Aktiv Learning https://aktiv.com/ Aktivate Student Engagement in STEM Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:12:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://aktiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Aktiv Learning https://aktiv.com/ 32 32 How Aktiv Chemistry Reduces AI Reliance & Builds Student Confidence https://aktiv.com/resources/student-survey-fall-25/ Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:22:51 +0000 https://aktiv.com/resources/the-numbers-are-in-what-students-love-about-aktiv-chemistry/ See why college students say Aktiv Chemistry reduces AI temptation, builds confidence, and improves learning through interactive practice and feedback.

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Across higher education, chemistry instructors are navigating a new challenge: students turning to generative AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to shortcut homework and problem sets. While AI can support learning when used responsibly, many educators worry that overreliance undermines conceptual understanding, confidence, and long-term retention.

To better understand how students are navigating this landscape, we surveyed 1,950 students who used Aktiv Chemistry in the Fall 2025 semester. Their responses tell a clear story: when learning is interactive, scaffolded, and feedback-driven, students stay engaged—and are far less tempted to outsource their thinking to AI tools.

Squash student temptations to use AI in chemistry

Image shows a large 85% with this stat next to it: 85 percent of students said Aktiv Chemistry reduced their temptation to use AI to complete assignments.

One of the most striking findings from the survey: 85 percent of students said Aktiv Chemistry reduced their temptation to use AI to complete assignments. Instead of using AI to desperately search for answers, Aktiv provides real-time guidance that students need to finish the work themselves.

Respondents consistently pointed to four core aspects of Aktiv that helped keep learning authentic and focused:

  • Scaffolded, interactive questions that coach students step by step
  • Personalized learning paths that close individual knowledge gaps
  • Instant feedback that helps students learn from mistakes in real time
  • Extensive practice problems that go beyond a single homework attempt

With Aktiv, there’s less copying answers from AI chatbots. Students are now guided through the process of solving chemistry problems—building understanding along the way.

As one student shared:

“I never felt like I had to use AI to finish assignments or to further understand the concepts I was assigned to practice.”  —Student at Tennessee Technological University

By making thinking visible and progress measurable, Aktiv helps students stay engaged in learning—without taking shortcuts.

From confusion to confidence in chemistry

Image shows a large 95% with this stat next to it: Ninety-five (95) percent of students said Aktiv increased their confidence in understanding chemistry concepts.

Avoiding AI shortcuts is only part of the story. The survey also revealed a powerful impact on student confidence and engagement. Ninety-five (95) percent of students said Aktiv increased their confidence in understanding chemistry concepts. What’s more, 93 percent of respondents believe Aktiv helped to improve their grades.

Students repeatedly highlighted how Aktiv helps them move from memorization to application:

“Really helps me understand what I learned in class and helps me apply it to real problems,” said a student at Grand Valley State University.

“It really did help me so much, especially the practice problems and homework. I can 100% say with confidence that the reason my exam scores are high is because of Aktiv,” shared a student at Augusta University.

Interactive question types play a major role in this confidence boost. Students agreed that Aktiv’s tools helped them learn core chemistry skills, including:

  • Lewis structures (94 percent)
  • Chemical equations (94 percent)
  • Organic chemistry molecular drawing (88 percent)

These question types require students to actively construct, visualize and apply concepts—skills that are difficult to shortcut with AI and essential for exam success.

Where mobile-friendly practice meets immediate feedback

Image includes the following text: Top features, rated by students: 1. Aktiv's extensive practrice problems, 2. Instant feedback and explanations, 3. Clean, simple, easy to navigate interface.

Students were also clear about what they value most in Aktiv: multiple opportunities to practice their understanding paired with immediate, actionable feedback. Around 43 percent of students rated Aktiv’s extensive practice problems as the biggest reason why they enjoyed using the app. More than one-third of students cited Aktiv’s instant feedback and in-depth explanations as one of the items they enjoyed most about the platform.

The ability to practice frequently—and learn from mistakes right away—helps students strengthen retrieval skills and deepen understanding over time. Just as importantly, students value being able to complete their work from anywhere. Aktiv’s mobile app enables students to complete homework, review problems and get targeted feedback during small pockets of time throughout the day—whether they’re commuting to class, studying in between lectures or reviewing in class.

One Drexel University student described the impact clearly:

“Using the Aktiv mobile app was honestly one of the biggest contributors to my success in Chem 101. Being able to work through chemistry problems directly on my tablet made the course so much more manageable and less intimidating. I loved that I could practice anywhere…the instant feedback was a game-changer.”

By combining flexible access with meaningful practice and feedback, Aktiv Chemistry empowers students to do the work themselves—building skills, confidence, and understanding that last far beyond a single assignment.


Ready to see how Aktiv can impact your course—and your students?

Learn more about the features, see a live demo, and get a free instructor playground account with access to the content library.

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Empowered to Learn: an Active Learning Resource https://aktiv.com/resources/empowered-to-learn-an-active-learning-resource/ Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 https://aktiv.com/resources/how-6-educators-use-aktiv-to-drive-student-success/ Discover practical strategies you can bring to your own classroom to boost participation, deepen understanding, and help every student succeed.

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FREE GUIDE

Empowered to Learn:
How Chemistry Professors are Making a
Difference

See how innovative chemistry educators are transforming student outcomes with active learning. Empowered to Learn shares real stories from professors who turned confusion into confidence through hands-on engagement and immediate feedback. 

Discover practical strategies you can bring to your own classroom to boost participation, deepen understanding, and help every student succeed.

Submit the form to download Empowered to Learn.

Featured in this Ebook

Jill Ellenbarger

Associate Professor of Chemistry

John Brown University

Sharon Hamilton

Professor of Organic Chemistry

Ouachita Baptist University

Theodore Alivio

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Nicholls State University

Get Inspired With
Active Learning Strategies

Discover practical strategies you can bring to your own classroom to boost participation, deepen understanding, and help every student succeed.

