After reading a post favoring active learning over passive learning I began to think about how personalized learning fits in. At first glance it might be easy to assume that personalized learning is more active than a more traditional linear course. However, some non-adaptive linear courses can be very engaging, actively involving the learner in a variety of activities.
The question then becomes, is a personalize learning experience more likely to promote active learning? The answer depends on how personalization is implemented. Let’s look first at an AI solution that adapts the course to the learner’s behavior over time. Merely changing content based on right and wrong responses may keep the course challenging, but it may not make the course more cognitively engaging.
If the AI platform tracked learner engagement levels it would then be possible to introduce new engagement factors. For example, if the AI platform detected that the learner’s reading speed was decreasing, offering content in the form of a video or interaction would be a good way to keep the learner engaged.
The LI approach to personalized learning is much more conducive to creating active learning. Let’s start with a non-adaptive linear course that has not been designed with any active learning features. These click-through courses are unfortunately very common. Taking such a course and applying the Learner Intelligence Adaptive Design approach adds a personalization menu on every page.
The personalization menu gives the learner options on every page to change the content or decide how the content is delivered. The act of deciding what to change or not to change, when and how often is cognitively engaging. The immediate gratification and the empowerment it generates can easily convert a passive learning experience into a highly engaging, active learning experience.
Using an LI design is a quick way to create active learning. By adding additional engaging elements powerful active learning experiences can be created that keep the learner cognitively engaged.