Classroom Pulse

It can be difficult for teachers to handle varying skill levels in a classroom equitably. Using dynamic testing, Pulse allows teachers to track progress disparities and plan/assign work accordingly.

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Inspiration

We were inspired by a collective desire to increase equity in education by tackling the problems that arise from varying skill levels in the classroom. Solving this problem could prevent students from falling behind, and could also prevent students from becoming bored due to incompatibility with the pace of a class. A solution would, in addition, reduce stress on teachers and increase their ability to plan and lecture effectively.

What we learned

During the project, we learned how to translate mathematical models of knowledge states into real-life applications for learning. Some of us are experienced in web development, while others had little/no experience in it, so we all got the ability to learn and practice it. We also got to experience the process of building something from start to finish while communicating technical and mathematical ideas effectively.

How we built the project and challenges

We built the project using standard client and server-side web development tools, and based the testing algorithm around existing hidden Markov models used in psychology. We researched somewhat-similar educational tools that failed to deliver in certain, essential ways, so we could better understand how to build a truly effective solution. Overall, the process consisted of a feature design phase, UI layout phase, and then frontend development in conjunction with backend development.

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