This informal CPD article, ‘The Rise of Adaptive Learning Technologies’, was provided by iAM Learning, who are transforming the way your workforce trains and retains, using high-end animation, lovable characters and captivating stories to make even the most serious subjects appealing and unforgettable.
If you’ve ever taken a pre-test to ‘find your level’, you’ll have a basic understanding of how adaptive learning techniques work. You get sorted into the group that fits you best. There’s no point going over the basics of a task when you’re already at an intermediate level or beyond. These days, there are adaptive learning technologies in place in many L&D teams, and they’re becoming more common.
In a nutshell, these are cutting-edge systems that use algorithms and artificial intelligence to tailor the learning experience to everyone’s needs. For example, an adaptive learning platform might present different content, activities or assessments based on a learner's prior knowledge, preferences, or performance.
These technologies are becoming increasingly advanced, enhancing engagement, knowledge retention and skill development by providing personalised learning paths for employees. By adapting to how quickly someone grasps concepts, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses, adaptive systems can efficiently guide each person along the learning path that suits them best.
You’re probably thinking that the benefits of these systems are exciting. And while that’s true, there are also some important challenges and considerations for organisations looking to implement adaptive learning systems:
- Data Privacy and Security - Adaptive platforms require tracking detailed data about learners' activities, knowledge levels, behaviours, and performance. Organisations must ensure proper measures are in place to keep this personal data safe and compliant with regulations like GDPR.
- Investment Costs - Purchasing and deploying adaptive learning tech can require significant upfront and ongoing costs for things like software licenses, integration work, content creation and more.
- User Engagement - For adaptive learning to be effective, employees must actively engage with the system over long periods. Communication, incentives, and a thoughtful rollout plan are vital to ensure your employees use it to its full potential.
- Potential Biases - The algorithms that drive adaptation could perpetuate subconscious biases around factors like gender, ethnicity or age unless carefully monitored. Transparency around the data being used is crucial.
- Learner Support - With a wide variety of personalised learning paths, those monitoring the system must be prepared to provide separate support tailored to each learner's progress through the material. That could be time-consuming.
Finally, adaptive technologies must integrate smoothly with an organisation's existing HR systems, learning platforms and processes for data continuity, and a unified experience for the learner. It’s then critical to evaluate the impact this tech is having on employees to ensure the full benefits are being realised.
The rise of adaptive learning technologies offers exciting potential for more effective employee training by providing a uniquely personalised experience for each learner. It’s not always smooth sailing, though; realising those benefits requires carefully navigating challenges around costs, data governance, user adoption, algorithmic biases, and integration with current systems. But, with the right planning and execution, adaptive learning could be a powerful tool to upskill and modernise your team.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from iAM Learning, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