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A Mole Lot of Fun: The Best Mole Day Ideas to Celebrate Chemistry’s Favorite Holiday https://aktiv.com/resources/mole-day-ideas/ Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000 https://aktiv.com/resources/whats-new-in-aktiv-smarter-tools-for-better-chemistry-learning/ Some might view October 23 as another ordinary day. But for those who teach chemistry, the date is synonymous with Mole Day.

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With midterms and ongoing lectures to prepare, you might wonder if there’s really time for Mole Day celebrations. But taking a moment to celebrate chemistry with your students can actually help break through mid-semester fatigue and boost motivation—without derailing your course plans.

Before we dive into Mole Day activities, let’s unpack what the day really means.

What is Mole Day?

Mole Day is celebrated every year on October 23 from 6:02 AM to 6:02 PM to honor one of chemistry’s most important concepts: the mole. The date and time reference Avogadro’s number (6.02 × 10²³), which indicates how many particles—atoms, ions or molecules—are in one mole of a substance. This quirky holiday is a favorite among chemistry teachers and students, who use it as a chance to run fun experiments, share mole-themed puns, and spark excitement for science. Mole Day reminds us that chemistry isn’t just about equations—it’s about connecting the microscopic world to our everyday lives.

The following ideas blend seamlessly into your existing class structure while giving everyone something to smile about.

Activity #1: Incorporate music into your class

Walking into your classroom on Mole Day should feel special. Research shows that music triggers dopamine release, possibly leading to improved mood and higher motivation—exactly what your students need as the semester picks up intensity.

A chemistry-themed playlist improves the atmosphere and lightens the mood during a demanding part of the term. Line up your playlist as students arrive, during problem-solving sessions, or while they work through lab procedures. 

We’ve done the heavy lifting by curating a Mole Day playlist featuring everything from clever chemistry parodies to surprisingly catchy science songs. Or create your own—your students might be impressed by your music taste.

Activity #2: Start with a Smile

Chemistry jokes are terrible. And that’s exactly why they work. 

Put a chemistry joke on your slides with a problem that reveals the punchline. Students get a quick brain warm-up, you get a few groans and genuine smiles, and everyone starts class in a better headspace. Here are a couple of examples you might use this Mole Day.

What did the student say when told Avogadro’s number was too big to remember?

Clue: Write the chemical formula of the compound formed when bromine reacts with cold, dilute sodium hydroxide, where bromine has been oxidized.

Answer: NaBrO

 

What do chemists love to eat for breakfast on Mole Day?

Clue: Write the symbols for a heavy alkaline-earth metal, ferromagnetic transition metal that is a component in rechargeable batteries, and the main component of Earth’s atmosphere that forms a triple bond with itself.

Answer: Ba Co N

Activity #3: Mole-mentous Facts

End class with rapid-fire Mole Day trivia. Here’s one to start: Avogadro didn’t actually discover Avogadro’s number. Who named it after him?*

Keep it snappy, with a maximum of two or three questions. Right or wrong, everyone gets a small treat: M&Ms or Mounds candy for the mole theme, chemistry-themed pencils, or stickers. The gesture matters more than the prize.

Looking for more Mole Day trivia? Check out the following: The Mole Day Foundation, Scientific American’s “How Was Avogadro’s Number Determined?” and YouTube all offer trivia inspiration.

*Answer: Jean Perrin

 

Celebrate Your Students

Mole Day celebrates more than just a fundamental chemistry constant—it’s a chance to acknowledge your students’ hard work and progress through challenging material. These small moments of recognition and fun help build the kind of classroom culture where curiosity thrives.

Whether you choose music, jokes, trivia, or another activity altogether, you’re creating memories that connect chemistry to joy. And in a subject that can sometimes feel abstract, that human connection makes all the difference.

Need more ideas? The Mole Day Foundation has tons of inspiration to help you make Mole Day memorable for your students. 


Ready to see how Aktiv can impact your course—and your students?

Learn more about the features, see a live demo, and get a free instructor playground account with access to the content library.

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What’s New in Aktiv: Smarter Tools for Better Chemistry Learning https://aktiv.com/resources/whats-new-in-aktiv/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://aktiv.com/resources/the-numbers-are-in-what-students-love-about-aktiv-chemistry/ From AI-powered tutoring to flexible assignments, our platform is always evolving to meet the needs of modern chemistry classrooms.

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At Aktiv, we believe technology should thoughtfully enhance chemistry learning. Check out the exciting new features and enhancements we’ve recently added to the Aktiv platform!

Assignment Deep Linking | March 2025

Easily guide students to their assigned work! Copy and share direct links to any Aktiv course or assignment (yes, even in your LMS), helping students find what they need, faster.

 

Merge Assignments | April 2025

Combine and reuse assignments with ease! You can merge multiple homework assignments into a robust exam prep set, transform in-class problems into a quick quiz, or adapt activities for a shorter term—with just a few clicks. Learn more.

Step-by-Step Math Questions Powered by Ace | May 2025

Offer guided math support, not just answers. Ace, Aktiv’s AI assistant, provides Step-by-Step questions with Socratic feedback throughout. These are automatically included in Readiness study plans for students and the Math Foundations question bank for instructor use. Learn more.

New Readiness Setup Guide | June 2025

Get students ready for success faster than ever! Our new three-step guide helps you choose smart presets that tailor the Readiness diagnostic and study plan to close prerequisite knowledge gaps.

 

Readiness Follow-Up Diagnostic and Reporting | June 2025

Track student performance and visualize their learning gains. After students complete their study plans, a new follow-up diagnostic assesses their understanding. Plus, educators receive actionable reports on individual and class-wide progress.

 

Smarter Question Bank Filters | Coming August 2025

Find the right question, fast. Our updated question bank filters match common search practices, including new fields, tags and icons.

 

Question Versioning Updates | Coming August 2025

Ensure students always learn from the latest, most accurate content. If an Aktiv question is updated in our question bank, it will automatically update across your course—no edits or reassignments needed! Note: This doesn’t apply to questions you author yourself.

