How Adaptive Learning Technology Is Being Used in Online Courses Internet learning is becoming quite popular.

Distance education allows students a chance to learn their subjects at their leisure. Convenience is another of the benets that is found with internet educational institutions. Adaptive learning is an essential component of distance learning. What is adaptive learning? Adaptive learning tailors the educational process to the strengths and weaknesses of individual students. This method of teaching rst came into being during the 1970s. However, the costs to implement adaptive technologies was unfeasible at this time. Recent advancements in the power of computers have made it easy for universities to instruct their students on an individual basis. Adaptive technologies Adaptive technologies are tailored to oer insight into the ability of each student. The software that is used during internet classes is designed to understand the limitations of students and help them learn. Understanding complex subjects is made easy with the use of adaptive technology. Spoken instruction Computers can oer spoken instruction that makes the educational process more eective. The software that is used in the industry is more advanced than ever and is programmable to meet an individuals needs. The spoken aspect of learning programs is one option that is currently being used in the internet classroom. Feedback The basis of adaptive technologies is the feedback that occurs during the class room. Old fashioned methods were unable to accomplish this task. The latest software is designed to look at the wrong answers and provides insight into the special help that is required for a student to understand complex concepts. Group learning Adaptive technologies are also designed to facilitate group learning. Many internet universities have classes that are held at set times every day. All of the students are connected in a group and are free to discuss the topics that are talked about during a class. The use of web cameras facilitates the discussion process and fosters that atmosphere of collaboration that is a hallmark of the traditional university. System Flexibility Another feature of adaptive technologies is that they are highly exible. These programs are designed to respond to the changing needs of students over time. As a new concept is learned, the programs will then help students understand the ideas that are associated with what has already been discussed in the class. This exibility makes it easy for students to progress through dicult subjects. Cognitive modeling Students will also be able to benet from the cognitive modeling that is oered with adaptive technologies. The framework of learning is given a high regard in the use of distance education. Understanding how the mind learns and remembers concepts is a feature that is used in software. Ideas and concepts are then presented in accordance with the cognitive abilities of students and are tailored for a particular individual. Implementation Online universities oer busy adults a number of benets. These colleges teach all of the subjects that are taught in traditional universities, but they are ideal for those who work a full time job. Living in certain geographic areas also makes it dicult for students to attend classes. Going to an online college is one way that anyone can attend an institution of higher learning. Instructional capabilities The latest adaptive technologies have been designed to act similar to the way that a teacher does in a traditional university. Teachers have the human ability to recognize their students errors and help them overcome any troubles. Computers are now being programmed to provide the same type of feedback. Systems oer students more information about wrong answers. Giving hints so students see where they are making a mistake is another of the features oered by the latest software. The internet has made learning dicult concepts easier. Attaining an advanced education is now more convenient than ever, and adaptive technology is being used in the classroom to help students learn. Feedback is one of the features of this type of educational system. The computer program recognizes the students weaknesses and oers ideas to help them learn a particular concept. The information is tailored to any learners strengths and weaknesses. by Alex Stanton