Integrating Adaptive Courseware as Part of a Comprehensive Redesign of a Gateway Math Course

A Case Study of Miami Dade College

Math faculty at Miami Dade College is integrating adaptive courseware into an intentional redesign of a gateway college algebra course as part of a broader rethinking of learning objectives, syllabi, daily lecture notes, and homework with the goal of ensuring a focus on core competencies and providing greater consistency and support for students. Student work in the courseware was balanced between developing prerequisite skills and completing college-level course objectives and was supported with one-on-one tutoring and a lab course. Efforts to scale the course redesign were strengthened by support for adjunct faculty members and a platform-neutral approach that simplified adoption across multiple campuses using different learning management systems and courseware.

This case study of Miami Dade 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.