 

Step-by-Step Chemistry Questions Powered by Ace | Coming August 2025

Bring the power of AI-guided problem-solving to chemistry. Ace provides Socratic feedback, helping students build essential problem-solving skills by guiding them towards the solution. Plus, students can ask questions and get responses in their preferred language! See an example step-by-step problem in action.


Ready to see how Aktiv can impact your course—and your students?

Learn more about the features, see a live demo, and get a free instructor playground account with access to the content library.

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Top Hat ‘Ace’ joins Aktiv Chemistry, Introducing AI-Powered Problem Solving and Feedback for Student Success https://aktiv.com/resources/ace-ai-joins-aktiv-chemistry/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:58:00 +0000 https://aktiv.com/resources/aktiv-learning-top-hat-transform-stem-education-at-scale/ Ace, Top Hat’s AI assistant, is now available in Aktiv Chemistry to deliver intelligent feedback and personalized study plans to strengthen foundational skills essential for success in chemistry courses

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Toronto – June 26, 2025 Top Hat, the leader in student engagement solutions for higher education, today announced the expansion of its AI-powered teaching and learning assistant, Ace, to the Aktiv Chemistry platform. Known for helping thousands of students build confidence through on-demand study support and unlimited practice across a variety of disciplines, Ace now powers step-by-step tutoring in Aktiv’s Readiness module, which is designed to close knowledge gaps in foundational math and chemistry skills. The initial integration of Ace into the Aktiv experience aims to support improved academic success and reduce DFW rates in gateway chemistry courses.

“First year chemistry often presents a formidable challenge for students that can derail academic momentum or reduce student confidence,” said Maggie Leen, CEO of Top Hat. “By bringing Ace to Aktiv, we’re empowering more students with real-time support and personalized guidance that helps them master essential skills so they can stay on track toward achieving their academic and career goals.”

How Ace Transforms Readiness in Aktiv: Ace in Aktiv Chemistry delivers powerful student-centered features to deepen learning, reduce frustration, and enhance instructor insight:

  • Tailored remediation plans – The Readiness diagnostic evaluates performance on course-specific learning objectives and generates personalized study plans. Step-by-Step problems powered by Ace are now automatically embedded where appropriate, guiding students toward mastery of prerequisite skills.

  • AI-powered feedback that feels human – Ace serves as  a personal tutor, offering respectful, timely feedback that helps students move past roadblocks and build confidence in their own problem-solving abilities.

  • Flexible problem-solving paths – Rather than prescribing steps, Ace is one of the only solutions that supports student agency by allowing learners to choose their own approach, reinforcing correct steps and using the Socratic method to coach them through missteps.

  • Math and chemistry accuracy – Unlike most AI tools, Ace delivers reliable, accurate feedback on math problems, powered by Aktiv’s proprietary computer algebra system.

Aktiv Chemistry provides a proven platform for student success, combining modern tools with personalized feedback. The Readiness module ensures students begin the course with essential math and chemistry foundations through adaptive diagnostics and individualized study plans. With the addition of Ace, students now get on-the-go support that mirrors the guidance of a personal tutor, helping them master prerequisite concepts and gain confidence in their ability to problem-solve independently. Ace for Aktiv represents the first step in bringing more AI-powered capabilities to the platform to benefit both students and educators.

Book a personal demo to see how Ace-powered problem solving in Aktiv Chemistry helps students grow their skills in class and beyond. 

About Top Hat 

As the leader in student engagement solutions for higher education, Top Hat enables educators to employ proven student-centered teaching practices through interactive content and tools enhanced by AI, and activities in in-person, online and hybrid classroom environments. To accelerate student impact and return on investment, the company provides a range of change management services, including faculty training and instructional design support, integration and data management services, and digital content customization. Thousands of faculty at 750 leading North American colleges and universities use Top Hat to create meaningful, engaging and accessible learning experiences for students before, during, and after class.

Contact [email protected] for media inquiries.

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The Numbers Are In: What Students Love About Aktiv Chemistry https://aktiv.com/resources/chemistry-student-survey-2025/ Tue, 27 May 2025 18:34:50 +0000 https://aktiv.com/resources/infographic-how-aktiv-helped-6400-students-reach-their-academic-goals/ Chemistry can be daunting. But as more than 5,300 students can attest, Aktiv Chemistry fueled their motivation and engagement throughout the term.

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There are multiple layers to student success in STEM courses today. Some students might require extra practice to ensure their learning sticks. Others might request opportunities to visualize complex molecular bonds and structures. Yet others may find value in scaffolded activities to reduce frustration and stress. Aktiv Chemistry was designed to eliminate learning barriers with an intuitive and accessible platform.

We recently surveyed 5,301 students across 670 colleges and universities about their experiences using Aktiv Chemistry in the Spring 2025 semester. The feedback received from respondents points to a more positive learning and homework experience, thanks to Aktiv. We uncover more student sentiments below.

Help students visualize their learning

Reading about chemical concepts such as stoichiometry only goes so far in helping students cement their understanding. But when they’re given a chance to draw out and conceptualize the relationship between chemicals, students are more likely to retain what they learn. Case in point: 93 percent of survey respondents agreed or somewhat agreed that Aktiv’s Lewis Structure drawing tool helped support their learning. Another 93 percent of students said the same thing about Aktiv’s chemical equations functionality. It’s clear that learners enjoy being able to practice manipulating structures and visualizing chemical compounds in real time. One student shares the benefit of hands-on learning below.

Image includes a student quote next to an image of the Lewis Structures feature in Aktiv. The quote reads, "“One thing I liked about using Aktiv Chemistry was how interactive and visual the exercises were—it helped me understand tough concepts like molecular geometry and gas laws more clearly.”

Make summative tests less daunting by using frequent formative assessments

Are you met with confused glances from students in your lecture? While it may be normal for learners to be overwhelmed when dealing with new equations, practice quizzes can make all the difference. When students are given frequent opportunities to develop their problem solving skills, they’re naturally able to course correct ahead of a high-stakes test. Aktiv makes it easy for learners to assess their knowledge along the way with more than 20,000 problems available for in-class, homework or extra practice. Aktiv’s Readiness module also provides students with a personalized study plan packed with scaffolding and targeted feedback to reduce future mistakes.

