This is the question posed in Cadre’s post “Is adaptive learning just another fad? The answer is still 42”. And while the Answer to the Great Question remains as is, it is undeniable that the adaptive approach to learning design is changing the way people learn online.

The meaning of adaptive learning (unlike the meaning Of Life, the Universe and Everything) is not an enigma. Adaptive eLearning creates the best possible learning experience for students by emulating the talents of great instructors. This is achieved by using technologies that adapt and shape teaching to the needs of the individual learner. As we’ve mentioned before Smart Sparrowlink to another blog delivers on this vision by enabling adaptivity via:

Adaptive Feedback that can be immediate or delayed and can target a specific action or actions a learner has madeAdaptive Pathways that provide a personalized pathway for a learner based on a number of factors, such as prior knowledge or performance up until a particular point within the learning experience.These two simple but crucial factors are what empower the instructional designer to create a personalized and learner-centered experience more easily and efficiently – thanks to advancements in adaptive learning technology.

Will it work every time?

Adaptive eLearning has been proven to be as effective as face-to-face learning in higher education. However, it is not necessarily the clear learning outcomes that higher ed provides which make adaptive lessons effective. The entire premise of Adaptive eLearning is based around allowing the learner freedom to explore, come up with the solutions and make mistakes whilst being guided through their misconceptions at the very time a mistake is made. This is the very premise of what is needed for learning by doing.

And whenever a learner is active and learning by doing, the learning experience will be effective. Every time.

The Answer to the Great Question… Of Life, the Universe and Everything… Is… Forty-two,’ said Deep Thought, with infinite majesty and calm. Douglas Adams

Cadre Navitas Blog – “Is adaptive learning just another fad? The answer is still 42”