Arizona State Adopts AI-Powered Calculus Learning Platform

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 05/02/19
Gradarius

Image: Stevens Institute of Technology/Jan Cannizzo

Arizona State University is expanding its use of an online calculus application with built-in artificial intelligence. Currently, two courses — Calculus for Business and Calculus for Engineering — are using Gradarius from Castle Point Learning Systems, which personalizes the learning based on topics already understood and those still to be learned. The university expects to deploy the learning platform in additional courses in the coming semesters.

The software offers interactive functionality, including step-by-step feedback and guided problem-solving, to help users master calculus concepts. As they step through problems, the program points out mistakes and offers hints. When students make mistakes, the program pinpoints what part of the solution was wrong and offers guidance on how to correct it.

"As part of our mission at ASU, we look to provide our students with the educational tools they need in order to be successful in their academic journey. We look forward to working with Castle Point Learning Systems in incorporating the Gradarius platform into our courses," said Sean Hobson, chief design officer for EdPlus at ASU, in a statement.

Gradarius — Latin for "going step-by-step" — was created at Stevens Institute of Technology by math professors who were concerned that students with an interest in STEM were struggling with calculus, and therefore changing majors or dropping out of their calculus courses to avoid failure. According to the company, the Institute has used the program for the past five years. In 2017 Stevens calculus classes dropped their textbooks; now students use lecture notes provided by faculty online and chat with their instructors through the software, which issues the problems for them to solve.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • glowing blue nodes connected by thin lines in an abstract network on a dark gray to black gradient background

    Report: Generative AI Taking Over SD-WAN Management

    In a few years, nearly three quarters of network operators will use generative AI for SD-WAN management, according to a new report from research firm Gartner.

  • abstract pattern with interconnected blue nodes and lines forming neural network shapes, overlaid with semi-transparent bars and circular data points

    Data, AI Lead Educause Top 10 List for 2025

    Educause recently released its annual Top 10 list of the most important technology issues facing colleges and universities in the coming year, with a familiar trio leading the bunch: data, analytics, and AI. But the report presents these critical technologies through a new lens: restoring trust in higher education.

  • abstract image representing AI tools for reading and writing

    McGraw Hill Introduces 2 Gen AI Learning Tools

    Global education company McGraw Hill has added two new generative AI tools to help personalize learning experiences for both K–12 and higher ed students, according to a news release.

  • abstract image of fragmented, floating geometric shapes with holographic lock icons and encrypted code, set against a dark, glitchy background with intersecting circuits and swirling light trails

    Education Sector a Top Target for Mobile Malware Attacks

    Mobile and IoT/OT cyber threats continue to grow in number and complexity, becoming more targeted and sophisticated, according to a new report from Zscaler.