Offering a more active learning experience has paid off in students’ eyes. Ninety-one percent of respondents say that Aktiv Chemistry has helped improve their grades. Even more impressive, ninety-five percent of students say they recommend their instructor to use Aktiv Chemistry again. Below, one respondent shares how Aktiv’s Readiness module helped them get up to speed and confident to tackle chemistry concepts.

Image features a student quote that reads, "“I really liked the remedial questions we would get after we finished the assignment, they were very helpful for my learning.”

Offer regular, in-depth feedback to build up confidence

When students receive a letter grade lower than they had hoped for, it’s common for many to feel defeated. Aktiv’s targeted, personalized feedback breaks down problems into bite-sized pieces that allow students to receive in-the-moment feedback. Whether it’s during or after class, Aktiv’s real-time guidance allows learners to gain a deeper understanding of where they went wrong and how to revise accordingly. Ninety percent of survey respondents stated that Aktiv’s targeted feedback has helped them better succeed in their course. One student shares how below.

The image includes a student quote that reads, “The interactive questions let me know if I got the correct answer right away. I also appreciate the hint/reminder feature that points me in the right direction on how to answer a question.”


Ready to see how Aktiv can impact your course—and your students?

Learn more about the features, see a live demo, and get a free instructor playground account with access to the content library.

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Infographic: How Aktiv Helped 6,400+ Students Reach Their Academic Goals https://aktiv.com/resources/how-aktiv-helped-6400-students-reach-their-academic-goals/ Mon, 23 Sep 2024 04:06:00 +0000 https://aktiv.com/resources/how-to-advance-engagement-and-equity-in-stem/ We asked more than 6,400 students to share the impact that Aktiv Chemistry had on their learning experience. From interactivity to targeted feedback, here's what they said.

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Myth or fact: STEM programs are designed to ‘weed out’ students after their first year. Many faculty and students alike would argue that it’s an unfortunate reality. 

Too often, STEM students struggle to see the broader application of course material, have few opportunities to regularly demonstrate their knowledge and subsequently, aren’t given timely feedback on their progress. Enter Aktiv Chemistry: our intuitive platform designed to reimagine any General Chemistry, Introductory Chemistry, GOB and Organic Chemistry course.

Our survey of more than 6,400 students who used Aktiv Chemistry in Spring 2024 illustrates the value of interactive formative assessment on the overall student experience. Plus, students reflect on the impact Aktiv Chemistry has made on their academic performance.

Interactive learning is the gateway to deeper engagement

85% of students agree that Aktiv made them more engaged and/or interested in their Chemistry.

The value of low-stakes formative assessment can’t be underestimated in STEM. Research shows that students who applied their knowledge and had opportunities to ask questions while working on STEM assignments achieved metacognitive development compared to those who didn’t participate in interactive discussions. Aktiv Chemistry’s intuitive learning platform was designed to reframe mistakes as learning moments. Interactive questions accessible from any laptop or mobile device invite students to practice applying formulas or compounds to new scenarios. 

Offering the ability to assess students beyond multiple choice questions can make a huge impact on their level of engagement. Survey respondents say their success was bolstered by Aktiv Chemistry’s Lewis Structure drawing questions (84 percent), chemical equation questions (82 percent) and nomenclature drawing questions (81 percent).

One student shared the benefit of ditching paper and pencil for Aktiv’s intuitive molecule drawing tool. “I especially liked the ease of constructing the Lewis Structures in my assignments as it was easy to choose the type of atom used, number and types of bonds and it even showed valence and formal charges,” wrote the University of Maryland Baltimore County respondent.

Improving reading completion with integrated Top Hat and OpenStax eTexts

Promoting engagement in lecture or lab is one challenge. Keeping students alert and accountable for their learning outside of class time is another hurdle. Aktiv Chemistry’s integration with four Top Hat Interactive eTexts (available for General and Organic Chemistry courses) ensure students stay on their toes with embedded reading questions, problem solving videos and simulations. As one respondent shares, using a Top Hat Interactive eText has sparked a renewed interest in reading assigned chapters. “Its interactive simulations and virtual experiments can bring chemistry concepts to life in a way that traditional textbooks or lectures cannot,” wrote the Boise State University student. Aktiv Chemistry is also a proud partner of OpenStax, granting students access to free, open resource textbooks across General and Organic Chemistry courses. Explore the 10th edition of John McMurry’s industry-leading Organic Chemistry, packed with practice problems and scaffolded questions.

Aktiv can also be used alongside any publisher text. Textbook content helps instructors scaffold learning even further. By familiarizing themselves with core concepts such as stoichiometry or atomic bonds during readings, students are more likely to feel well-prepared when completing quizzes and homework. “Problems involving drawing out structures were the most helpful when applying my knowledge from in the classroom to the homework,” shares a student from Newport University.

Actionable feedback is key to academic growth88% of students agree that Aktiv’s targeted feedback helped them succeed in their course.

Students want more than a letter grade to refer to when receiving feedback from their instructors. Many look for personalized and actionable feedback that indicates how to close their knowledge gaps for future tests. Targeted feedback like Aktiv Chemistry’s question summaries can help students structure their next study session accordingly. Survey respondents expressed clear value in Aktiv Chemistry’s tailored hints and step-by-step solutions that appear after submitting polls or drawing diagrams. “Knowing immediately whether I got something wrong or right helped me focus on problems and subjects I needed more work on,” a student from Peninsula College says.

Case studies: See how faculty have improved student outcomes by using Aktiv.

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How to Advance Engagement and Equity in STEM https://aktiv.com/resources/stem/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://aktiv.com/resources/auto-draft/ Use these tried-and-true tools to improve equity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Test out these ideas using Aktiv Learning today.

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Science, technology, engineering and math programs have gained new importance in today’s economy

STEM programs are recognized for the technical skills they offer college students. Such courses have since evolved—and gained new importance in preparing tomorrow’s engineers and healthcare professionals for their careers.

