Training Benefits From Adaptive Learning

The term “adaptive” is one of the biggest buzzwords in the training industry. A lot has been made of what the term means – something we covered here – but what is discussed less often are the training and organizational benefits from adaptive learning. Last week, we hosted a webinar to discuss the top strategic benefits that our clients experience from incorporating adaptive learning into their training. In case you missed it, keep reading for a quick recap of our discussion.

Without further ado, here are our top training benefits from adaptive learning:

Benefit 1: Reduce Scrap Learning

Application is the foremost goal of any training program, but did you know that 45-80 percent of training is never applied once the learner returns to work?

This 45-80 percent is what we call scrap learning. Adaptive algorithms, like the ones proprietary to our learning technology, not only validate that learners have truly mastered the training, but they also yield significant amounts of actionable data that can help instructors predict those learners who are at risk of not applying the learning once back on the job.

Flagging these learners allows instructors to determine why they are struggling and which topics seem to be most difficult. Armed with this data, instructors are empowered to take action as needed (by offering additional remediation, coaching and mentoring), and dramatically reduce scrap training within their organization.

Benefit 2: Better learning experience

Adaptive learning provides a better learning experience because it has the ability to adjust to learner needs on the fly. For example, our software challenges learners with questions that are just above their knowledge level or ability. This practice – which was derived from the video game industry and is called Optimal Challenge – keeps learners engaged and motivated, and it is shown to improve performance. Our adaptive system also assists learners with tips and hints at critical points determined by both incorrect and correct answers within assessments. Finally, we also use adaptive algorithms to acknowledge and cheer on user success, just like a live tutor would. All this results in more engaged, more confident learners, who actually like using our platform – saying things like, “I loved this course!” and “This is the best computer-based training to date.”

Benefit 3: Reduced training times

Significant training efficiencies are meaningful and should be factored into the training ROI equation. By requiring learners to stay in a section until they demonstrate mastery of the content, our adaptive algorithms are actually able to reduce training times by up to 55 percent. How? Instead of forcing all employees to sit through the same training for a set amount of time, our A.I. driven, personalized learning approach allows learners to achieve mastery at their own pace.

Learners who prove an understanding of the material move through the course faster than those students who need more remediation and review, meaning that they can return to work with the knowledge they need to succeed more quickly.

What benefits from adaptive learning are you experiencing in your organization? We’d love to hear any comments or questions you may have!