Unit 5 – A Presentation for Learning About Adaptive Learning & Artificial Intelligence

My presentation title,
Is Adaptive Learning Effective in Online Teaching Practices?
I chose this topic because of the current importance being placed on adaptive learning whether it concerns in face instruction or on-line teaching practices. I have, however, realized through the readings and study resources that adaptive learning is impacting all phases of instruction in all areas of education and professional learning. I thought it important to explore the effectiveness of adaptive learning in online environments. In the traditional classroom, teachers can use data to inform them of their students’ strengths and weaknesses and use that information to formulate and adjust their instructional methodologies. Online teachers do not have that in face engagement, but must be able to not only assess their students, but receive informational data to allow for the assistance of students who require additional support or personalization of instruction through some type of accommodation. I also chose this topic because I wanted gain more personal and professional knowledge about the significant impact I am understanding that AI is making in adaptive learning. At this writing, I do not know anything significant about Artificial Intelligence and how it is influencing and impacting various and multiple areas of our society with its advanced technology and capabilities. I thought this research, study and forthcoming presentation would be a meaningful opportunity for me to explore AI and how it is affecting adaptive learning and determine if adaptive learning can indeed be effective in online teaching practices.
I hope that my presentation will provide my viewers, colleagues and classmates with an understanding of the role of AI in Adaptive Learning, its effectiveness and how adaptive learning can adapt to individual needs, requirements and competencies. I want to be able to create an engaging thought process where my classmates can develop their own adaptive learning skills as an online educator or designer based upon the information presented.
Presentation Description
Is Adaptive Learning Effective in Online Teaching Practices?
The way students learn has changed over the years. It is important to consider the academic needs and learning experiences of each student. Adaptive learning involves personalized learning that adapts to each student. Instructional content, assessments and learning resources are made available to each student’s abilities and progress, that will support their learning experiences and meet their individual instructional and academic needs. Can adaptive learning be integrated into learning management systems? How can educators be sure their students are understanding their course content thoroughly and effectively? What if any are the benefits of using AI – based technology and combining AI with adaptive learning?

Presentation Outline
A. Introduction
B.What is Adaptive Learning?
C. Why Adaptive Learning Versus Personalized Learning?
D. What are the Types of Adaptive Learning Systems?
E. What are Examples of Adaptive Learning?
F. Can Adaptive Learning Be Integrated into Learning Management Systems?
G. What is the Use of Adaptive Learning in the Classroom?
a. What do you want your learners to achieve?
b. How will you assess performance and progress?
c. How will you align learning objectives, curriculum, and standards?
H. How is AI Used in Adaptive Learning?
a. Choose Your Data Source
b Decide on Your Method of Collection
I. How Will Gamification Enhance Engagement?
J. What Feedback or Guidance?
K. How Will You Evaluate to Improve?
L. Closing
M. Evaluation
References
Cormie, A. (2022). Let’s Get Personal: Adaptive Learning Tech and Education. Taken from: https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/adaptive-learning-technology/.
Kurt, S. (2021). Adaptive Learning: what is it, what are its benefits and how does it work? Education Technology. Taken from: https://educationaltechnology.net/adaptive-learning-what-is-it-what-are-its-benefits-and-how-does-it-work/.
Meet, J. (2023). Adaptive Learning Through Artificial Intelligence. Taken from: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4514887.
Peng, H., Ma.,S. & Spector, J. (2019). Personalized adaptive learning; an engaging pedagogical approach enable by a smart learning environment. Smart Learning, 6, (9). Taken from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331767551_Personalized_Adaptive_Learning_An_Emerging_Pedagogical_Approach_Enabled_by_a_Smart_Learning_Environment.
Unit 6 – Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality, while not a new topic for me, was an interesting and complex topic in which to read about. It is something I feel I need to experience before I can support its use in any classroom in which I would teach middle school math. I recognize based upon my readings that virtual reality is an immersive way to help engage students in learning. It reportedly helps to improve student learning, knowledge and encourages their imaginations. On the surface, I can see that. A student’s ability to be able to immerse themselves in computer driven simulations would be very engaging.
As I reflect,I can think back to game arcades where we could play a game driving on a race track. Instead of a head set, we controlled the steering wheel. In the geography area of math, I can envision the students being able to view the construction of buildings or highways. My immediate barrier would be my concern because my students are at an age where they like to explore dangerous things. I wonder if I can wear a set of head gear that will allow me to experience what they are at the same time and if I can manipulate the environment to suit my needs to benefit the learning of the students. Ofcourse, with virtual reality providing the simulation, I see all of the boys jumping off the highest building or the Golden Gate Bridge.
Virtual reality could provide an immersion for rural students to experience the towering buildings in cities like New York, Atlanta or Los Angeles. At this juncture of my understanding of virtual reality, I have yet to understand how I could use it in my 6th grade math for learning of content and math skills as opposed to entertainment. The fact that virtual reality looks real can be a deterrent to learning for young children. They are impressionable and easily swayed by information or situations that may not be beneficial to their overall development. However, I realize that any experience leads to opportunities for questions and clarifications and virtual reality would provide lots of opportunities for problem solving and critical thinking.
In my first paragraph, I expressed that I would like to experience virtual reality before using in my math classes, but a s I write this blog, I can suddenly envision a history class where the students are studying the Civil War – my favorite war topic- and are able to immerse themselves in the Battle of Gettysburg, or in the signing of the Declaration of Independence. How about a sociology class where the students can experience homeless people under a bridge? I am now encouraged by the real-life learning that can be received in real time with real issues, real questions and real opportunities for understanding. I am in wonder because of my lack of knowledge and experience, but I am also fascinated at the possibilities for its use in online teaching.
As a part of this research and reflection, I came across a website, http://www.classvr.com, which I am sharing. Did I say I was fascinated at the possibilities for virtual reality in the classroom? I am excited, enthralled, and thrilled by what I see available. All I need, is more time!
“Open your eyes and then open your eyes again”. Terry Pratchett


