ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - Detailed Review
Education Tools
ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - Product Overview
ALEKS Overview
ALEKS, an artificially intelligent learning and assessment system, is a prominent tool in the education sector, particularly within the higher education and K-12 markets. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
ALEKS is designed to determine each student’s precise knowledge of a subject and guide them to work on topics they are ready to learn. It uses artificial intelligence to map the details of each student’s knowledge, identifying what they know and what they don’t know, and then provides personalized learning paths to fill those knowledge gaps.
Target Audience
ALEKS is used by students from the third grade through higher education, covering a wide range of subjects including Math, Chemistry, Statistics, and Accounting. It is also utilized by educators and institutions looking to provide personalized learning experiences.
Key Features
Adaptive Learning
ALEKS adapts to each student’s individual learning needs, offering topics that are at the boundary of their current knowledge. This ensures students are neither frustrated by material that is too easy nor overwhelmed by material that is too hard.
Knowledge Mapping
Using billions of data points from student interactions over 21 years, ALEKS creates a detailed map of each student’s knowledge. This map is continuously updated as the student learns new topics.
Open-Ended Questions
Unlike multiple-choice questions, ALEKS uses open-ended problems that require students to provide authentic input, such as mathematical expressions, chemical equations, or step-by-step math proofs. This approach ensures students genuinely understand and master the topics.
Real-Time Feedback and Assessment
ALEKS provides immediate feedback on student responses and conducts periodic “knowledge checks” to enhance retention and confirm learning. This continuous cycle of learning and assessment helps move information from short-term to long-term memory.
Detailed Reports
Educators and parents can access real-time, detailed reports to track student progress, allowing for better monitoring and support.
Additional Initiatives
ALEKS has been integrated into various educational programs, including a direct-to-student version called ALEKS MathReady, which helps students prepare for math placement tests or refresh their skills before returning to college.
Overall, ALEKS is a powerful tool that leverages artificial intelligence to provide personalized, effective, and engaging learning experiences for students across different educational levels.
ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of ALEKS
The user interface of ALEKS, an AI-driven educational tool by McGraw-Hill, has several key features that impact its ease of use and overall user experience.Layout and Navigation
The interface is structured to be relatively simple and intuitive. Upon logging in, users are presented with a home page that includes important information such as the name of the ALEKS class, a progress bar, notifications, and a main navigation menu. This menu, located in the upper-left corner, provides easy access to various features like assignments, worksheets, calendar, gradebook, and reports.Assignments and Learning Mode
Within assignments and Knowledge Checks, problems are displayed one at a time, and users cannot work ahead or go back to change a problem once it is started. This linear approach ensures that students focus on one problem at a time. Each problem requires typed answers or selections from drop-down menus, with no multiple-choice options. Tools such as graphs, fraction/exponent shortcuts, and calculators are available to help with formatting and solving problems.Accessibility
ALEKS is fully accessible for keyboard users and supports tab navigation, which is particularly helpful for users with visual impairments. However, certain tasks like graphing can be challenging without visual assistance, and some users may need additional support, such as a remote visual assistant.Feedback and Progress Tracking
The platform provides real-time feedback on student progress. The gradebook feature allows students to view all their previous assignments and grades, broken down into categories. This helps students gauge their performance and see how different types of assignments contribute to their overall grade.Engagement and Interactive Content
While some users find the content engaging, others have mixed experiences. The platform uses various tools like a timeline and a pie chart to help students track their progress and stay motivated. However, some users have criticized the platform for its lack of engaging explanations and the repetitive nature of the problems, which can make the learning experience boring and frustrating for some.Ease of Use
The ease of use varies significantly among users. Some appreciate the simple and intuitive interface, finding it easy to navigate and use the available resources. However, others have reported difficulties, particularly with the strict progression system where getting a single question wrong can erase significant progress. This has led to frustration and stress for many users.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience is highly polarized. On one hand, ALEKS offers personalized learning plans and adaptive learning technology that adjusts the difficulty of content based on student progress. This can be beneficial for students who prefer to learn at their own pace and need real-time feedback. On the other hand, many users have expressed dissatisfaction with the platform, citing issues such as poor explanations, the loss of progress due to single mistakes, and a lack of engagement. These criticisms highlight significant areas where the user experience falls short, particularly for students who may need more support or flexibility in their learning process. In summary, while ALEKS has features that make it accessible and user-friendly for some, it also has several drawbacks that can make the learning experience challenging and frustrating for others. ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - Key Features and Functionality
ALEKS Overview
ALEKS, developed by McGraw-Hill, is a web-based, AI-driven education tool that offers several key features and functionalities, particularly in math and science education for grades 3–12 and beyond.
