Contemporary approaches to personalized learning say that if you have enough information, you can use an algorithm to plot a path to academic achievement. But this approach is limited. It relies on the finite number of inputs included in the algorithm. The process is static as it does not adjust as students progress.

What is needed is something that can combine the numbers and the words, learn how to adapt as its efforts produce results, and interact with teachers in a conversational manner. Enter IBM’s Watson Classroom.

Watson is a new approach to using computational power. The design goes much farther than just being able to quickly calculate the answer from a set of inputs by using a complicated formula.

Watson refines and adjusts the formula used for calculating the answer as it is provided with new inputs. These inputs may be in the form of written notes, video clips, and cells of data. And, most importantly, it responds to people asking questions using natural languages rather than equations.

IBM is clear about what makes Watson different than existing solutions. First of all, it is a cognitive partner; not a solution. Secondly, it does not require proprietary or additional assessments, curriculum, or content.

Read the full article on Watson Classroom by Erin Gohl at Getting Smart