How can adaptive learning systems improve student-teacher communication?

1 What are adaptive learning systems?

ALS are software applications that use data and algorithms to personalize the content, pace, and feedback of learning activities according to each student's needs, preferences, and performance. ALS can also provide teachers with insights and recommendations on how to support and guide their students. Some examples of ALS are Knewton, ALEKS, and Smart Sparrow.

2 How can ALS improve communication for students?

ALS can improve communication for students by providing them with more opportunities to interact with the learning material, receive immediate and tailored feedback, and monitor their own progress and goals. ALS can also help students communicate their questions, concerns, and interests to their teachers and peers, and receive personalized support and encouragement. For example, ALS can use chatbots, voice assistants, or avatars to simulate natural conversations and provide guidance and feedback.

3 How can ALS improve communication for teachers?

ALS can improve communication for teachers by providing them with more data and tools to understand their students' learning needs, strengths, and challenges. ALS can also help teachers communicate their expectations, instructions, and feedback to their students in more effective and timely ways. For example, ALS can use dashboards, reports, or alerts to inform teachers about their students' performance, engagement, and behavior, and suggest interventions or adaptations.

4 What are some of the challenges of using ALS?

ALS are not without challenges. Some of the challenges of using ALS are related to the quality, validity, and security of the data and algorithms that drive the adaptive features. Other challenges are related to the ethical, social, and pedagogical implications of using ALS in education. For example, ALS may raise issues of privacy, bias, transparency, accountability, and autonomy for both students and teachers.

5 How can teachers overcome the challenges of using ALS?

Teachers can overcome the challenges of using ALS by adopting a critical and reflective approach to using ALS in their teaching practice. Teachers can also collaborate with other teachers, researchers, and developers to evaluate, improve, and innovate the design and use of ALS. Moreover, teachers can involve their students in the decision-making and feedback processes of using ALS, and foster a culture of trust, respect, and dialogue.

6 How can teachers get started with using ALS?

Teachers who are interested in using ALS in their teaching practice can start by exploring some of the existing ALS platforms and resources available online. Teachers can also seek professional development opportunities and support from their peers or experts in the field of educational technology. Furthermore, teachers can experiment with using ALS in small-scale and low-stakes scenarios, and collect feedback from their students and colleagues.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?