Attending biology labs, drawing parabolas and examining various life forms under a microscope were once common activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) classes at colleges and universities. In the 2020s, professors teaching STEM courses were forced to reinvigorate their curriculum with the adoption of virtual learning and e-texts. While STEM-based learning experiences look different, the value that a STEM degree holds today has only gained importance. Below, we highlight the value of STEM degrees in the global economy and how you might reinvent your teaching practices in an increasingly digital-first world. Plus, we share how innovative faculty use Aktiv Learning to support access and equity in education. 

Index

What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym in education that refers to science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses. Classes place emphasis on real-world applications and equip students with the hands-on skills required to successfully navigate the STEM workforce. At the end of their program, students should be able to apply a wide array of transferable skills—including entrepreneurship and problem solving—to their professional roles.1

A breakdown of each focus area

Science

Science-based education focuses on studies of the natural and physical world via experimentation and observation. The work of scientists typically involves writing academic papers and proposals, performing research and delivering findings. On the other hand, scientific technicians often conduct experiments, collect samples and otherwise assist scientists. Science disciplines are categorized by their particular aspect of study, such as:

  • Chemistry
  • Earth science
  • Life science
  • Space science
  • Physics

Technology

Technology-based programs combine work in science and engineering to create computer and information systems. Technical education facilitates communication and typically involves designing, testing, improving and maintaining hardware, software, networks and systems. Technology-heavy disciplines include artificial intelligence, operating systems, robotics, computer science, cryptography and programming.

Engineering

Engineers tackle real-world problems by combining technology, math and science to develop solutions. Engineering work typically involves developing materials, products, structures and systems. Engineering disciplines tend to be categorized by the industry in which they’re applied, like petroleum, textiles or aerospace and include:

  • Civil engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Industrial engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Materials engineering

Math

Programs in the faculty of mathematics employ logical, spatial and numerical relationships to examine and solve problems. Math work provides the technical foundation for the other three STEM domains and typically involves identifying patterns in abstract logic or data. Students can use these patterns to draw conclusions, test relationships and model problems. Common math disciplines include:

  • Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Game theory
  • Geometry
  • Statistics

How STEM works

Developing transferable, 21st-century skills is the main outcome of STEM subjects and curriculum. When in middle school and high school, students have the chance to strengthen their soft skills such as collaboration and communication. In post-secondary education, these skills continue to be refined and put into practice through large-scale projects and assessments. College degrees also stress the importance of preparing students for the real-world STEM workforce and help students sharpen their professional development in this domain.

STEM learning embraces the four Cs that are seen as pillars of a 21st-century education: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication. These four areas are essential for solving complex challenges that employees in STEM-related fields will inevitably face.2 Students learn how to use critical thinking and creative skills to approach problem-solving from a variety of angles. Contrastingly, they learn how to identify errors, collect pertinent data and correctly interpret and apply it to various systems. STEM also teaches students how to develop and source economical solutions, including in unconventional or previously unconsidered ways.

Aktiv Chemistry makes it easy for students to visualize VSEPR models and complex chemical structures. Elaine Bernal, Lecturer in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at California State University, Long Beach, uses the platform to help students see the broader importance of what they’re learning about. “In being able to engage students visually, the platform opens them up to learning more about chemistry. Issues like climate change, global warming, the chemistry of water, real environmental issues. They’re more attuned to that when they see how it works,” she says.

Communication takes place in both oral and written forms in STEM subjects. This includes technical writing, interpersonal communication, public speaking and even teaching, in order to ensure that ideas are effectively translated into action.

STEM programs often incorporate or provide opportunities for internships, research and volunteering to enhance professional development. Internships also help students put their acquired skills and knowledge into practice in their desired field. Here are some reasons why college students may benefit from completing a STEM internship today.

  • Students develop highly marketable skills and expand their resume
  • Students get to sample what a full-time career in their area of interest might be like
  • Students get to network and gain new mentors and connections for future careers

The importance of STEM education

Those in STEM fields play an important role in the growth and stability of the U.S. economy. In our present moment, STEM has gained new importance in order to solve complex problems and challenges that are a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic. STEM education, however, is made up of a predominantly white male demographic. Below, we share a more eye-opening look at the numbers behind student enrollment and demographic statistics. In addition, we offer some techniques to promote STEM equity.

What is equity in education?

Equity in education refers to providing the tailored resources and opportunities that specific students need to reach their full potential. The ultimate goal is to identify, remove and mitigate barriers that prevent students from feeling a sense of belonging or academically excelling. Equity in education involves offering equal opportunity to all students—no matter their race, gender, learning ability or economic status—in order to help them accomplish their academic goals. Regardless of discipline, faculty looking to support equity in education build their lessons with fairness and inclusion in mind.

How to drive engagement and equity in STEM

Maintaining gender diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM involves the collective effort of all college administrators and faculty. Here are some ways institutions must adapt their college outreach to promote equity in STEM:3

  • Give women the skills and confidence to succeed in math and science
  • Improve STEM education and support for girls starting in K-12 education to ensure eligibility in college programs
  • Work to attract, recruit and retain women in STEM majors
  • Improve job hiring, retention and promotion pathways and intentionally inclusive cultures

Professors can also take small steps to ensure equity in the classroom. Here are some tactics worth exploring:

  • Source affordable learning platforms and evaluate the price versus value of assigned course materials
  • Embrace a flipped classroom to allow for more discussion and peer-to-peer support during class time
  • Form diverse teams when assigning group work to ensure no one gets left behind
  • Set flexible due dates or use assignment grace periods to accommodate learners without penalty
  • Incorporate diverse scholars and STEM innovators on your reading list to help students from underrepresented groups feel seen

Affordability is a key way to support access and equity in education. It’s why Brian Woodrum and Brad Bates, chemistry professors at Chandler Gilbert Community College, turned to Aktiv Chemistry. By using Aktiv Chemistry’s integration with OpenStax’s chemistry textbook, the pair have saved Chandler Gilbert’s general chemistry students upwards of $60,000 per year. Better yet, students still get access to a rigorous learning experience directly from the devices they already use. “Aktiv Chemistry is an extremely high-quality product for an extremely great price. It’s fun, easy and the students pick it up really quickly,” shares Bates.

