Adaptive learning technology in higher education : lessons from an economics classroom in South Africa

Abstract: Many public universities in South Africa have increased their use of technology assisted learning tools in a bid to improve student retention and success. One such tool is adaptive learning technology, which aims to customise a learner’s learning path to suit their individual learning needs using technology-assisted learning. Despite the growing popularity of adaptive learning technology in the global educational technology industry, little research has been done into adaptive learning and adaptive technology to prove its effectiveness on student learning in higher education and, more specifically, in the South African higher education environment. The aim of this study is to contribute to the growing literature on adaptive learning and adaptive learning technology by examining whether adaptive learning technology, in the form of McGraw Hill Connect, influences the learning experiences of first year Economics students in South Africa..