Adapting to adaptive learning with Blackboard, the case of MEF University

Abstract

Adaptive learning (AL) systems are long studied but only recently begin to make an impact in education. As MEF, a Flipped University who embraced Flipped Learning Approach in its all faculties, we also got interested in integration of these systems. Each AL platform has its own design of UI and UX. Already learning an LMS is a challenge, understanding how a brand new platform works may hinder student motivation for learning. Blackboard Learn, being the number one prefered LMS platform in the world in higher education, has integration options with most of AL platforms. This integration facilitates to navigate and focus more on the learning tasks and experience for students. While having a solid and widely used LMS is an advantage, there are still challenges in adapting AL systems for an institution. Individual adoption of Instructors results with student resistance, as they have to pay extra fee for the platform. When students reject to pay, then Instructor cannot implement his course design. At MEF, first contact with AL platforms happened thanks to individual efforts of some instructors. Once we see the potential, we asked different platforms for trial this semester and now we have unlimited access to two big platforms and promised them to pay as an Institution. In approximately 20 courses (%5 of total) we use AL and to understand the effectiveness of these platforms, we will use six level ACUE Effective Practice Framework©: faculty engagement, faculty learning, faculty implementation, student engagement, course-level student outcomes and institutional outcomes.