Underrepresentation of women and minority students in STEM

The gender gap is easily seen in STEM majors in higher education. For example, 21 percent of engineering majors are women and only 19 percent of computer science majors are female.4 What’s worse, among Computer Network Architects, women earn more than men—but only represent 8 percent of those within this occupation.5 The underrepresentation of women in STEM-related fields is believed to be a key factor in the prevailing gender pay gap.

The number of male employees who enter STEM fields consistently outweighs their non-white, female counterparts. Their salaries are nearly $15,000 higher per year than women. Contrastingly, Black women in STEM earn around $33,000 less than white males in the same industry.6

Enrollment numbers at postsecondary institutions are overwhelmingly centered around white male students. The Smithsonian Education Center cited that only 3.3 percent of Alaska Natives and Native Americans, 2.7 percent of Blacks and 2.2 percent of individuals who identify as Latinx have a university degree in STEM. Even more concerning, in 2016, the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine reported that historically Black colleges and Latinx-serving institutions experienced lower completion rates in STEM-related majors than in other postsecondary institutions.

But why is equity in STEM so hard to achieve? For starters, it’s because many faculty still view introductory classes as an opportunity to ‘weed out’ poor performing students. Daniel Collins, Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Texas A&M University, advocates for a widespread shift in mindset. “My biggest worry is using the term ‘weed out class.’ That’s not what we’re here to do. When I look at my students, I don’t want them to come to general chemistry and that be the class that says they can’t be an engineer,” Collins says. Aktiv Chemistry has made a noticeable difference on retention rates in Collins’ chemistry courses. Since using the app to serve up problems in class and offer guided, instant feedback, Collins now sees five to seven students dropping his course, compared to 15–25 students before introducing Aktiv.

The government’s commitment to STEM education

STEM is also being prioritized on the governmental level. Former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos developed a comprehensive STEM priority, which was brought to life through numerous grant programs. The programs work to promote student success for global competitiveness “by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.”7

The U.S. government continues to invest in STEM education. In November 2020, the U.S. Department of Education supplied over $578M in research grants to support STEM subjects such as computer science. This is part of the department’s five-year strategy to better prepare students for high-paying, in-demand careers of the 21st-century STEM workforce.7

STEM programs in higher education

Numerous schools and faculties offer noteworthy STEM-related programs that help students earn reputable careers. Here are three institutions in the United States that offer renowned STEM education programs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA

MIT is seen as one of the world’s most reputable research universities. The school has produced almost 100 Nobel laureates. Its 30 departments are divided amongst five schools, three of which focus on STEM-related subjects including architecture and planning, engineering and science.

California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA

The California Institute of Technology (or Caltech) is especially known for its science and engineering programs. Five out of six of Caltech’s academic divisions are STEM-focused, including the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering and the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy.8

Graduates have won Nobel Prizes, developed the silicon chip design, discovered gravitational waves and created the pH meter, among other accomplishments.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has been committed exclusively to STEM-related education since 1874. This private college earned the top spot in the U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of undergraduate education in engineering for two decades and counting. Its notable experimentation facilities include the multidisciplinary Branam Innovation Center, the MiNDS Lab for nanotech and the Oakley Observatory for researching comets, supernovae and star photometry. Rose-Hulman Ventures also highlights some of the many innovations that students produce ranging from respiratory to orthopaedic technology.9

7 techniques to maintain STEM engagement in any modality

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted classes and extracurriculars across the world. As found in many industries, the pandemic only underscored the need for equity in science. Educators and administrators were left with no choice but to find innovative ways to teach complex material online, all while conferring the same skill competency and experience. The move to online and blended STEM courses has come with a new set of challenges—and opportunities—for faculty to face head on.

STEM and in-person learning

When students and instructors are able to meet in person, the opportunities for STEM-related education are virtually unlimited. Immersive learning opportunities, robotics and gamifying the classroom are all parts of in-person STEM learning. A recent survey of college chemistry students who take primarily in-person courses rate in-person lectures (70 percent) and in-class problem solving (68 percent) as two of the most helpful learning activities in their STEM education.

Collaborative learning spaces

Collaborative learning spaces have always been a staple of in-person STEM courses. These interactive classroom spaces help foster greater participation, engagement and creativity among students. In such settings, educators may encourage experimentation and ask questions that are more open-ended than closed-ended. These collaborative spaces designed for open communication align with evidence-based teaching practices found to be more effective in STEM-related education.10

Coding with robots

Robotics is an effective medium for teaching students about coding best practices in STEM education. Robots lend themselves to more engaging and hands-on learning, helping students better absorb, retain and apply information. Robotics extracurricular activities or curriculum allow students to learn:

  • The fundamentals of engineering
  • A basic understanding of technology
  • The science behind mechanical systems and materials
  • Programming concepts and logical applied math
  • Soft skills such as teamwork and problem solving11

Games and competitions

While games and competitions can certainly translate to online settings, there is much to be gained from the visceral experience of engaging in competition with other people in one’s immediate presence. The sheer immediacy and shared energy of the group dynamic that can be hard to replicate in online settings can be employed within in-person settings to help students more fully explore, comprehend and apply complex material.

STEM and online learning

When STEM education moved fully online in 2020, educators and students alike faced a new set of challenges. Relying on technology has lent itself to distractions, while digital learning has made it difficult to interact with professors and peers. Lab-based classes, a staple of many STEM courses, pose significant challenges when it comes to engagement. Some colleges have expanded Wi-Fi hotspot access and laptop lending programs. Teachers have also adopted creative teaching methods and activities to accommodate the remote learning experience.

