Dr. Gary Bitter, Head of Technology Based Learning and Research, an independent research entity at Arizona State University, explains how the online learning system, Adaptive Curriculum, engages students in math and science through realistic, interactive online activities.
ESD: Introduce us to Sebit, LLC and its relationship with Arizona State University.
GB: Sebit, LLC was established in 2007 and is headquartered in the SkySong Innovation Center at Arizona State University in Scottsdale, Ariz. The company is partnering with ASU’s Technology Based Learning and Research to provide content expertise in math and science, and for help with curriculum alignment and professional development.
ESD: What type of product does Sebit offer through this partnership?
GB: The company’s product, Adaptive Curriculum, offers more than 200 Math and Science Activity Objects for students in the middle grades. Aligned to curriculum standards, Activity Objects break math and science educational content into interactive segments that can be used for a variety of learning environments. Each Activity Object teaches a specific topic using real-world scenarios, offers high-quality audio support and allows instructors to monitor individual student achievement.
ESD: How does Adaptive Curriculum enhance learning in math and science?
GB: Adaptive Curriculum provides teachers with an interactive way to engage middle grade students in learning applied math and science, by combining conceptual learning with state-of-the-art visualization. Using three-dimensional animations and real-world simulations, Activity Objects allow students to participate in virtual experiments, scientific inquiry exercises and problem-based learning that help them gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in math and science.
ESD: What are some other features that teachers will find especially helpful?
GB: Adaptive Curriculum offers teachers an online environment that supports the entire learning and teaching process through stimulating, standards-based math and science education. To help teachers incorporate this content into their instruction, Adaptive Curriculum includes MyAdaptiveSpace, which contains simple, intuitive tools for managing instruction. Adaptive Curriculum offers teachers the ability to plan their lessons, assign Activity Objects to their students and track achievement through assessment reports.
ESD: Can you give us some examples of how a teacher would use this in their classroom?
GB: Activity Objects may be adapted for various classroom scenarios. Teachers can use the interactive content as part of a classroom presentation with a projector, or through an interactive whiteboard. Including both animation and interactive parts, Activity Objects can be paused to allow teachers to ask questions or to emphasize specific points during a presentation. Activity Objects can also be given to students for homework or extra practice, or to challenge students with advanced skills.
ESD: How can teachers learn more about Adaptive Curriculum here at the show?
GB: Stop by booth 9060 and receive a special gift when you take part in a demonstration by classroom teachers of Adaptive Curriculum. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to enter a daily drawing for a free annual subscription to Adaptive Curriculum. For more information, visit our Web site at www.adaptivecurriculum.com or call us at 888-999-9319.