Studying the effect of adaptive learning technology on student learning in first year chemistry

This project investigated how new online teaching tools can be used to support independent student learning, in undergraduate chemistry units. These new tools provide opportunities to provide adaptive learning, which is personalised to the needs of individual students. The new tools support students in developing good study habits, allowing them to work independently and at their own pace. These are relatively new software packages that have become easily and commercially available to educators in the past decade.

This project implemented an adaptive learning tool within undergraduate chemistry units at QUT. The project investigated how well the students engaged with the tools, whether they enjoy using them and if they find them helpful to their study. It also quantified the effect that use of these tools has on student outcomes, such as assessment performance and unit grades. This was done by comparing quantitative assessment outcomes and grades, and comparing it to data on individual student usage, which can be accessed through the tools themselves.