Purpose: There is an increase globally of students using technology to support their learning. The purpose of this paper is to outline the technical aspects of adaptive learning and contribute to the development of pedagogy that incorporates this method in teaching and learning. Design/methodology/approach: This is a technical review article that summarises key guidance on the application of adaptive learning and then reflects on its application in a UK and Vietnamese context. Findings: Initial analysis demonstrates that learning can occur asynchronously because of students engaging with adaptive learning. Issues and recommendations were derived from the reflections and practice of both UK and Vietnamese practitioners. Recommendations focussed on the more practical elements of constructing and maintaining adaptive learning. Questions were then constructed to make the decision of whether to implement adaptive learning into teaching and learning practices. Originality/value: This academic commentary reflects on the implementation of asynchronous learning adaptive technologies in both the UK and Vietnam, specifically exploring the use of a "mastery path" and "computerised adaptive testing" to enhance student understanding.