In part one of this article series, we looked at why adaptive learning and personalisation works so well in the eLearning space. In part two we look at practical tips of how to integrate adaptive learning and personalisation into your learning.
Adaptive learning harnesses powerful technology like AI, data analytics, machine learning and algorithms to create a tailored and personalised learning experience. Identifying a need for an adaptive learning approach is a great first step in your eLearning content journey. The challenge is, of course, implementation.
Implementing adaptive learning and personalisation
Once you commit to the path of adaptive learning and personalisation, it can be tricky to know how to get started. That’s where partnering with an eLearning expert like eWorks can help.
We particularly recommend the open-source Learning Management System (LMS) Moodle that supports personalisation. The eWorks LMS is a SaaS integrated suite of technologies underpinned by Moodle and hosted by AWS Data Centre in Sydney.
At eWorks we provide a complete eLearning solution to empower our clients in deliver an engaging online learning experience that meets specific requirements that global organisations, training providers and Australian Vocational Educators need.
5 tools to enhance adaptive learning
There are many tools that help enhance the learning experience and foster both adaptiveness and personalisation for the learner. Some of our favourites at eWorks include:
1. IntelliBoard for Advanced Reporting
The ideal tool for anyone needing expanded reporting and analytics. IntelliBoard extracts data from your LMS, presenting it into an easy-to-read dashboard that helps you track your learner’s progress. Learners can then self-manage and empower their learning.
2. Ally for Accessibility
A powerful tool to enhance the accessibility of your content by automatically checking the accessibility of all uploaded documents. Ally can be applied to your custom eWorks LMS by generating instructor feedback, providing alternative content and improving the future accessibility of your course content through reporting.
3. Androlcms for Content Management
This LCMS allows you to store files outside of Moodle, which helps keep data storage use down (and more economical). It also provides you control over the content’s quality, version control, management of digital rights, search, and workflow.
4. Watermark for Course Evaluation
A seamless integration into the eWorks LMS, Watermark helps simplify the course evaluation process which helps to convert feedback into actionable steps. This helps to boost response rates and complete course evaluation without needing an IT intervention.
5. Mahara for a Virtual Achievement Space
Mahara is an ePortfolio platform that offers our learners an opportunity to create, manage and even share their digital portfolios. Learners can showcase their skills and record their learning achievements, as well as complete assessments and collaborate with fellow learners.
Adaptive learning supported by research
An adaptive learning approach has been shown time and again to yield greater results than traditional or standard instruction. Students using an online literacy toolkit made two to three months’ greater progress compared to children receiving the standard instruction.
In Australia the NAPLAN tests in 2022 were shifted an adaptive testing after research showed adaptive assessment offered greater insight into student achievement compared to standard testing. The key insight here is the quantifiable, measurable outcomes that adaptive learning—and assessments—provide. This data improves outcomes for learners by informing learning designers and course content creators of the effectiveness and retention of the content.
The future of adaptive learning Australia
New innovations of technology are already helping to facilitate an adaptive learning approach in eLearning. Adaptive learning systems will continue to offer more dynamic learning paths, as well as further opportunities to collaborate.
Improvements in social and collaborative features into adaptive learning LMS platforms will help to facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance the learning environment offering a deeper engagement and interactive space for peer learning. We are also likely to see a continued trend towards the gamification of eLearning to enhance the enjoyment and motivation of learners.
As security concerns around data security and data breaches continue to be front of mind for many Australians, there is likely to be a focus on ensuring robust data security protocols protect the privacy of eLearners. There is also an ability for a more globalised audience for your learning, ensuring that organisations can upskill their people wherever they’re based, in an inclusive way that accounts for geographical, cultural or language nuances.
We are already seeing a trend towards a more personalised, interactive, and effective style of adaptive learning. As technology continues to provide innovations in the eLearning sector, we expect to see these trends continue towards an eLearning future that enhances the learner experience by tailoring learning to the unique and individual needs of that learner.
Looking to partner with the eLearning experts for your adaptive learning approach? Our dedicated eWorks team are here to help. Get in touch today at: sales@eworks.edu.au
