The Past, the Present and the Future of adaptive E-Learning An Approach within the Scope of the Research Project AdeLE Felix Mödritscher 1),2) , Victor Manuel Garcia-Barrios 1),2) , Christian Gütl 1),3) 1) Institute for Information Systems and Computer Media (IICM), Faculty of Computer Science at Graz University of Technology, Austria 2) IT and IT-Marketing at Graz University of Applied Sciences CAMPUS 02, Austria 3) Infodelio Information Systems and Internet Studio-Isser, Austria Key words: adaptive e-learning, theoretical models, instructional systems Abstract: In consideration of AdeLE (Adaptive e-Learning with Eye Tracking), a research project with the aim to develop and implement a solution framework for personalised e- learning based on real-time user behaviour, this paper examines the main approaches to adaptive e-learning based on a research on the history of adaptive instructional learning. Furthermore, an exemplary selection of systems resulted by these mainstreams and classified to the most important types is introduced. Concerning the examination of adaptive models and systems in the field of e-learning, we want to introduce our approach to adaptive e-learning for the research project AdeLE. 1 Introduction Adaptive e-learning is often meant to be new or in an early development stage (e.g. see [Dietinger 2003]), but the historical development of the basic principles and realised systems are often ignored as a result of inconsistent definitions of terms or missing links between technical approaches and theoretical aspects coming from other domains like pedagogy or didactics. In particular, the problem concerning unfamiliar terms like programmed instruction, adaptive instructional design, etc. prohibits a holistic view on adaptive e-learning. AdeLE, a research project carried out by the Department of Information Design at the University of Applied Sciences (FH JOANNEUM) and the Institute for Information Systems and Computer Media (IICM) at the Graz University of Technology, Austria, aims to research on adaptivity in the field of e-learning and to develop an innovative framework for personalised adaptive e-learning. In context of the research project this paper examines the main approaches to adaptive e-learning according to two central aspects: First, the theoretical models and their historical development are treated closer. Second, the most common types of systems implementing one or more of these approaches are pointed out and described closer. Based on the insights of this examination, the theoretical model of adaptive e-learning within the scope of the AdeLE research project is presented. 2 Historical Overview about different Approaches With respect to the theoretical models of adaptive e-learning, four main approaches which are used to give a historical overview can be identified: the macro-adaptive approach, the aptitude-treatment interaction approach, the micro-adaptive approach and the constructivistic-collaborative approach. The first three approaches are restricted to an old- fashioned view on e-learning and focus on the content and the learning process itself. With respect to new learning theories and technology, the last approach treats topics like