An Examination of the Effectiveness of Online Adaptive Learning Technologies

• In Event: Related Parties and External Financing, NFP Whistleblowing, & Effectiveness of Online Adaptive Learning Technologies

Abstract

In order to improve classroom learning, faculty members are striving to identify better ways of helping their students learn and retain knowledge. Ancillary materials such as on-line homework problems allow students more opportunities to practice techniques to enhance their learning. Some provide mechanism that allow faculty members to require pre-class preparation and ensure their students are completing these activities, thereby enhancing the use of class time. An additional feature that may be used in pre-class preparation and in post-class homework activities is the use of adaptive technology to tailor the learning environment to each individual student. These programs are designed to adjust the learning content based on the individual student’s strengths, weaknesses, and confidence. Through this design, the programs attempt to maximize the efficiency of a student’s study time, resulting in improved learning and performance in the classroom.

LearnSmart’s adaptive technology provides both pre-class and post-class adaptive technologies. The pre-class adaptive technology first allows students to review highlighted portions of the chapter designed to give them a basic overview of the chapter concepts. The overview is followed by the adaptive practice questions related to various learning objectives. Students are presented with a question, but prior to their response they are asked to gauge their confidence on the topic: (1) I KNOW IT, (2) THINK SO, (3) UNSURE, (4) NO IDEA. At any point the student may click on “Read about this” and are taken to the eText to review relevant material. Once the student has self-identified their confidence level, they can submit their answer and are immediately notified of the correct response. The adaptive technology utilizes this information in determining whether to provide more coverage to this topic or to move on to the next topic. LearnSmart also uses this information to help the student “recharge” after the class lecture and after completing other assignments.

As faculty, it is important to understand the potential ramifications of this type of technology on student behavior and performance. The objective of this project is to evaluate the purported benefits of one particular adaptive technology, LearnSmart, to examine if it can provide insights into student performance.

Authors

• Timothy Jares, University of Northern Colorado

• William Wilcox, University of Northern Colorado

• Joseph Ryan Cahalan, Florida Southern College

• Gabe Dickey, University of Northern Colorado