‘Adaptive learning’ helps apprentices build core competencies more quickly
eCampusOntario — a provincial government agency that promotes innovation in teaching and learning — has announced it will implement adaptive learning platforms at eight Ontario colleges with the goal to create more trades workers.
Adaptive training is a new individualized approach that provides one-to-one instruction. The digital technology targets where students need more training and it bypasses subject areas where students already show mastery. Adaptive training uses guided practice and detailed feedback to address individual learning gaps, and the personalized pacing reduces learning time only to what each student needs, according to the agency.
“This learning platform enables our apprentices to focus on building the knowledge and skills necessary to complete their in-school training as well as pass their Certificate of Qualification examinations,” says Richard Lamarche, coordinator and professor, plumbing programs at Durham College in Oshawa, Ont.
Durham College, Loyalist College and St. Lawrence College will be working with the adaptive training platforms by Area9 Lyceum (Rhapsode), while Humber College will be working with InSite Systems (Shift iQ), to create technical learning modules that will be ready for user testing in January. To support module design, subject matter experts will be mapping out trade standards for training electricians, automotive service technicians and plumbers, says the agency.
In addition, technical programs at Algonquin College, Collège La Cité, Loyalist College and Sheridan College will be developing and testing technical communications modules using adaptive platforms by Area9 and Desire2Learn (LEaP).
“Our trades and apprenticeship students benefit from adaptive learning by allowing them to build core competencies more quickly and progress successfully through their programs,” says David Francis, dean of the School of Applied Science, Skills and Technology at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ont.
In October, Alberta announced it was boosting funding for apprenticeship training in the province, providing 6,000 students with paid internships and skilled trades and technologies learning opportunities in elementary, junior high and high school.