Adaptive Assessments
ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to assess each student’s knowledge accurately and quickly. This system asks a series of questions based on the student’s previous answers, ensuring that each assessment is unique and comprehensive. The adaptive nature of the assessments allows ALEKS to determine exactly what a student knows, what they don’t know, and what they are ready to learn next.
Personalized Learning Paths
Based on the assessment results, ALEKS creates personalized learning paths for each student. This ensures that students are instructed on topics they are most ready to learn, building on their existing knowledge and filling any instructional gaps. This approach helps in creating math confidence and measurable success.
Continuous Progress Tracking
ALEKS periodically reassesses the student’s knowledge to ensure that topics learned are retained. This continuous tracking allows educators to monitor the progress of student learning and mastery in real-time. Instructors and administrators have access to the complete history of students’ assessment results and learning progress.
AI-Driven Feedback and Evaluation
The system uses sophisticated answer processing to evaluate student responses in real-time. ALEKS requires students to provide authentic mathematical input through open-ended questions, such as inputting mathematical expressions, chemical equations, or graphical constructions. This approach eliminates lucky guesses common with multiple-choice questions and ensures that students actually solve the problems.
Integration with Curriculum Standards
ALEKS courses are aligned with state and national standards, making it a seamless complement to any classroom environment. The system can integrate with any educational system, on any device, ensuring flexibility and accessibility.
Deep Learning Neural Networks
Recent enhancements include the integration of deep learning neural networks, which have improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the program. These networks help ALEKS more quickly identify a learner’s knowledge state, reducing assessment time without compromising knowledge retention. Studies have shown that students using the updated system learn more material on average.
Student Autonomy and Collaboration
ALEKS allows students significant autonomy over their learning. Students can select topics, review previous material, or conduct self-assessments. This autonomy fosters a collaborative learning environment where older students can assist younger ones, enhancing leadership skills and reinforcing their own understanding.
Practical Application
To enhance learning, ALEKS can be integrated with hands-on activities that apply mathematical concepts across various age levels. This dual approach ensures that learning is both personalized and practical, making math more accessible and engaging.
Conclusion
In summary, ALEKS leverages AI to provide personalized, adaptive, and effective learning experiences. Its features ensure that students learn at their own pace, retain knowledge, and engage actively in their educational journey.
ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - Performance and Accuracy
ALEKS Overview
ALEKS, an AI-driven learning and assessment system by McGraw-Hill, has demonstrated impressive performance and accuracy in various educational settings.
Performance
- ALEKS has been successful in helping students achieve high levels of mastery in subjects such as Math, Chemistry, Statistics, and Accounting. For instance, after implementing ALEKS Math at Arizona State University Online, there was an 11% increase in student success, with the success rate rising from 58% to 69%.
- At the University of Texas San Antonio, students significantly improved their mastery of topics, reducing the number of unmastered topics from 78% to 19% by the end of the semester.
- The system’s AI ensures that students work on topics they are ready to learn, leading to a high success rate; students master concepts at least 90% of the time, and in many cases, this rate exceeds 95%.
Accuracy
- ALEKS uses open-ended questions that require authentic input, which helps in assessing students’ true knowledge and skills. This approach minimizes the likelihood of lucky guesses common with multiple-choice questions.
- The system continuously updates its knowledge map of each student’s abilities after each new topic is learned, ensuring that the assessment and learning recommendations are always current and accurate.
