By Lisa Cantlon, Math Instructor at United Tribes Technical College & Strong Start to Finish Advisory Board Member
Corequisite math courses have become a transformative approach in higher education, enabling students to tackle college-level math while receiving targeted support. For Black, Brown, Asian American and Indigenous, and students with low incomes, co-requisite courses provide an opportunity to build foundational skills and succeed academically. Artificial intelligence-powered tools (AI) have emerged as a powerful resource to bridge this gap, offering personalized, adaptive and scalable solutions to enhance learning outcomes.
The Role of AI in Education
It is important for educators to guide students through the proper use of AI-powered tools to enhance their academic potential. AI-powered tools can help educators create personalized, responsive and data-informed learning environments. They are particularly impactful in addressing the needs of students or educational disparities. In corequisite math courses, AI-powered tools can bridge the gap between varying levels of preparedness and empower students to succeed.
AI systems can analyze patterns in student performance to identify those at risk of falling behind. Predictive analytics enable educators to intervene early, providing targeted support before students face academic crises. This proactive approach ensures that no student is left behind, particularly those who might hesitate to seek help. Building on its ability to address diverse learning needs, AI-powered tools can revolutionize how we approach math education, particularly in corequisite courses.
How AI Can Transform Math Education
AI-powered tools have the capacity to enhance the pedagogy of the math classroom by providing innovative solutions to personalizing the experience for students. One of the most significant benefits of AI adaptive learning systems is their ability to assist instructors in designing instruction that can meet the distinctive needs of each student in the classroom. Educators can use AI-powered tools to develop more personalized learning paths for students. AI-powered tools can provide immediate feedback to students on assignments and quizzes. The tools can be accessed when students need additional assistance outside of the classroom environment. Students often share that they understand the concepts in class but are unable to remember how to solve the problems at home. Accessing assistance through AI-powered tools can benefit them in completing assignments. This personalized approach is particularly beneficial for Black, Brown, Asian American and Indigenous, and students with low income, who may need specific learning supports. By meeting students where they are, AI-powered tools can reduce the likelihood of frustration and boosts confidence in students.
One of the AI-powered tools that us faculty at United Tribes Technical College utilize in math classes to focus on student’s strengths is ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces). ALEKS is a robust online platform designed to enhance math learning through personalized instruction and real-time assessment. identify strengths and gaps in their understanding of the concepts. The data is used to create a targeted learning plan tailored toward individual needs. ALEKS allows for timely feedback focused on building student confidence. Instructors have access to real-time reports, which include insights about student progress, time spent on tasks and topic mastery. By blending ALEKS with traditional instruction, the math class can become a dynamic learning environment that caters to individual needs, builds confidence and ensures all students achieve their full potential.
ALEKS is just one of the AI-powered tools used in the math classroom. We have embraced other adaptive learning platforms such as Khan Academy to access student’s strengths and weaknesses. AI-powered tutoring systems such as Socratic and Photomath allow students to get assistance with problems outside of the classroom setting. Prodigy Math adds a gamification element to learning math by engaging students in interactive problem-solving scenarios. By incorporating these tools, educators can create a more dynamic and supportive learning environment tailored to individual students’ needs.
One of the most significant benefits of AI in education is its ability to tailor learning experiences. AI-powered tools can help educators design and deliver culturally relevant materials that resonate with diverse student populations. By incorporating real-world examples, contexts, and applications that reflect students’ backgrounds and experiences, AI-powered tools make math more relatable and engaging. AI-powered tools can offer contextualized learning that not only enhances comprehension but also demonstrates the practical value of math in everyday life.
A Path Forward
AI-powered tools have the potential to revolutionize math education, making it more equitable, engaging and effective for Black, Brown, Asian American and Indigenous, AI-powered tools can help these students build the confidence and skills needed to succeed in higher education and beyond.
To realize this potential, collaboration among educators, policymakers and technology developers is essential. Together, they can create a future where every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive in math and achieve their academic dreams. Educators can begin by exploring AI-powered tools like ALEKS, while policymakers invest in training programs to equip teachers with the skills to use these technologies effectively.
