Learning Mathematics With an Adaptive System: Relationships Between Student Characteristics, System Usability, and Student Motivation

• In Event: Technology and Mathematics

Abstract

Understanding how student characteristics affect the EdTech user experience may help the field target EdTech to diverse students. This study examines the associations among perceived usability, student motivation, and student characteristics among Chinese middle-school students using an adaptive learning system. We found that (1) prior content knowledge is positively associated with perceived usability, (2) usability is positively associated with motivation, (3) educational aspiration is positively associated with usability and motivation, (4) usability is higher when content is newer to students, and (5) usability is highest for students reporting mid-level parental education. These findings extend our understanding of how student characteristics affect the EdTech user experience and expand the limited field of research on adaptive learning systems in China.

Authors

• Shuai Wang, SRI International

• Yuning Xu, Kidaptive, Inc.

• Claire Christensen, SRI International

• Wei Cui

• Richard Tong, Squirrel AI Learning

• KP Thai, Age of Learning, Inc. | Yixue Education, Inc.

• Alexandra Ball, SRI International

• Linda F. Shear, SRI International