Ronald Saltinski, National University

1. Precision Learning:
Failure is Not an Option
Ronald Saltinski, Ph.D.
National University
Sanford College of Education
Los Angeles, California
National Social Sciences Association
National Technology and Social Sciences Virtual Conference

2. Precision Learning
Consider an education model where learning is maximized by minimizing
failure. That model is Precision Learning.
Precision Learning is a personalized learning process whereby the learner
dictates the pace and depth of learning and the instructional system
orchestrates the delivery of learning experiences that match the unique
cognitive/emotional needs of the learner.
The learner stays motivated by continuous success throughout a given
program of studies.
National University Precision Learning Institute. (n.d) https://precision.nu.edu

3. Precision Learning Today
For now, teachers are crucial components of the Precision Learning model. In
time, smart machines with artificial intelligence whose credo will be “Failure Is
Not an Option” will dominate the realm of teaching/learning.
Knox, et al. (2019). Introduction: AI, Inclusion, and Everyone Learning Everything.
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-13-8161-4.
Kranz, G. (2000). Failure is not an option: From mercury to apollo 13 and beyond. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

4. The Historical Context for
Precision Learning
B. F. Skinner (1904 – 1990) 1968
Skinner, B.F. (1968). The technology of education. New York, NY: Appleton-Century-Crofts.

5. Programmed Instruction
1950s-1960s
Precision Learning had roots in the late 1950s through the 1960s with a model
of learning (Operant Conditioning) pioneered by the psychologist B. F. Skinner
(1968).
Referred to as Programmed Learning, Skinner proposed that learning is most
optimal when self-paced with information is provided in small, incremental
steps with immediate reinforcement or reward upon demonstrating the desired
learning.
Programmed Learning was effective across mediums whether books, manual
machines, and eventually computers.
Evans, James L. (2010) Principles of programmed earning. PACE Learning Systems. Tuscaloosa, Alabama

6. The Early Days
1960s – 1970s

7. Programmed Learning
Linear or straight-line programming reinforces student responses that approach the
learning goal. Responses that do not lead toward the goal go unreinforced. Each bit of
learning is presented in a “frame,” and a student who has made a correct response
proceeds to the next frame.
Branching or intrinsic programming provided the student an item of information, a
situation requiring a multiple choice or recognition response, and on the basis of that
choice instructed the student to proceed to another frame, where the student learns if the
choice was correct, and if not, why not.
PsychTutor. Approaches to Education. http://psychtutor.weebly.com/approaches-to-education.html.

8. Computer Assisted Learning (CAL)
In the early 1980s with the advent of the personal computers Programmed
learning evolved into computer-assisted instruction (CAI).
Skinner again emerged as a champion of personalized learning with his book,
The Technology of Teaching (1968). Personal computers provided a medium in
which software (programs) of varying nature could be utilized to support
traditional classroom learning.

9. Smart Machines (AI): The Future
The case for redesigning existing academic courses that encompass the spirit of Precision
Learning may prove daunting. The task may simply be too overwhelming for human-based
instruction.
Smart machines learn. They are adaptative systems that when integrated into a Precision
Learning environment (academic courses) can monitor students, interact with students, learn
from students, access massive data bases for precise resources and sequences of
assignments such that student will learn successfully.
Houser, Kristin. (2017) The Solution to Our Educational Crisis Night be
AI. https://futurism.com/ai-teachers-education-crisis.
Luckin, Rose, et al. (2016). Intelligence Unleashed: An Argument for AI .
in Education. https://static.googleusercontent.com/media/edu.google.com/en//pdfs/Intelligence-Unleashed.

10. Conclusion
Failure Is Not an Option
IBM Summit
The Most Powerful AI Computer on the Planet: Precision Learning is a Reality
https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/summit-supercomputer/