students can complete the courses on time with total understanding of the topic.

Is this the future of e-learning?

While adaptive learning provides effective solutions for both students and educators, it doesn't work well for all kinds of courses. For example, it's not suitable for courses that require a subjective approach, like literary analysis and research. 

With continuous development in technologies like AI, augmented reality, and virtual reality, e-learning is leaping down the path of development. There are many technologies and trends on the horizon that could make e-learning far better than on-campus education. Adaptive learning is neither the first nor the last stage in the evolution of e-learning, but it's certainly a remarkable development in online education.