Is adaptive learning technology a new buzz word?

Adaptive learning, according to Wikipedia, is an educational method which uses computers as interactive teaching devices, and to orchestrate the allocation of human and mediated resources according to the unique needs of each learner. Computers adapt the presentation of educational material according to students’ learning needs, as indicated by their responses to questions, tasks and experiences. The technology encompasses aspects derived from various fields of study including computer science, education, psychology, and brain science.

Adaptive learning has been partially driven by a realization that tailored learning cannot be achieved on a large-scale using traditional, non-adaptive approaches. Adaptive learning systems endeavor to transform the learner from passive receptor of information to collaborator in the educational process.

When it comes to its use in the educational process, the simplest means of determining a student’s skill level is the method employed by computerized adaptive testing or CAT.  In this method, the student is presented with questions that are selected based on their level of difficulty in relation to the presumed skill level of the student. As the test proceeds, the computer adjusts the student’s score based on their answers, continuously fine-tuning the score by selecting questions from a narrower range of difficulty.

When it comes to using this technology in CPA Exam preparation, it can really be a game changer and be more than an industry “buzz word”, if done correctly. Many CPA Review providers use the term when describing their programs, so it can be confusing to someone who is looking to select the best CPA Review provider to help them pass the exam.  It is more than just evaluating how one is doing in answering questions.  It should involve not only determining how someone answers questions but how someone is learning and make adjustments to their study plans to foster that learning.  With more focused study plans adapted to the student’s learning styles, true adaptive learning can help reduce a student’s study time.

Surgent CPA Review does just that; it creates study plans that direct students to those topic areas where they are not performing as high as they should.  Question performance, exam topic weighting and how a student learns is all taken into consideration. Everyone studies differently and Surgent’s CPA Review program adapts to those varying learning styles making it the CPA Review program that is truly adaptive in nature. Students using Surgent CPA Review are passing the exam faster and at higher rates compared to students using more expensive, older big brand review courses.