Framework for Instructional Technology: Methods of Implementing Adaptive Training and Education

Abstract : In adaptive instructional environments, instructional interventions and/or content are adapted to an individual learner's competence level, goals, or other characteristics. The intention behind adaptation is to maintain the optimal level of challenge for each individual student, to provide support, and to correct misconceptions. This report provides a framework in which to consider various technology-based adaptive instructional techniques. The Framework for Instructional Technology (FIT) lays out four categories of adaptive techniques: Corrective Feedback, Support, Micro-sequencing, and Macro-sequencing. Under each category, FIT specifies five levels or approaches to adapting that correspond to degree of adaptive sophistication and complexity of implementation. With few exceptions, evidence supporting the use of higher levels of adaptation is lacking. This is because the systematic comparison of different implementation approaches has not been conducted. The report provides recommendations for combining different levels of FIT with different levels of interactive multimedia instruction. FIT can be used to clearly describe adaptive behaviors and to guide future research investigating the efficacy of different adaptive instructional interventions.