Module 1-Identifying an Emerged Technology

Retrieved from Smartsparrow.com

Adaptive Learning, the ability for software and hardware to analyze student input and change accordingly, has been present in one form or another since the mid-twentieth century (Lowendahl, 2014). However, many feel it has now reached a stage whereby industries and education alike recognize its potential and are implementing real solutions, which according to Drs, Thornburg, Soloway, and Rogers makes it an emerged technology (Laureate Education, 2014a; Laureate Education, 2014b; Rogers, E.M.). According to Lowendahl (2014), this is primarily due to the technology of online learning to track and report student data in real time. Companies like Knewton, Instructure, Blackboard, and Carnegie Learning have increased research into its efficacy, while schools such ASU and the University of Alabama of instituted successful adaptive learning programs for some courses (Lowendahl, 2014; Fain, 2014). Ben-Naim (as cited in Fain, 2014) categorizes those interested in adaptive learning processes into (a) data collectors, (b) those focused on introductory coursework, and (c) those creating adaptive platforms (like Smart Sparrow).

The challenges faced by adaptive learning proponents are still significant. First, for systems to adapt accurately to multiple students, they need a massive data set to analyze. This data set can be very difficult to obtain (Fain, 2014). Additionally, there are privacy concerns surrounding the sharing of that data, and challenges with generalizing adaptation techniques outside of a very few subjects (e.g. language, math, and SAT preparation) (Lowendahl, 2014). Finally, Zimmer (2014) introduces the potential of poor implementations by faculty members or trainers utilizing adaptive learning platforms to generate content to sour the adoption potential of others.

However, if these challenges can be overcome, the benefits to students and society are significant. In theory, if expanded to multiple topics and successful for multiple student types, adaptive learning systems could improve everything from student engagement, to grade point averages, to graduation rates, and flexible learning. (Lowendahl, 2014; Zimmer, 2014). The impact these improvements would have on society are broad and encompassing, and could include economic improvement, job growth, and national increases in STEM performance.

The biggest pitfall is the lack of large and structured data sets to steer adaptive learning processes. Solutions could include agreements between governments, schools, and adaptive learning companies to anonymously share data sets equally to engender the quickest time to realization through healthy competition and collaborative research and development.

Some examples of Adaptive Learning companies, platforms, and schools:

Knewton Adaptive Learning Infrastructure

Busuu language learning service

Smart Sparrow adaptive learning platform

Dreambox Learning: Adaptive software for primary math

ASU’s Habworlds project

References

Fain, P. (2014, October 10). Online and In Control. Retrieved from Inside Higher Ed Web site: https:/​/​www.insidehighered.com/​news/​2014/​10/​10/​emerging-adaptive-software-puts-faculty-members-charge-course-creation

Laureate Education. (Producer). (2014a). David Thornburg: What is emerging technology? [Video File]. Video posted to Walden University Web site: https:/​/​class.waldenu.edu/​webapps/​blackboard/​content/​listContent.jsp?course_id=_7461404_1&content_id=_25128482_1

Laureate Education. (Producer). (2014b). Elliot Soloway: Emerging vs. emerged technologies [Audio File]. Video posted to Walden University Web site: https:/​/​class.waldenu.edu/​webapps/​blackboard/​content/​listContent.jsp?course_id=_7461404_1&content_id=_25128482_1

Lowendahl, J. M. (2014, July 23). Hype Cycle for Education, 2014. Retrieved from Gartner Web site: http:/​/​www.gartner.com/​document/​2806424?ref=exploremq

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). New York, NY: Free Press.

Zimmer, T. (2014, December 1). The Adaptive Advantage: How E-Learning Will Change Higher Ed. Retrieved from Forbes Web site: http:/​/​www.forbes.com/​sites/​ccap/​2014/​12/​01/​the-adaptive-advantage-how-e-learning-will-change-higher-ed/​