For students in higher education, adaptive courseware provides an individualized learning path through computer-based instruction.
Adaptive courseware allows the student to be more active in their own learning process. It utilizes Lesson Review questions and exercises, which assess whether the student understands the information presented during the lesson. This provides immediate feedback on how well they comprehend new concepts being presented in the material.
This makes it easier for instructors to assess whether or not each student needs additional assistance or if they have grasped important subject matter that will need to be emphasized later on in order for them to gain a complete comprehension of what they are learning.
Instructors also benefit from using adaptive courseware because reports are available that detail where each student is struggling and which concepts the students either understand or need to be reminded of through additional review.
The goals set by the instructor before starting the lesson are displayed at the beginning of each Lesson Review so students can see exactly what they should be working on during this time. Some instructional software provides immediate feedback, while other programs provide delayed feedback, which allows for a better learning experience as it gives the student more time to think and respond.
Adaptive courseware can reduce teacher-student ratios and provide an individualized education for each student, helping them master the important subject matter and qualify for future employment. Adaptive courseware also helps build retention rates among younger students as well as older students because it targets their critical thinking skills and encourages them to participate more in their own education rather than simply memorize information.
In contrast to adaptive courseware, traditional learning is very impersonal and provides for a passive educational experience. Students are limited in the amount of time they can spend on each lesson before moving on to the next one.
Adaptive courseware offers many different advantages when it comes to individualized instruction in higher education that cannot be achieved with traditional methods of teaching. When designing adaptive courseware, make sure all reports can be easily exported and shared with those involved in the student’s education.
A learning management system can be used as a vehicle for adaptive courseware by providing assessment tools and real-time reporting on performance outcomes. In addition, the interactive nature of online courses can help students who learn better through visualization, manipulation, or experimentation with their educational material. For those with disabilities, there are now assistive technologies available that will allow them to receive a full college experience.
