University of Central Florida

Adaptive Learning at

Thomas Cavanagh, Ph.D.Associate Vice President, Distributed Learning

• Orlando, FL• Metropolitan, suburban

university• ~60,000 students• 2nd largest university in U.S.• Carnegie classification: RU/VH Research

University: Very High Research Activity• 216 degree programs across 11

colleges• 11 Campuses throughout Central

Florida

• 16 undergraduate degrees• 24 graduate degrees• 30 graduate certificates• Various undergraduate certificates &

minors

Online Learning at UCF

Strategic Growth:AY 2013-2014

• 35.89% of total university SCH• 76.18% of all students took at least

one online course (W, M, V, RV) 78.34% of all undergraduates (47,116) 62.81% of all graduate students (6,469)

AY 2013-2014

Colleges over 50% SCH NURSING (61.95) GRAD (61.54) UG STUDIES (58.58) HEALTH (53.89) BUSINESS (51.68)

Colleges over 25% SCH HOSPITALITY (49.72) HUMANITIES (34.18) SCIENCES (28.82) EDUCATION (27.69)

Adaptive Learning: What is it? Wikipedia: “…an educational method

which uses computers as interactive teaching devices. Computers adapt the presentation of educational material according to students' learning needs, as indicated by their responses to questions and tasks.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptive_learning

Student Experience

Types

Integrated content Content “agnostic”

Core Elements

Student pretest determines learning path

System “learns” most effective presentation for each student

System automatically adjusts remediation and other content based on continuing performance

Extensive reporting on each student’s individual status

Fall 2014 Pilot

General Psychology (125 students) Nursing: Pathology (40 students)

Fall 2014 Pilot

In Development

Math 4 course Algebra to Calculus sequence

▪ No textbook▪ Permit both acceleration and remediation

with single curriculum▪ Customization based on major▪ Multiple courses within existing semester

structures▪ Potential partnerships with state college

partners

Opportunities to Impact Student Success

Individual Courses

(including pilot)

4 Course Math

Sequence

High DFW courses

(Transfer & FTIC)

Departmental Engagement

UCF Adaptive Learning Phase 1

Adaptive Learning at the University of Central Florida

Near Term Plans

Repeat Psychology and Pathology with additional students

Deliver Algebra while continuing to build out other 3 courses in the sequence

Discussions with other colleges and departments

Explore using adaptive learning as a treatment for courses with high DFW rates

Questions?

Contact:

Thomas Cavanagh, Ph.D.Associate Vice President, Distributed LearningUniversity of Central Florida407-823-4913cavanagh@ucf.edu@tbcavanagh