Adaptive blended learning environments

Adaptive learning refers to the use of what is
known about learners, a priori or through interactions, to
alter how a learning experience unfolds, with the aim of
improving each learner’s success and satisfaction.
Blended learning refers to the use of learning activities of
differing kinds and venues to synergistically achieve
overarching learning objectives. We have developed a
technology infrastructure that supports online learning,
where activities can be designed to adapt in response to an
individual learner’s situation. Recognizing that what is
learned about learners from these activities could
subsequently be used to adapt classroom-based learning,
we have begun introducing technology features that
support coordination between these venues. These same
capabilities enable human interventions in adaptive online
learning activities, thereby extending their responsiveness.
From these beginnings, we anticipate the prospect of
adaptive blended learning environments, where what comes
to be known about learners from activities performed in
any venue can be used adaptively by subsequent activities.
This paper presents and discusses some opportunities and
issues related to this prospect, both technologically and
pedagogically.