29 March 2024
McGraw Hill has announced the launch of ALEKS Adventure, an innovative AI-powered supplemental learning tool tailored for students in grades 1-2. Set to debut in the 2024-25 school year, this initiative marks a significant expansion of the renowned ALEKS program, which has supported millions of learners from grades 3-12 and higher education for over two decades. The extension of ALEKS into lower grades aims to provide age-appropriate educational support in mathematics.
The ALEKS Adventure platform is rooted in Knowledge Space Theory and utilises advanced machine learning algorithms to assess students’ current knowledge levels and determine the most suitable concepts for their continued learning. By offering immediate feedback, detailed explanations, and a range of tools to enhance mastery, ALEKS Adventure aims to foster both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding in young learners.
Lori Anderson, Chief Product Officer at ALEKS, explains the importance of delivering developmentally appropriate math instruction to early elementary students. She expressed excitement about leveraging AI technology to create a program that meets the unique needs of young learners while building upon ALEKS’s proven track record of driving positive student outcomes.
ALEKS Adventure introduces engaging features such as animated sidekicks, virtual greetings to connect with classmates and a visual progression system that rewards student progress with new worlds to explore. The platform offers a personalised learning experience by identifying each student’s knowledge state and tailoring lessons to address their specific needs in real-time. This adaptive approach aims to enhance student engagement and facilitate deeper learning experiences.
Feedback from educators involved in the ALEKS Adventure pilot program has been encouraging. Lyndsay Combs, District Numeracy Coach for Greater Clark County Schools in Indiana, noted an increase in student confidence and understanding when starting new math topics. Additionally, schools with the highest math proficiencies at the second-grade level reported that students regularly engaged with ALEKS Adventure.
The introduction of ALEKS Adventure prompts speculation about the potential for more AI-powered tools designed specifically for early years education. As technology continues to play an increasingly significant role in the classroom, educators and policymakers may explore further opportunities to integrate innovative solutions that support young learners’ academic development.
