Falling Forward: Lessons Learned from Real-Life Implementation of Adaptive Learning Solutions

Abstract

To meet modern organizational job performance needs, effective training solutions must accelerate student learning while simultaneously maintaining exceptionally high standards for learner knowledge and skill proficiency. As organizations seek to revitalize traditional training programs to fit the needs of next-generation learners, innovation incubators allow for the exploration of new technologies to facilitate adaptive learning solutions. Transitioning traditional training programs through an innovation phase and toward cohesive, results-based adaptive learning solutions is a complex undertaking. This transformation is neither a simple nor painless process, and as such it presents many complicated and unexpected challenges. The key to a successful implementation of an adaptive learning program is a structure that allows for extensibility and reproducibility. These characteristics are supported by the adoption of a well-defined process maturity model and a deliberate instructional systems design framework based in human performance improvement and learning science and ensure the deliberate application of learning technologies. To mitigate challenges and ensure quality for future adaptive learning design efforts, SAIC presents a phased roadmap that describes programmatic structure required for success.