Rhymes of History - Adaptive Learning Technologies
- ViviaMay Pitter
- Jul 9, 2015
- 3 min read
Rhymes of History: Adaptive Learning Technology
One of the six forces that drives emerging technology is called rhymes of history. The phrase comes from Mark Twain’s quote about how history rhymes a lot instead of repeating itself (Laureate Education (Producer), 2014h) and is used by Dr. David Thornburg to explain one of the six ways technology emerges. This force – rhymes of history- shows how past patterns of our society are reinvented through technological advancements, evolution, and development to satisfy our current needs. The force rhymes of history illustrates how a new technological development impacts its current environment yet rekindles or retrieves the same or similar needs that existed in the past. Rhymes of history does have aspects of the evolutionary technology force, but it differs in that it regenerates aspects of past societal needs that flow through history like a thematic thread. In the educational realm, adaptive learning technology is one such technological development that is making an impact and can be described as exhibiting the effects of the force called rhymes of history.
What is Adaptive Learning?
Adaptive learning is an instructional method that adjusts the level or types of instruction based on individual student’s ability (Oxman & Wong, 2014). Adapting the learning for students helps to personalize the instruction and ensure the knowledge the students need is disseminated in a well-timed, yet manageable manner. Adaptive learning techniques have been applied in many learning environments for centuries. In fact, whenever, the content of any material is adapted to the learners’ knowledge to create a more personalized learning experience (Editorial Team, 2013) that process is adaptive learning. In recent years technology has enhanced this instructional method to make it an innovative tool to be used in any learning environment. Adaptive learning is an old concept that has been rejuvenated.
What is Adaptive Learning Technology?
Adaptive learning technology is the implementation of adaptive learning through the use of computer-based or online administrations which change or adapt the material for each learner. Adaptive learning technologies are usually interactive for both the teacher and the learner (Zimmer, 2014). This technology “combines the computer science and cognitive psychology discipline to offer a transformation and personalized experience for students of all skill sets” (Zimmer, 2014, para. 2). Adaptive learning technologies are not limited to the educational environment but is used by industries and organizations that require information about human behavior. In the eduational arena there are many adaptive learning technological software and online system. A the few of the popular ones are Knewton, DreamBox, Smart Sparrow, Learn Smart and ALEKS. All these technologies are involved in adapting learning for all learners in varied subject areas.
Rekindle or Retrieve
The effects of adaptive learning technologies rekindle Skinner’s teaching machine from the 1950’s. B.F. Skinner invented a machine called the teaching machine. From his observation of the traditional classroom setting, he believed the instructional methods in the traditional classrooms were flawed. Students were expected to move through their lessons at the same pace, and they had to wait for teacher feedback because there was some delay in teachers grading and returning assignments. Skinner thought these flaws could be addressed by a machine that would allow students to work at
their own pace and provide instant feedback. Skinner’s teaching machine is one of the first attempts to automate teaching (Smithsonian, n.d.) and to apply personalize learning in an adaptive manner. Like adaptive learning technologies, Skinner sought to modify content material in the classroom and give students another way to learn at their own pace.
Adaptive learning technologies also rekindles the effect of the one room school house in as far back as the 1800’s. All students of varied levels were placed in one room and taught most of the time by one teacher (Library of Congress, n.d.). The teacher had to differentiate instruction and then adapt content to match the needs of individual students. Students at any given time could be working on different material and going at their own pace.
References
Editorial Team. (2013). What is Adaptive Learning? Retrieved from EdTechReview:
http://edtechreview.in/dictionary/174-what-is-adaptive-learning
Laureate Education (Producer). (2014h). David Thornburg: Rhymes of history. Baltimore, MD.
Library of Congress. (n.d.). One-Room Schoolhouse A Local Legacy. America's Story.
Retrieved from http://www.americaslibrary.gov/es/ny/es_ny_school_1.html
Oxman, S., & Wong, W. (2014). White Paper: Adaptive Learning Systems. Retrieved
from http://snapwiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DVx_Adaptive_Learning_White_Paper.pdf
Smithsonian. (n.d.). Skinner Teaching Machine. The National Museum of American History.
Retrieved from http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_690062
Zimmer, T. (2014). Rethinking Higer Ed: A Case for Adaptive Learning. Retrieved from
Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ccap/2014/10/22/rethinking-higher-ed-a-case-for-adaptive-learning/
Video Links
Intelligent Adaptive Learning http://www.dreambox.com/intelligent-adaptive-learning/
McGraw-Hill- LearnSmart - Adaptive Learning Technology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIG9RyIwdhI
How ALEKS Adaptive Learning Technology Works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jjI3evTDZg
Adaptive Learning: Knewton
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