adaptive-ASU, knewton

Innovation is building your own adaptive tech solution, says major university


ASU, Cengage Learning and Knewton to develop “highly personalized” active adaptive learning solution.

adaptive-ASU, knewtonWhat could be more innovative that custom-building an adaptive learning platform from the ground-up to specifically tailor learning to your institution’s mission?

Yesterday at the ASU+GSV Summit, Arizona State University (ASU), Cengage Learning and Knewton announced a partnership to co-develop what ASU is calling “Active Adaptive” learning solutions, which leverage Knewton adaptive technology in new ways.

These innovators in higher education will co-develop a solution from the ground-up utilizing adaptive technology paired with content and active learning activities, with the aim of empowering instructors to spend more time supporting and inspiring learning, and less time managing and lecturing students.

ASU recognized the need for a new, customized way to deliver materials to students, allowing them to learn using instruction and content uniquely tailored to their individual needs in an environment that meets the University’s goals of having students take a more active role in their own learning.

(Next page: What the adaptive tool will enable; how it will be used)

Not just for practice

In partnership with ASU, and leveraging the adaptive technology of Knewton within Cengage Learning’s MindTap digital learning solution, a new intro psychology product will be available for use beginning this fall (2015).  The psychology course will have an adaptive learning loop built around every concept rather than just for extra practice.

Faculty will guide

“Within ASU’s mission of providing access to a world-class education to all qualified students, it is important that we continue to build courses and work with faculty to ensure that each student’s learning needs are met,” said Phil Regier, university dean for Educational Initiatives and Chief Executive Officer, EdPlus at ASU. “This is why ASU works to leverage personalized and adaptive learning technologies that create a learning environment streamlined to the needs of the individual student.”

Michael Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of Cengage Learning, explained that the university-company partnership will develop a new way of teaching by utilizing “Active Adaptive” technology to teach a new kind of student. “Our intent is that with these more effective and efficient solutions, faculty can become better stewards of learning — taking instructors out of the classroom management business and into the active learning business.”

Cengage is leveraging the power of the Knewton platform to create a next-generation adaptive course that is built with personalization in mind from the start, said Jose Ferreira, founder and CEO. “Students will get continuously updated recommendations for what to study at any given moment and instructors will get predictive analytics that help them intervene before a struggling student falls behind or an advanced student becomes disengaged. Furthermore, ASU is involved in the product development to further tailor the course for students and instructors.”

The Active Adaptive Psychology course will be the first in a series of new “Active Adaptive” General Education courses delivered through this partnership. ASU will study the effects of both delivery models in on-ground, hybrid, and online class settings.

Material from a press release was used in this report.

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