- The placement assessment in ALEKS has been evaluated for its accuracy, showing a correct answer rate of 0.834 for topics classified as “known” by the assessment. This indicates a reasonable level of accuracy, especially considering the open-ended nature of the questions.
Engagement
- ALEKS motivates students through a visual representation of their progress, such as the “ALEKS pie,” which fills up as students master new topics. This visual feedback helps in maintaining student engagement and motivation.
- However, some studies have indicated potential issues with student engagement and motivation. For example, a study found that students’ self-regulated learning (SRL) skills declined while using ALEKS, attributed to factors such as lack of motivation, system complexity, and lack of social presence.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
- Despite its successes, ALEKS has some limitations. The system’s complexity and the absence of social presence can lead to decreased motivation and SRL skills among students.
- There is also feedback suggesting that the system’s penalties and lack of practicality can negatively impact student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Improvements could be made in enhancing the user experience, particularly in making the system more intuitive and user-friendly, and addressing the need for social interaction and support within the learning environment.
Conclusion
Overall, ALEKS has shown strong performance and accuracy in helping students learn and master various subjects, but it also has areas where improvements can be made to enhance student engagement and overall learning experience.
ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of ALEKS
ALEKS, a web-based, AI-driven learning and assessment system by McGraw-Hill, is structured into several plans to accommodate different user needs. Here’s a breakdown of the available plans and features:
Pricing Plans
ALEKS offers four main pricing plans based on the duration of the subscription:
- 1-Month Plan: This plan costs $19.95 per month. It is suitable for short-term use or for students who need temporary access to the platform.
- 3-Months Plan: This plan costs $49.95 and is ideal for students who need access for a quarter or a single semester.
- 6-Months Plan: Priced at $99.95, this plan is beneficial for students who require access for two semesters or half a year.
- 12-Months Plan: The annual plan costs $179.95, making it a good option for students who need access throughout the year.
Features Available in Each Plan
All plans include access to the full range of ALEKS features, such as:
- Personalized learning modules that adapt to the student’s knowledge level.
- Open-ended questions that require authentic input, such as mathematical expressions, chemical equations, and more.
- Real-time feedback and assessment.
- Tools for visualizing, conceptualizing, and persisting through challenging topics.
- The ability to track student progress through auto-generated reports (available through the master account for family or educator subscriptions).
Free Options
While ALEKS does not offer a free or freemium version, it does provide a free trial option:
- Users can take advantage of a free trial that lasts for 3 hours within a 48-hour period. This trial allows users to experience the complete features of the platform, including personalized learning, progress monitoring, and assigning quizzes. To access the free trial, users need to go to the ALEKS website, click on the “Free Trial” option, and follow the prompts to set up a guest account.
Additional Notes
- There are no setup fees associated with any of the plans.
- ALEKS also offers a family discount program, where subscribing to any plan creates two accounts: one student account and one master account for monitoring and managing the student’s progress.
This structure allows users to choose a plan that best fits their needs and budget while ensuring they have access to the full suite of features that ALEKS provides.
ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Overview
ALEKS can be integrated with popular LMS platforms such as Canvas, Blackboard, and others through the MH Campus system. This integration enables single sign-on (SSO), allowing students and instructors to access ALEKS without needing separate login credentials for each system.Setup Process
To set up this integration, an instructor logs into their LMS account, selects the relevant course, and follows the prompts to link ALEKS. This process involves either requesting an ALEKS class test or linking MH Campus to an existing ALEKS setup. Once the initial link is established by the first instructor, subsequent instructors can bypass these steps.Textbook Integration
Integration Details
ALEKS also integrates with a variety of textbooks, particularly those from McGraw-Hill. When a textbook is chosen for integration, the ALEKS course content is divided into units that correspond to the chapters of the textbook. This allows instructors to assign due dates for these units and create chapter quizzes, which helps in motivating students to complete their work on time.Textbook References
Students see references to the textbook on the ALEKS Explain pages, indicating where each topic is covered in their textbook.Device and Platform Compatibility
Supported Devices
ALEKS is accessible on a wide range of devices, including PCs, Macintosh computers, iPads, Android tablets, and Chromebooks.System Requirements
The system requirements include operating systems such as Windows, MacOS 10.3 , iOS 4.3 , Android 3.2 , and ChromeOS. This broad compatibility ensures that students can use ALEKS from various devices, making it highly flexible and convenient.Student Account Management
Account Pairing
Students can pair their LMS accounts with ALEKS, allowing them to manage all their ALEKS classes from a single account. This pairing process is straightforward and involves selecting whether they are new to ALEKS or using an existing account.Accessing Classes
Once paired, students can access their ALEKS classes directly through their LMS account.Conclusion
In summary, ALEKS integrates well with LMS platforms, textbooks, and is compatible with a variety of devices and operating systems. These features make it a versatile and user-friendly tool for both instructors and students. ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
For any technical issues or general inquiries, you can contact ALEKS customer support through various channels:Phone Support
You can call the support team at (800) 331-5094. The hours of operation are Sunday from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM EST, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM EST, and Friday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST.Online Support Request
You can submit a support request online, which allows you to describe your issue in detail and receive a response from the support team.Live Chat
There is also an option to chat with a representative in real-time, which can be particularly helpful for immediate assistance.Additional Resources
ALEKS provides a wealth of resources to help both students and instructors:Assignment and Exam Support
There is a comprehensive resource library that includes videos and guides on building assignments and exams for Chemistry and Math. This library covers topics such as instructor-driven assignment settings, building module gaps, and using knowledge checks to encourage student progress.Implementation Support
Instructors can get personalized 1-to-1 support from the implementation team. This includes help with setting up the platform, advice on best practices, and assistance with any questions or issues that arise.Sales and Customer Service
For questions about pricing, orders, shipping, or returns, you can contact the customer service department. They are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET and can be reached by phone at (800) 338-3987 or by fax at (800) 953-8691.Specific Tools and Features
ALEKS also offers several specific tools and features to enhance learning:AI-Driven Learning
ALEKS uses artificial intelligence to map each student’s knowledge and provide personalized learning paths. This ensures that students are always working on topics they are ready to learn, which helps build confidence and learning momentum.Open-Ended Questions
Unlike multiple-choice questions, ALEKS uses open-ended problems that require students to provide authentic input, such as mathematical expressions, chemical equations, or step-by-step proofs. This approach helps eliminate lucky guesses and ensures students genuinely solve problems.Virtual Labs
ALEKS includes virtual labs where instructors can create and assign lab questions, and students can engage in interactive learning experiences. These resources and support options are designed to ensure that both students and instructors have the help they need to succeed with ALEKS. ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - Pros and Cons
Pros of ALEKS
Personalized Learning
ALEKS uses artificial intelligence to map each student’s knowledge, ensuring they work on topics they are ready to learn, which can build confidence and learning momentum.
Comprehensive Coverage
ALEKS covers over 50 subjects from third grade through higher education, providing comprehensive course coverage in areas like Math, Chemistry, Statistics, and Accounting.
Immediate Feedback
The system offers real-time machine evaluation of student answers, providing immediate feedback that helps students correct their mistakes and learn effectively.
Open-Ended Questions
ALEKS uses open-ended questions that require students to solve problems authentically, reducing the likelihood of lucky guesses and ensuring students genuinely learn the material.
Continuous Improvement
The AI continuously collects and analyzes statistical data to improve and upgrade the content and AI capabilities, making it more effective over time.
Suitable for Different Learning Styles
Some users appreciate that ALEKS offers multiple explanations and learning methods, such as videos or written notes, which can cater to different learning styles.
Cons of ALEKS
User Frustration and Stress
Many users report high levels of stress and frustration due to the program’s time limits, penalties for wrong answers, and frequent glitches. These issues can lead to significant stress and even nightmares for some students.
Poor Explanations
A common complaint is that the explanations provided by ALEKS are long, difficult to understand, and often unhelpful. Students find that these explanations do not clarify the concepts effectively.
