Applications of Adaptive Technologies in Online Learning

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Applications of Adaptive Technologies in Online
Learning

• Fethi A. Inan
• The University of Memphis
• Michael M. Grant
• The University of Memphis

E-Learn 2004 -- Washington, DC, USA Nov. 1-5,
2004
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What is adaptive instruction ?

• Adaptive instruction is altering the presentation
  of the content, navigation and other
  characteristics of the hypermedia on the basis of
  a dynamic understanding of the individual learner
  

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Advantages adaptation instruction

• Increase the interaction between users and
  material
• Decrease distractions from learning tasks
• Manage individual differences

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Individual differences

• Gender - Age
• Prior knowledge
• Learning Cognitive styles
• Discipline of study
• Goals
• Intelligences
• Motivational state
• Disabilities

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Adaptive model Steps

• Gathering Collecting students prior
  preferences, knowledge, skills and attitudes
• Monitoring Observing student sequences,
  interaction, errors, pace
• Inference Inferring what these collected data
  tell about other parameters
• Prediction Predicting learners knowledge and
  motivational step in the following learning tasks
  
• Adapting Making adjustments to the system based
  on collected and inferred data
• Updating Altering student model continuously
  according to collected and monitored data
  throughout the learning process

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Adaptive Methods

• Adaptive Content
• Changing the content of hypermedia pages
• Layout, organization, structure, appearance and
  format
• Adaptive Navigation and Orientation
• Supporting the learner in hyperspace by changing
  the appearance and structure of navigations
• Direct guidance, link annotation or hiding links

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Adaptive Methods

• Adaptive Sequencing
• Ordering content with the most suitable way
• Adaptive Support and Feedback
• Providing intelligent help during learning
  process regarding student actions
• Adaptive facilitations
• Providing different treatment for each user
• Adaptive Interaction
• Adjusting interaction type to increase learner
  engagement to learning process

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Adaptive Methods

• Adaptive Assessment Grading
• Applying different type of assessment procedures
  and grading options
• Adaptive Collaboration
• Using system knowledge about different users to
  form a matching collaboration group
• Adaptive Interface
• Changing visual interface of the pages according
  to individual preferences

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Adaptive Methods

• Adaptive Adaptations (Individualization level)
• Giving option to each individual to decide the
  system adaptation level
• Adaptive Social Context
• To maintain interest or user appeal providing
  social context

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Constraints

• Technical constraints (speed, plug in)
• Problems with creating adaptive model
• Higher development cost
• Failing to incorporate valuable learning
  principles and instructional strategies

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Conclusion

• Cognitive and educational aspects of adaptation
  come first
• Go beyond the adaptive content and navigation
  technologies
• Careful authoring that is using the correct user
  model
• Providing the system all available information
  according to user interest does not guarantee
  learning without incorporating with appropriate
  instructional strategies.