Mailed lab kits

For labs involving non-hazardous materials and activities, educators can send lab kits to students for them to experiment with at home. Students can demonstrate their understanding of a concept via webcam or can follow along with the professor over a live video feed. This tactic is yet another way to embrace access and equity in education. By mailing materials to students directly, learners can still enjoy hands-on exploration without being required to physically travel to campus.

Research and data analysis

While many activities may not be conducive to distance learning, research and data analysis tasks are ideal for online learning. Provide your students with a dataset and have them analyze it according to a set of rules or logic. You could additionally follow up with a reflection paper to have students hone their writing skills.

Guest lectures

One of the advantages of online teaching is that guests from around the world can join your class session. Scheduling and budgeting also become easier for you or your teaching assistants. Similarly, live webinars can be an effective way to make STEM learning more interactive and engaging. Consider assigning one or two bonus points for each student who attends a webinar.

STEM and blended learning

Made clear in recent years, the most effective learning takes place both in person and online. A blended classroom, where learning is split equally between in person and online spaces, has become the norm as technology continues to adapt and evolve. Professors need to develop methods of teaching effectively in both scenarios to keep learning fresh and engaging, no matter where lessons take place.

One effective way to do this is to incorporate elements of digital learning, such as a research task, in your in-person classes and hands-on experiments. Encouraging experimentation helps push students to explore new and innovative ways to approach problems. Collaborative tasks such as reading a lab manual in pairs and answering pre-lab questions help bridge the gap between in-person and online learning.

Another effective way to embrace blended learning is to flip the classroom. Stephanie Dillon, chemistry professor and Director of Freshman Chemistry Labs at Florida State University, has combined Aktiv Chemistry with Top Hat—the dynamic courseware platform that helps faculty deliver personalized, meaningful and equitable learning—and she’s seen a remarkable decrease in drop rates. Here’s how she uses both platforms in her general chemistry courses.

  • Before class: Students watch pre-recorded lectures in Top Hat. They’re also quizzed on the material covered in video lectures, giving learners an idea of where their own learning gaps are.
  • During class: Students complete homework assignments using Aktiv Chemistry and engage in peer discussion. Support from Dillon, paired with Aktiv’s guided feedback, helps students shore up their knowledge gaps.
  • After class: Students review all homework sets again within Aktiv, allowing for further practice. 

Since combining Aktiv Chemistry with Top Hat, Dillon has reduced her General Chemistry I attrition rate to 9.35 percent. Forty-five percent of her students also received an ‘A’ grade in Fall 2022 compared to 22 percent in Fall 2017. “Students know that you get out of this class what you put in. Half of the class receives an ‘A’ because they truly learned,” she says. Hear from Dillon on the impact both platforms have had on student success.

 

STEM careers

College students with a degree in a STEM-related major have a plethora of career choices to explore. The following list shows a sample of STEM careers in various occupational groups.

  • Management: Architectural manager, engineering manager, computer and information systems manager and natural sciences manager
  • Computers and math: Actuary, computer network architect, computer systems analyst, database administrator, operations research analyst, statistician, and software or web developer
  • Engineering and architecture: Aerospace engineer, agricultural engineer, biomedical engineer, environmental technician, mechanical drafter, surveying and mapping technician
  • Social, physical and life sciences: Food technician, biochemist, biophysicist, conservation scientist, epidemiologist, forensic technician, forester, hydrologist and nuclear technician
  • Training, education and library: Postsecondary teachers in agriculture, architecture, biology, computers, the environment, math and physics
  • Sales: Sales engineers, sales representatives of manufacturing and wholesale scientific or technical products

In today’s global world, STEM careers are more important than ever. The STEM Education Coalition, a nonprofit organization, shows that occupations in STEM fields grew faster than those in non-STEM fields over the last decade by a wide margin. STEM careers grew by 24.4 percent versus four percent for non-STEM jobs.12 The U.S. Department of Commerce also projects an 8.9 percent annual growth rate for STEM careers between 2014 and 2024, versus a 6.4 percent growth rate for non-STEM jobs.

How Aktiv Learning can help STEM educators

Aktiv Learning is an active learning platform that helps students tackle common pain points such as drawing chemical structures, dimensional analysis, nomenclature, equilibrium and more. Here’s how Aktiv’s intuitive interface makes learning more meaningful and supports equity in STEM.

  • Visualize complex topics: Aktiv’s groundbreaking drawing tool lets students build Lewis structures and view VSEPR with its intuitive interface.
  • Provide targeted student feedback: Aktiv’s platform presents step-by-step, detailed solutions that students can view after multiple incorrect responses.
  • Promote learning from any device: Students and instructors can access the Aktiv Learning app from their own mobile devices, improving access and equity in education.
  • Integrate with OpenStax: Aktiv integrates with any free OpenStax General Chemistry title in addition to Top Hat’s dynamic chemistry textbooks. Deepen learning all while supporting equity in science.
  • Grant financial grace periods with ease: Every student in an Aktiv Chemistry or Mathematics course receives a 14-day grace period from the start of the class, ensuring no student falls behind due to financial barriers.

Familiarize yourself with Aktiv’s next-generation platform proven to increase student engagement and outcomes in STEM. Tour the platform today.

References

  1. Hom, E. (2014, Feb. 11). What is STEM Education? Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/43296-what-is-stem-education.html
  2. Brewer, S. (n.d.). STEM and STEAM Education. STEAM Powered Family. https://www.steampoweredfamily.com/education/what-is-stem/
  3. The STEM Gap: Women and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. (n.d.). American Association of University Women. https://www.aauw.org/resources/research/the-stem-gap/
  4. Chapter 2: Higher Education in Science and Engineering. (2018). National Science Board Science & Engineering Indicators 2018. https://nsf.gov/statistics/2018/nsb20181/report/sections/higher-education-in-science-and-engineering/undergraduate-education-enrollment-and-degrees-in-the-united-states
  5. STEM Identity Resources for Women and Girls. (n.d.). College Educated. https://collegeeducated.com/resources/stem-resources-for-women-girls/
  6. There are racial earnings gaps in the STEM workforce for both men and women. (2018). Pew Research Center. https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2018/01/09/women-and-men-in-stem-often-at-odds-over-workplace-equity/ps_2018-01-09_stem_a-09/
  7. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, including Computer Science. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/stem/
  8. Majors & Minors. (n.d.). Caltech. http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/explore/academics/majors-minors
  9. Rose-Hulman Ventures. (n.d.). https://www.rhventures.org/
  10. STEM shifts in higher ed. (n.d.). University Business. https://universitybusiness.com/stem-shifts-in-higher-ed/
  11.  Robotics for STEM Education. (n.d.). Intelitek. https://intelitek.com/stem-education-2/robotics-for-stem-education/
  12. The Case for STEM Education as a National Priority: Good Jobs and American Competitiveness. (n.d.). STEM Education Coalition. http://www.stemedcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Sept-2019-Fact-Sheet-PDF-STEM-Education-Good-Jobs-and-American-Competitiveness.pdf

