Adaptive learning, also known as adaptive teaching, is an educational method that leverages computer algorithms and artificial intelligence to deliver highly customized learning experiences tailored to each individual's unique needs. This approach aims to transform learners into active collaborators and has demonstrated significant efficacy, with 86% of recent studies reporting positive effects on student learning outcomes, particularly in U.S. educational settings.
Driven by the need for scalable personalized education, adaptive learning systems find primary application in both academic instruction and business training. Its origins trace back to the artificial intelligence movement, gaining traction in the 1970s with early systems like SCHOLAR, which offered customized geography lessons. While initial adoption faced challenges like high costs, the technology continues to evolve, improving the delivery of educational material based on a student's responses and progress.