Technical Issues
Users frequently mention glitches, such as the system marking correct answers as incorrect, not counting completed topics, and other technical problems that hinder the learning process.
Inadequate Progress Tracking
Some users feel that ALEKS does not accurately track student progress. For example, it may move students to new topics even if they have not fully mastered the previous ones, leading to inconsistent test scores.
Lack of Realistic Questions
Some students and teachers note that the questions asked by ALEKS are not realistic or relevant to what would be asked on actual tests, making the program feel like a waste of time.
Customer Service Issues
There have been reports of poor customer service, particularly regarding subscription policies and support during times of need, such as medical leave.
Overall, while ALEKS has the potential to offer personalized and effective learning through its AI-driven approach, it faces significant criticism regarding its usability, technical reliability, and the quality of its explanations and support.
ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) by McGraw-Hill with other AI-driven education tools, several key features and alternatives stand out.
Adaptive Learning and Assessment
ALEKS is renowned for its adaptive questioning, which quickly determines what topics a student knows and doesn’t know, and then provides personalized instruction based on those assessments. This is similar to other platforms like Smart Sparrow, which also uses machine learning algorithms to personalize learning and provide real-time feedback.
Personalized Learning Paths
ALEKS stands out with its “ALEKS Pie” tool, which visualizes student knowledge across multiple topics, showing what a student knows and what they need to learn. This feature is unique but shares similarities with platforms like Woot Math and Edmentum, which also provide personalized learning paths and real-time feedback.
Continuous Reinforcement and Retention
ALEKS periodically reassesses student knowledge to ensure retention and provides remediation for unmastered topics. This continuous reinforcement is a strong feature, but other platforms like Querium and GradeSlam also offer targeted instruction and real-time feedback to help students retain new learning.
Customization for Teachers
ALEKS offers extensive reports and tools for teachers to monitor student progress, track usage, and identify areas needing additional support. This level of customization is also seen in platforms like Achieve by Macmillan Learning, which provides tools for pre-class learning, in-class engagement, and post-class assessment, along with customizable lessons and adaptive assessments.
Integration and Accessibility
ALEKS integrates well with any classroom environment and can be accessed on any device, aligning with state and national standards. Similarly, platforms like Coursera and Duolingo offer integration with various systems and provide accessible learning experiences on multiple devices.
Unique Features of ALEKS
- Initial Knowledge Check and ALEKS Pie: ALEKS’ initial assessment and the visual representation of student knowledge through the ALEKS Pie are distinctive features that provide clear insights into student learning gaps and readiness.
- Continuous Reassessment: The periodic reassessment to ensure retention is a strong aspect of ALEKS, ensuring that students do not forget previously learned material.
Potential Alternatives
- Smart Sparrow: Offers interactive lessons and real-time feedback, making it a good alternative for those looking for a more interactive learning experience.
- Woot Math: Specializes in math education, providing personalized math lessons and real-time feedback, which could be a better fit for students focusing on mathematics.
- Achieve by Macmillan Learning: Provides a comprehensive learning system with e-textbooks, adaptive assessments, and tools for student engagement, making it a strong alternative for a more holistic learning environment.
- Coursera: Offers a wide range of courses from top universities and organizations, with AI-driven personalization and real-time feedback, which could be appealing for students seeking diverse course offerings.
Each of these platforms has its unique strengths and can serve as viable alternatives depending on the specific needs of students and educators.
ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about ALEKS, along with detailed responses to each:
What is ALEKS and how does it work?
ALEKS (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces) is a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. It uses adaptive questioning to determine exactly what a student knows and doesn’t know in various subjects, particularly mathematics, but also covering over 50 subjects from third grade through higher education. ALEKS continuously updates its comprehensive delineation of the student’s knowledge after each new topic is learned, ensuring the AI is always current.What subjects does ALEKS cover?
ALEKS covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, chemistry, pre-calculus, and even MBA financial accounting preparation. It is used across various educational levels, from third grade through college and continuing education.How much does an ALEKS subscription cost?
