Adaptive learning (sometimes called adaptive teaching, adaptive instruction, or intelligent tutoring) is an educational method which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to present users with individually customised learning programs.
Adaptive learning works by gathering data before, during, and after the learning process and using this mined information intelligently to create optimised learning paths for each user.
Therefore, as the user continues to complete more training and take more assessments, the platform is able to identify and feed back only the content that is relevant to them, based off their performance and confidence levels. In doing so, it will also address their unique requirements and learning preferences, presenting the type of content (e.g., gamified courses, immersive learning, and so on.) that best appeals to the user and that they have engaged with well in the past.
In other words, adaptive learning platforms can automatically and intelligently determine which learning content, activities, and techniques will benefit the learner most and provide the best learning results.
Business benefits of adaptive learning
Adaptive learning is being increasingly used by businesses for mandatory corporate training – particularly that which, in the past, may have seen lower engagement or retention levels from employees. After all, it can feel frustrating to go over old learning content that you already know when you have a job to do!
It’s easy to see how adaptive learning can save time by allowing learners to bypass information they already have a clear understanding of and by presenting only the information necessary to become more competent or to upskill them.
Ease of use
Adaptive learning happens automatically and with minimum human intervention, so it’s a great tool for Learning and Development Managers to utilise as it affords them more time to focus on their goals and the success of their employees.
What’s more, adaptive learning can be rolled out quickly, with minimum hassle, and in direct response to any key-risk areas identified – so it’s useful for organisations that want to remain agile and responsive.
Improved knowledge retention
High engagement means higher knowledge retention and by utilising and suggesting a variety of learning styles, adaptive learning can be used to increase knowledge retention by presenting learning content in the styles that best suit the individual learner.
Additionally, it doesn’t devalue employee time by forcing them to complete unnecessary training, so adaptive learning has the added benefit of increased morale and commitment when it comes to training activities.
Increased ROI
Training is designed to add value to your business, not detract from it. Adaptive learning means you can reduce the time spent on unnecessary training and training administration, resulting in increased productivity and better informed, more motivated employees. It can also help to minimise the cost of external recruitment since members of staff progress organically, at their own pace.
To learn more about our adaptive learning product offering, please visit our Collections pages.
