Adaptive Learning at
Thomas Cavanagh, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President, Distributed Learning
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Orlando, FL
Metropolitan, suburban
university
~60,000 students
2nd largest university in U.S.
Carnegie classification: RU/VH Research
University: Very High Research Activity
216 degree programs across 11 colleges
11 Campuses throughout Central Florida
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16 undergraduate degrees
24 graduate degrees
30 graduate certificates
Various undergraduate certificates & minors
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35.89% of total university SCH
76.18% of all students took at least one
online course (W, M, V, RV)
 78.34% of all undergraduates (47,116)
 62.81% of all graduate students (6,469)
Colleges over 50% SCH
 NURSING (61.95)
 GRAD (61.54)
 UG STUDIES (58.58)
 HEALTH (53.89)
 BUSINESS (51.68)
Colleges over 25% SCH
 HOSPITALITY (49.72)
 HUMANITIES (34.18)
 SCIENCES (28.82)
 EDUCATION (27.69)
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Wikipedia: “…an educational method which uses
computers as interactive teaching devices.
Computers adapt the presentation of educational
material according to students' learning needs, as
indicated by their responses to questions and
tasks.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptive_learning
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Integrated content
Content “agnostic”
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Student pretest determines learning path
System “learns” most effective presentation
for each student
System automatically adjusts remediation
and other content based on continuing
performance
Extensive reporting on each student’s
individual status
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General Psychology (125 students)
Nursing: Pathology (40 students)
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Math
 4 course Algebra to Calculus sequence
▪ No textbook
▪ Permit both acceleration and remediation with single
curriculum
▪ Customization based on major
▪ Multiple courses within existing semester structures
▪ Potential partnerships with state college partners
Opportunities to Impact Student Success
Adaptive Learning at the University of Central Florida
Individual
Courses
(including pilot)
4 Course Math
Sequence
UCF
Adaptive
Learning
Phase 1
High DFW
courses
(Transfer & FTIC)
Departmental
Engagement
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Repeat Psychology and Pathology with
additional students
Deliver Algebra while continuing to build out
other 3 courses in the sequence
Discussions with other colleges and
departments
Explore using adaptive learning as a
treatment for courses with high DFW rates
Contact:
Thomas Cavanagh, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President, Distributed Learning
University of Central Florida
407-823-4913
cavanagh@ucf.edu
@tbcavanagh