One of the key features of Adaptive learning is that the student progresses through the material at their own pace. If you need all of the students to be at the same level at the same time, you are not doing adaptive learning—even if you are using computerized materials. The primary remaining hurdle for competency-based education is managing the logistics of large numbers of students all moving through their programs at different rates, with course completion divorced from seat time.
Also, because Skinner wrote about using "teaching machines" everyone thinks that adaptive learning has to be done on computers. This is not so. There is no machine which is as versitile and adaptable as the human brain. One can integrate adaptive learning principles and practices into a face-to-face learning environment. If you go out and watch a skilled track or swimming (or any other individual sport) coach work with a team of atheletes, you will see adaptive learning in practice, without an LMS in sight.
--don
