Supporting Greater Integration of Adaptive Courseware in Gateway Courses

A Case Study of Broward College

Faculty at Broward College led implementation and integration of adaptive courseware efforts in introductory course design and activities more fully. The institution developed structured supports including the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning, which provided professional development and curriculum expertise. Students were supported by tutors in the college’s Academic Success Centers who were familiar with the adaptive courseware and often used it to work with students. The college is now moving to integrate this technology into broader efforts to improve gateway instruction.

This case study of Broward College is part of a series of studies conducted by Achieving the Dream (ATD)  examining how adaptive courseware is being implemented at those institutions, as well as how courseware is used in particular disciplines to better serve students. Case studies are based on interviews with college leaders, faculty, instructional designers, developers, technology specialists, and students who were enrolled in classes using the courseware.

ATD is one of 12 higher education and digital learning organizations that make up the Every Learner Everywhere Network, whose mission is to help higher education institutions improve and ensure more equitable student outcomes through advances in digital learning, particularly among poverty-impacted, racially minoritized, and first-generation students.

Every Learner partners are addressing high failure rates in foundational courses through the provision of scalable, high-quality support to colleges and universities seeking to implement adaptive courseware on their campuses. As part of its ongoing effort to help community colleges develop effective teaching and learning practices, ATD is working with seven community colleges in Florida, Ohio, and Texas on this initiative, providing coaching and direct support to the colleges, fostering collaboration within and among the participating institutions, and serving as a liaison to the Every Learner network.