Introduction to Adaptive LMSs

Video Transcription

In this tutorial, we'll learn about adaptive learning management systems. We'll begin with a basic overview of what a learning management system is. We'll then discuss some ways in which an LMS can assist adaptive learning, and, finally, we'll share some best practices.

Let's get started. A learning management system, or LMS, includes software and digital tools that handle all of the various aspects of the learning process. The LMS delivers and manages the instructional content, provides methods for assessing learning and tracking student progress, and also collects data for the purpose of documenting student progress.

An adaptive learning management system is able to create individual pathways for each student, based on their performance and their unique needs. An adaptive LMS is able to assess a student's existing level of performance and assign work accordingly. So how can a learning management system help to provide adaptive learning opportunities?

An LMS can promote robust learning, because it can provide content in a wide variety of methods that can appeal to various learning styles and student interests. The LMS does not simply provide the information in the various multimedia elements. Instead, an LMS is able to carefully sequence instruction and tailor the learning experiences to the individual needs of the various learners.

This is definitely a strength of adaptive learning LMS'. Students may be more motivated when the learning opportunities that are provided are aligned with their interests and skill levels. Here are some best practices for incorporating an adaptive learning LMS.

According to Feldstein, though adaptive learning systems can be a very effective tool in the classroom, we need to remember that they are not the magic bullet for addressing the needs of all students. Here are several elements that we should be aware of when using an adaptive learning management system in the classroom. First, the teacher, in an adaptive LMS environment, must understand the software strengths and its limitations.

It's crucial that the teacher has an understanding of exactly how the software adapts to meet students' needs. The teacher also needs to be knowledgeable about the specific content being taught and what types of assistance will be provided. The teacher needs to be ready to provide additional instruction and face-to-face interaction with students, rather than just assuming that the software will provide everything that students need.

In this tutorial, we learned about adaptive learning management systems. We began with an overview of learning management system basics, and then we discussed how an adaptive learning management system can assist adaptive learning in the classroom. Finally, we discussed some best practices.

Here's a chance for you to stop and reflect. If you currently use a learning management system in your classroom, is it adaptive? If you're interested in incorporating an LMS into your classroom environment, will you look for adaptive elements in the LMS' that you test?

For more information on how to apply what you learned in this video, please view the additional resources section that accompanies this video presentation. The additional resources section includes hyperlinks, useful for applications of the course material, including a brief description of each resource. Thanks for watching. Have a great day.