Reflection. |
The analysis seeks to label an offering in the marketplace as adapting content, assessment, sequence or a combination of these, and what are the valuable product features. The result of the analysis is a list of adaptive learning systems which represents a snapshot of the current landscape of adaptive learning systems; this list is a living document that is updated as new offerings come into the marketplace.
The products use different cognitive architecture models to attempt to deduce what a student knows and doesn’t. Other “adaptive” math tools use frequent assessments to try to pair appropriate content with learners. When a student answers a question incorrectly, such programs attempt to identify knowledge gaps and surface relevant instructional materials. Some tools, like KnowRe, will provide instructions on how to solve a problem.
Despite the ability of technology to deduce what students need and provide instruction, developers also recognize that educators must still retain their instructional role. DreamBox, which sells adaptive math software, recently added features to allow teachers more control over content assignment.
Many of the products are based on the US Common Core Standards and US Curriculum. The majority of the offerings are US based companies and appear to target the US market.
Adaptive learning technology is a fairly young field and many of these companies are young or startups. The market for adaptive learning systems is very dynamic with new products being announced and companies changing hands. For example, there was an announcement just weeks ago that Pearson acquired the technology of Smart Sparrow. The deal marks the latest in a series of acquisitions by Pearson which owns a number of the systems in the market. Similarly, McGraw Hill owns a number of the systems in the market, including ALEKS.
Bigger players in the market appears to be following a “eat the young” strategy by buying up startups companies or other smaller companies.
A few big names standout in the marketplace, for example McGraw Hill and Pearson. McGraw Hill owns ALEKS, LearnSmart and RedBird. Pearson owns MyLab, SuccessMaker and bought Smart Sparrow technology.
Another dynamic at play in the marketplace is systems combining together, such as the hybrid adaptive learning system created by combining the AutoTutor conversational tutoring system with the Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) adaptive learning system for mathematics.
Another example is Pearson acquired the technology of Smart Sparrow; "the technology being acquired will enhance Pearson’s current capabilities in adaptive learning significantly, and will help accelerate the roll-out of Pearson’s Global Learning Platform (GLP). The GLP is an engine that enables Pearson and its partners to launch breakthrough personalized learning experiences for students more quickly and with better outcomes".