When thinking about technology breakthroughs, it's not very often that we turn our minds to the classroom, but that's exactly where McGraw-Hill is looking to direct our attention. On Tuesday, the publishing company responsible for textbooks across the country announced its latest collection of tech-friendly study aides.
McGraw-Hill's new group of e-books is called "LearnSmart Advantage," and uses something called adaptive learning to help target student weaknesses as they study. The SmartBook, specifically, is constantly assessing a reader's knowledge, confidence level, and reading patterns in order to re-focus the individual's attention to areas they need to improve in the most. The idea is that not only will students benefit from more focused studying, but that instructors will, too. If students understand basic concepts better before class, then teachers can move more easily into in-depth, high-level discussions.
Not only does the e-book highlight concepts thats students should understand, it also quizzes them through vocalized questions. If they don't answer correctly, the book then takes them to the appropriate reading material.
"Since the launch of LearnSmart in 2009, we've developed a deep understanding of how personalized learning through adaptive technology helps improve student performance," said Brian Kibby, president of McGraw-Hill Higher Education. "Bringing our expertise and proven effectiveness in adaptive learning to new areas of the learning experience represents an enormous opportunity, both for McGraw-Hill Education and students, instructors and institutions across the country."
In addition to the SmartBook e-book, there are three other LearnSmart Advantage products:
LearnSmart Prep - Introductory lessons designed to prepare students before the first day of class. This aide is intended to help with complex classes like Organic Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology.
LearnSmart Labs - A photo-realistic virtual lab that lets students perform experiments virtually rather than in a physical lab.
LearnSmart Achieve - A tutoring product that supplies students with tutoring help like videos, extra reading, and activites tailored towards the student's weaknesses.
All of these aides will be available directly to students for $20. They will run on PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. Check the list below for availability.
LearnSmart: Available immediately across more than 90 course areas.
SmartBook: Available in the spring of 2013 across more than 90 course areas.
LearnSmart Prep: Available immediately across six course areas.
LearnSmart Labs: Available immediately for the following courses: Majors Biology, General Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry and Nutrition.
LearnSmart Achieve: Available in beta in the spring of 2013 across more than 25 course areas.
