Board 324: Is Adaptive Learning for Pre-Class Preparation Impactful in a Flipped STEM Classroom?

Adaptive learning supports online learning by providing individualized learning paths, assessing students in real-time, and providing instant feedback or suggestions using AI algorithms. As part of a three-year NSF-funded study, the project team implemented adaptive learning in a flipped numerical methods course for pre-class preparation, using multiple previous semesters of flipped classroom data as the benchmark. Assessment data from 330 students was collected at three diverse engineering schools using a final exam (i.e., for direct knowledge assessment) and the College and University Classroom Environment Inventory (CUCEI) for student perspectives. Although some differences in the direct assessment measures with the use of the adaptive lessons were seen based on the particular school, the overall effects of the adaptive lessons were small, negative, and non-significant. The classroom environment results were more favorable for adaptive learning, with four of the seven environmental dimensions having notable positive effect sizes. In this article, we present information on the development and implementation of adaptive lessons in the RealizeIT adaptive platform as well as assessment outcomes by school and for the schools combined.