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5 Reasons Students Love Aktiv Chemistry https://aktiv.com/resources/5-reasons-students-love-aktiv-chemistry/ Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:23:20 +0000 https://aktiv.com/resources/aktiv-top-hat-faq/ Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating great chemistry, so we’re sharing some reasons higher ed chemistry students love Aktiv Learning.

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We surveyed nearly 6,200 students across 446 colleges and universities* about their experiences using Aktiv Chemistry. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’re sharing how learning with the Aktiv platform made these students fall in love with chemistry. 

1.  User-friendly mobile app 

“I LOVED the fact that I could do it on my phone. [It] felt like a game,” gushed one Organic Chemistry student at Texas A&M University. Aktiv Chemistry’s mobile-first design ensures students enjoy the same experience no matter where they learn. The platform was designed to be used on any smartphone and can scale for larger devices like tablets and laptops so students can work while commuting or on-the-go.

2. Makes chemistry less intimidating

Taking chemistry courses can feel overwhelming. Aktiv Chemistry reduces intimidation by increasing engagement, with over 20,000 visual and interactive problems that include novel modules on Lewis structures and VSEPR, dimensional analysis, nomenclature, chemical equations, equilibrium, and other key topics. A General Chemistry student from Oregon State University explained how this helped them: “[Aktiv] really helped me solidify my understanding of different topics, and it made me more comfortable translating what I [saw] in the lectures and read in book to exhibiting what I know because of the interactive problems.” 

3. Builds confidence with personalized feedback

With Aktiv Chemistry, any mistake becomes a learning opportunity. The platform’s chemical intelligence provides immediate, targeted pedagogical feedback which is able to understand not only right or wrong, but where students went wrong—helping them learn the correct way in the moment. A General Chemistry student from Vanderbilt University explains, “I am able to understand different Chemistry concepts because of being given resources and feedback when solving problems in Aktiv.”

4. Interactive homework problems keep students engaged

“I LOVED using Aktiv Chemistry for all of the amazing features such as the different ways to complete problems using [drag-and-drop] and making Lewis structures.” This GOB Chemistry student from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is raving about Aktiv Chemistry’s interactive features that include our intuitive drawing tool. This groundbreaking interface offers scaffolding and allows students to form the connection between the configuration of the structure and its molecular shape, helping them better understand the assignments as they complete them. This complements what students learn in class to ensure they build mastery of each topic.

5. An affordable solution to drive success for all students 

One big thing students adore about Aktiv Chemistry? It’s affordable. “Using Aktiv helped me get a great foundation for Organic Chemistry. I definitely got my money’s worth,” says an Organic Chemistry student at Wilkes University. That’s because affordable textbook options, such as Top Hat eTexts and OpenStax, lower the cost of course materials while increasing the quality of the teaching and learning experience. What’s not to love about that?

Ready to see how Aktiv Chemistry can impact your course—and your students?

Learn more about the features, see a live demo, and get a free instructor playground account with access to the content library.

* Results From Fall 2021 Student Survey

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Aktiv Learning + Top Hat: Transform STEM Education at Scale https://aktiv.com/resources/aktiv-learning-top-hat/ Mon, 05 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000 https://aktiv.com/resources/chem101-is-now-aktiv-chemistry/ Top Hat’s scale and resources will allow us to move even faster to deliver innovation for more chemistry and math courses, as well as more STEM disciplines

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When we founded Aktiv Learning in 2016, we embarked on a mission to lower the barriers to student success in STEM. We began our journey in chemistry an in-class engagement tool designed to help students master Lewis structures and have grown into a comprehensive learning solution that is the Aktiv Chemistry platform today. This Fall, we’ve been incredibly excited to expand our innovative approach and launch our first courses on Aktiv Mathematics.

We have grown tremendously while continuing to innovate in direct response to the teaching and learning challenges faculty have shared with us. I am proud that our platform is now embraced by faculty at over 700 institutions and every day, we remain driven by the same mission we started with in 2016. 

Today marks a new chapter in that mission. 

We are thrilled to announce that Aktiv Learning is being acquired by Top Hat, the leader in student engagement solutions for higher education. 

We are excited about the potential this creates for the Aktiv community — and for STEM instructors and students nationwide. Top Hat’s scale and resources will allow us to move even faster to deliver innovation for more chemistry and math courses, as well as more STEM disciplines. Together, we see many new opportunities to drive improved student outcomes, engagement, and future value. 

While this is an important change, we want to assure our entire instructor and student community that everything continues for courses on the Aktiv platform. Our chemistry and math courses will continue to benefit from the same great technology, work with the same amazing people from the Aktiv team, and receive the same industry-leading support. And, our commitment to affordability and delivering an exceptional experience for you and your students will remain unchanged.

It’s been a privilege and a remarkable journey of building Aktiv with our community. I want to thank our amazing instructors for their invaluable feedback and for trusting us to help more students reap the benefits of a high-quality STEM education. 

I look forward to working with the Top Hat team and can say with confidence that the best is yet to come.

Questions?

For any questions about this exciting announcement, please contact your Aktiv account manager or representative, or reach out to us at [email protected]. Our team is ready to help and support you with anything you and your students need.

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