The subscription costs for ALEKS vary based on the duration:- $19.95 per month
- $49.95 for 3 months
- $99.95 for 6 months
- $179.95 for 12 months
What are the benefits of using ALEKS?
ALEKS offers several benefits, including personalized learning, real-time feedback, and adaptive questioning that ensures students are only presented with topics they are ready to learn. This approach builds student confidence and learning momentum. It also provides immediate feedback on open-ended questions, which helps in accurate assessment and learning.Can ALEKS be used in different languages?
Yes, ALEKS for mathematics is fully English/Spanish bilingual. Students can dynamically change the language from English to Spanish with a simple toggle switch, and all text, including the interface, explanations, and definitions, will be translated accordingly.How does ALEKS support student progress monitoring?
ALEKS provides real-time reporting that allows educators to monitor student, class, school, and district progress toward mastery of standards. The system also includes features like ALEKS Insights, which alerts instructors when students might be at risk of falling behind, enabling immediate action to be taken.Is there a free trial available for ALEKS?
Yes, ALEKS offers a free trial that allows users to enjoy the complete features of the platform for 3 hours within 48 hours. During the trial, users can target gaps with personalized learning, monitor student progress, assign quizzes and worksheets, schedule assessments, and track student attendance.Can ALEKS be used for standardized test preparation?
Yes, ALEKS has been widely used to support standardized test preparation. Through individualized learning progress, students are able to comprehend and apply concepts more fluently, resulting in higher standardized testing results.How does ALEKS handle family subscriptions and discounts?
ALEKS offers a family discount program when you subscribe to any of the ALEKS pricing plans. The discounts increase with the number of students enrolled. For example, enrolling multiple children within a single credit-card transaction can save up to 43.63% on the monthly rate for a 12-month subscription.What kind of questions does ALEKS use for assessments?
ALEKS uses open-ended questions rather than multiple-choice questions. Students are required to provide authentic input appropriate to the discipline, such as mathematical expressions, chemical equations, or step-by-step math proofs. This approach ensures that students actually solve the problems rather than relying on lucky guesses. ALEKS (McGraw-Hill) - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of ALEKS (McGraw-Hill)
ALEKS, developed by McGraw-Hill, is a highly effective AI-driven education tool that has been widely adopted in various educational settings, from junior high to higher education. Here’s a comprehensive look at its benefits and who would most benefit from using it.Key Features and Benefits
- Adaptive Technology: ALEKS uses artificial intelligence to assess students’ knowledge gaps and provide personalized learning paths. This adaptive approach ensures that students are presented with topics they are ready to learn, making the learning process more efficient and effective.
- Comprehensive Assessments: Unlike traditional multiple-choice tests, ALEKS assessments require students to provide authentic input, such as mathematical expressions, chemical equations, or step-by-step proofs. This approach eliminates lucky guesses and provides a more accurate picture of a student’s knowledge.
- Continuous Feedback and Progress Tracking: The system offers real-time feedback and updates its assessment of the student’s knowledge after each new topic is learned. This continuous evaluation helps in tracking student progress and identifying areas where additional support is needed.
- Multi-Subject Coverage: ALEKS covers a wide range of subjects, including math, chemistry, and statistics, making it a versatile tool for various educational needs.
- User-Friendly and Accessible: The platform is accessible in both English and Spanish, and it includes features like practice problems, explanations, and individualized worksheets. This makes it easier for a diverse group of students to engage with the material.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Students: ALEKS is particularly beneficial for students who need to prepare for math placement tests, refresh their skills before returning to college, or get extra help in specific subjects. The adaptive learning technology helps students fill knowledge gaps and build confidence in their abilities.
- Educators: Teachers and educators can use ALEKS to gain a deeper insight into each student’s knowledge and learning progress. This helps in providing individualized support and improving student outcomes. Educators can also use the platform to redesign their placement programs and make them more effective.
- Parents: Parents can benefit from ALEKS by monitoring their child’s progress and ensuring that their child is well-prepared for upcoming assessments. The platform’s visual reports and periodic knowledge checks help parents stay informed about their child’s learning journey.