Adaptive tech: Gadgets aligned with kids' skill sets 

Students live in an increasingly tech-oriented environ today. However, there are no set guidelines on what level of technology can be used for each class. Besides, different children have different development rates when it comes to using tech. It’s not just about the complexity of handling gadgets, motor skills also play an important factor. To align motor skills and brain development to the level of classroom gadgets, teachers and parents are now using a new approach called adaptive tech. And we are going to look at it in detail today.  

What is adaptive technology?  

An approach to using technology where choice of gadgets is at par with the user’s skills is called adaptive technology. To arrive at which age range is better suited to which gadget, educationists and techies worked in collaboration with parents and students, testing comfort level across age range. Going by the research results, adaptive tech works in two ways for school students:  

1. They can use the technology that is considered standard for their class or age group  

2. They can use the technology that is best adapted to their individual skills  

When it comes to India, a third factor comes into play – the availability of technology – and the economic power of the student or school. So, the basic principles are being applied here at policy level. Government schools get computer and laptops that are shared by students of certain classes, while in rural and semi-rural areas, low cost, internet enabled tablets with built-in study material are being provided to primary school children.   

What are adaptive technology standards per class and age group?  

To understand this trend better, let’s look at the usual standard of adaptive tech being applied:  

• Elementary school kids are more efficient at using iPads, smartphones and tablets 
• As they move into primary school, students become more efficient at using trackpad and stylus. Their internet usage and app usage skills also develop further from the elementary levels 
• Middle school kids are comfortable using a laptop, apart from the tech mentioned  
• High school students often choose desktops, laptops, stylus, tablets and other tech accessories according to their choice of subject and proficiency level. A student who wants to code will want a laptop, a budding artist or designer will need a desktop and tablet with stylus, active students may go for the gadget combo that makes learning as desk free as possible  

Parents and schools using adaptive tech have reported better student performance than the traditional ‘one size fits all’ approach to gadgets in education. This trend is set to grow in future.