Survey: Parents on Board with Adaptive Digital Learning

The vast majority of parents welcome adaptive digital learning as part of their children's classroom learning experience, according to a survey from McGraw-Hill Education.

The company commissioned TNS, a global research firm, to survey more than 2,500 adults in the United States between August 13 and 16, 2015. The survey asked people about their opinions and perceptions of educational technology, particularly personalized and adaptive learning technology.

McGraw-Hill Education describes adaptive learning technology as that which "actively tailors learning to the individual and acts as a tutor for the student."

"Parents are tuned into the transformations taking place in the classroom and understand the benefits of personalized, digital learning for their children," said Peter Cohen, group president of United States education for McGraw-Hill Education, in a prepared statement.

Key findings from the survey include:

  • 91 percent of parents of K-12 students surveyed said they welcome the introduction of a more personalized digital experience as an alternative to traditional textbooks;
  • 87 percent of K-12 parents who responded said they think classroom lessons should be personalized to meet each individual student's needs;
  • 85 percent of college parents surveyed said they think classroom lessons should be personalized;
  • 73 percent of K-12 parents interviewed told researchers they think today's classrooms should focus on adaptive learning rather than "old school" textbooks;
  • 78 percent of college parents who responded said they support adaptive learning over "old school" textbooks; and
  • 88 percent of Americans surveyed said they expect all K-12 classrooms to be "plugged-in" by 2025.

McGraw-Hill Education develops and sells a variety of digital adaptive learning products for K-12 and higher education.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Abstract AI circuit board pattern

    Nonprofit LawZero to Work Toward Safer, Truthful AI

    Turing Award-winning AI researcher Yoshua Bengio has launched LawZero, a nonprofit aimed at developing AI systems that prioritize safety and truthfulness over autonomy.

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • magnifying glass with AI icon in the center

    Google Releases Learning-Themed AI Mode Features for Search

    Ahead of back-to-school season, Google has introduced new AI Mode features in Search, including image and PDF queries on desktop, a Canvas tool for planning, real-time help with Search Live, and Lens integration in Chrome.

  • sunlit classroom with laptops on every desk, each displaying a glowing AI speech bubble icon above the screen

    Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot to Become Available for Teen Students

    This summer, Microsoft is expanding availability of its Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot products for students aged 13 and older. Administrators will be able to grant access for students based on their institution's plans and preferences, the company announced in a blog post.