Applying Constructivism to Adaptive Learning

Video Transcription

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to apply constructivism to adaptive learning. We'll begin with a review of constructivist theory, and then we'll examine how constructivism can be a great fit with adaptive learning. Finally, we'll discuss some best practices and tips. Let's get started.

Recall that constructivism is the theory that learning is an active process. Learners construct their own understanding based on their unique experiences and prior knowledge. In essence, we adjust what we know as a result of the new learning experiences that we have.

How can the constructivist model support adaptive learning? Well, in constructivism, learning is highly individualized. Every student brings their own specific strengths and weaknesses to the table. And in a constructivist environment, technology can be an integral part of helping students to develop their ideas and apply new learning to real world situations.

Well, in adaptive learning, the technology that is used is definitely helping students to build on what they already know. It's providing students with unique, individualized paths based on the strengths and weaknesses that they bring with them. As students progress through their unique paths in the adaptive learning environment, they are constructing their own understanding of concepts with each new level of difficulty.

Here are some best practices and tips in applying constructivism to adaptive learning. Recall that constructivism asks instructors to be aware of students' readiness, that our instruction should be aligned with the unique experiences and context that students bring with them to our classrooms. And spiral organization is also recommended in the constructivist environment.

A spiral organization helps students to acquire new skills more easily and helps them retain those skills more effectively as well. Many adaptive learning technologies incorporate spiral organization as part of their framework. And remember that students should be encouraged to make the learning their own, to go beyond the given information.

In an adaptive learning environment, students need to understand that their learning is not limited to the computer or other technology that they're using. Rather, they should be able to take the skills that are learned in the adaptive learning environment and apply them outside of the classroom as well.

In this tutorial, we explored how constructivism might apply to adaptive learning. We reviewed constructivist theory and discussed how it might fit with adaptive learning technology. We then recalled some of the best practices and tips from constructivism, and how they might apply in the adaptive learning environment.

Now is a great time for you to stop and reflect. Can you see the connections between constructivist theory and adaptive learning? If you are already using adaptive learning technology, might some constructivist methodologies be a good fit for your classroom?

To dive a little deeper and learn how to apply this information, be sure to check out the additional resources section associated with this video. This is where you'll find links targeted toward helping you discover more ways to apply this course material. Thanks for watching. Have a great day.