Introduction to Knewton Alta
Knewton Alta is a revolutionary platform that is transforming the education landscape, particularly in the field of Chemistry. Professor Wheeler Conover from SE Kentucky Community College shares his experience with Knewton Alta, highlighting its benefits and impact on student learning.
Why Choose Knewton Alta
Professor Conover was initially intrigued by Knewton Alta after hearing about it from a Knewton representative. What appealed to him was the platform's approach to learning - encouraging students to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. This unique feature stood out to him as it aligned with the competency-based learning approach he had been using for over a decade.
Utilization of Knewton Alta
In Professor Conover's chemistry courses, Knewton Alta plays a pivotal role in homework assignments, constituting 30% of the overall grade. He emphasizes the importance of students engaging with the material at home, believing that most learning occurs outside the classroom. By integrating Knewton Alta into his teaching methodology, Professor Conover ensures that students are actively involved in the learning process.
Student Feedback and Adaptability
While students appreciate the non-penalizing approach of Knewton Alta, they may not fully grasp its adaptive nature. Professor Conover acknowledges the challenge of shifting students' mindset from a traditional right-or-wrong system to one that fosters continuous learning and improvement.
Challenges and Room for Improvement
Professor Conover notes that students' fear of being wrong and the pressure of maintaining high grades are significant obstacles to effective learning. He highlights the need for students to understand the learning process, emphasizing reasoning skills over rote memorization. Additionally, he suggests improvements for Knewton Alta, such as updating question banks and balancing detail-focused tasks with conceptual learning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Professor Wheeler Conover exemplifies the transformative impact of Knewton Alta in enhancing student learning experiences in chemistry. By integrating technology with pedagogy, he creates a dynamic learning environment that promotes critical thinking and conceptual understanding. Through continuous feedback and adaptation, Professor Conover strives to maximize the potential of Knewton Alta in facilitating meaningful learning outcomes for his students.