Adaptive systems in education: a review and conceptual unification

Author(s):

Chunyu Wilson, (MarkLogic UK Ltd, London, UK)

Bernard Scott, (International Center for Sociocybernetic Studies, Louth, UK)

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Abstract:

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the use of adaptive systems in education. It is intended to be a useful introduction for the non-specialist reader.

Design/methodology/approach

A distinction is made between intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) and adaptive hypermedia systems (AHSs). The two kinds of system are defined, compared and contrasted. Examples of the implementation of the two kinds of system are included.

Findings

Similarities and differences between the two kinds of system are highlighted. A conceptual unification is proposed based on the architecture of Course Assembly System and Tutorial Environment, a seminal prototype learning environment developed by Pask and Scott in the 1970s as an application of Pask’s conversation theory.

Originality/value

The architecture shows how the key aspects of ITSs and AHSs can be combined to complement each other. It is intended to be an original contribution that is of particular interest for the specialist reader.

Keywords:

Conversation theory, Adaptive hypermedia system, Intelligent tutoring system

Type:

General review

Publisher:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Received:

01 September 2016

Accepted:

26 October 2016

Copyright:

© Emerald Publishing Limited 2017
Published by Emerald Publishing Limited
Licensed re-use rights only

Citation:

Chunyu Wilson, Bernard Scott, (2017) "Adaptive systems in education: a review and conceptual unification", The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, Vol. 34 Issue: 1, pp.2-19, https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-09-2016-0040

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