Unit 8 – Final Reflection – Online Learning and Teaching
Part 1 – Final Project
My final project was my motivation to research and become more knowledgeable about the impact artificial intelligence is making in education and the numerous adaptive learning programs available for math instruction and support. My classmates’ presentations supported the online trend by reinforcing the positive and beneficial engagement students experience and the accessibility and availability of online programs and resources to support their learning and academic success.
Part 2 – Future-Focused Thinking
My journey for this degree concentration has been a valuable and meaningful experience. As an online student, I was able to learn and navigate new technology to create and present assignments. I have experienced new ways of thinking about the impact technology has had in my learning, professional development and for the future of education. This new knowledge has helped me to assist my colleagues and family members in navigating their higher education courses and technological challenges. The course has helped me to develop a more positive acceptance of the impact technology has made in education, particularly online education and teaching. Of the several online learning trends investigated, the most interesting and valuable for me is adaptive learning. As a math teacher, adaptive learning programs can be and are very beneficial in helping students to learn math thru programs that can identify strengths and weaknesses and adapt to each student accordingly.
My newly acquired knowledge has assisted me in becoming a significant contributor in the decision-making process as my school systems investigates an upgrade to a new learning management system and a new adaptive learning program for our math department. In the creation of course design, I understand the importance of creating a course that addresses the academic needs of my students, clearly identifies my learning objectives, provides appropriate assessments and employs encouraging instructional strategies. I think my experience in course design, although not at the professional level, has helped me to understand what students will need to be successful with a new adaptive learning program. I love that adaptive learning requires active involvement from the student and that it considers the different individual learning needs.
Learning management systems, adaptive learning programs, video learning and other trends in online learning and education are beneficial to learners and instructors. Students will benefit from the adjusted learning methodologies that the instructors have formatted based upon the data acquired from the LMS programs. The students are provided with the resources, feedback and support they would need in order to improve their skills, address any learning gaps and increase their academic performance levels. Not only have I acquired an appreciation for online teaching and learning, I recognize the contributions made by technology, especially artificial intelligence in the development of new programs that support education; learning and teaching online. Instructors can now apply adaptive learning technology to just about any class assignment or lesson and students can receive individualized, in-the moment support (Cormie, 2022). I look forward to using my knowledge and assisting in the choice and implementation of our systems new programs that will support the learning experiences for our students and assist teachers in their instruction.
Cormie, A. (2022). let’s get personal: adaptive learning tech and education. Taken from: https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/adaptive-learning-technology/
Joshi, M. (2023). Adaptive Learning through Artificial Intelligence. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4514887
Adaptive Learning in Math Courses