Innovations such as adaptive learning become fads because, although they sound good in theory, there is a lack of commitment in implementation. Schools are currently structured and evaluated based on a fixed timeline, from admission to graduation, leaving little room for self-paced learning. Also, the shift to adaptive learning would require a monumental effort in developing tools, such as intelligent tutors, which can address all the possible challenges a student might face at any point in learning the material. The assumption that an alternative explanation or more in-depth information offered to struggling students will help them overcome the obstacles is not always valid. Many online students struggle, not because the material they are given is lacking, but because they really don't take the time to go through it to even give it a chance; they would prefer someone there with them, face to face, explaning what they need to know. Unless schools can find the time and money to switch over to an adaptive learning system and develop all the intelligent software they need to support it, it may just end up being another fad.
