What is Adaptive Learning?
A
computer based system that modifies the presentation of material in response to
student performance. It creates a more meaningful learning experience. Material
is presented in a variety of ways. Students receive the right content
at the right time, maximizing learning efficiency, effectiveness, engagement,
and retention. Educators grasp cohort dynamics through real-time
analytics and know exactly what their learners are struggling with, so they can
quickly adapt instruction. (Dreambox, 2018)
Advantages of Adaptive
Learning
Adaptive Learning has shown to be very beneficial for students and
teachers. Research has shown that it can help increase grades by one full
letter, boosts retention rate by 10% and gives immediate intervention any
misconceptions. The computer based courses give the opportunity for one-to-one
learning and increased engagement. My students are genuinely happy when it is
time to use Dreambox in the classroom. They cheer each other on when they
achieve a level and always eager when it is their center rotation to use it.
(McGraw-Hill 2015)
Disadvantages
of Adaptive Learning
It can be harder to manage behavior and monitor student progress
when students are on the computer. I am working in a small group while students
are completing levels in Dreambox. I use my Dreambox Dashboard to monitor
progress. I at times find that students are playing the same game up to 8 times
and not moving on. This allows me to conference with the students and tell them
that they need to move on from the mastered material. The computer based course
takes away the student/teacher and replaces it the course. That being said, the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
What does Adaptive Learning look like?
Adaptive Learning is when content is built within in a computer
based program and it does not follow one path. The adaptive course uses the
content and takes each student through the course differently, based on the
interaction with the material. Students could skip already mastered material
and continue to practice on work that is more challenging. Students are able to
get results in real-time. (O’Connell, 2018)
How Do I use Adaptive learning in my classroom?
My
students use the adaptive learning computer based program called, Dreambox.
Dreambox is a course that focuses on math material. Dreambox is able to give
students the content and support needed based on the learners needs. In turn, I
the educator, am able to logon to my Dreambox account and learn about where my
students have mastered, struggled with and the amount of time spent on each
standard. Some students may be receiving extra practice with a first grade
standard or another learner may be mastering a third grade standard. The levels
in any classroom vary but Dreambox is able to give each student their
individual needs. I use the data from the course and use that to plan my small
group instruction. Dreambox is able to give me a specific standard to work on
and who would benefit from even more practice. Then, I am flexible with my
grouping of my learners and use that data to plan a lesson and give those
students repeated practice with my support. The goal of an educator is to educate
children and present them with material in a way that the learner is able to
grasp and understand. I am fortunate that the adaptive learning courses are
able to me the opportunity to be effective within my classroom.
My infographic helps hone in on this topic and summarize this
blog:
There are more
resources to consider learning more about adaptive learning:
Resource 1: This resource
is a video from Dreambox that explains the purpose of the program.
Resource 2: This resource
is a video and it explains the difference between adaptive assessment and
adaptive instruction.
References
Dreambox. (2018, March 21). Adaptive
Learning. Retrieved from http://www.dreambox.com/adaptive-learning
McGraw-Hill. (2015, March 4).
Adaptive Learning's Next Audience: Struggling K-12 Students. Retrieved from https://www.mheducation.com/ideas/adaptive-learnings-next-audience-struggling-k-12-students.html
O'Connell,
A. (2018, April 10). Adaptive Learning: What Is It And What
Does It Mean For Your Learners | Litmos Blog. Retrieved from
https://www.litmos.com/blog/articles/adaptive-learning-mean-learners
Posner, Z. (2017, January 11).
Adaptive Learning's Next Audience: Struggling K-12 Students. Retrieved
from
https://www.mheducation.com/ideas/adaptive-learnings-next-audience-struggling-k-12-students.html
Molly your blog does an a great job explaining how adaptive learning works. I think if I could go back I would have wanted to learn math this way. The concept used in Adaptive Learning is also a good way to conduct standardized testing. Where the test adapts as the student answers the questions.
ReplyDeletePete,
DeleteThank you! I would have liked to have Dreambox when I was in elementary school as well.
Molly, I like the layout of your blog. My students love using Dreambox during math time and math centers. I like how it adapts the questions to meet the student's level. The SMI test does the same thing. The best part is that my students don't really realize that they're working on harder problems because they are playing games and understanding the concept.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Students do seem to love it and keep engaged. I like how it adapts to their learning too!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Dreambox, but I will have to check it out. Adaptive learning sounds awesome! Not only for the students, but for the data that is available to the teacher as well. Having students on the computers can be difficult, but make it a focus to teach them appropriate usage of the computers, maybe tell them you can see everything they do on them! Overall, I think providing the students with work that is on their level allows for them to struggle just enough to keep the ball moving forward, which is essential to good quality learning!
ReplyDelete