OATutor is an open-source adaptive tutoring system built on Intelligent Tutoring System principles. Designed to enhance student learning, OATutor tailors problem-solving pathways to each student’s unique needs, offering personalized guidance and real-time feedback. We strive to empower teachers to create dynamic, individualized learning experiences, helping students master challenging concepts at their own pace. Successfully deployed in seven Algebra classrooms at a community college for over six terms, OATutor provides an intuitive platform that seamlessly integrates adaptive learning into everyday lessons, making personalized education accessible to all.
Using a scaffolding approach, OATutor breaks down complex problems into multiple steps, with hints available upon request to guide students through problem-solving.
OATutor adapts to each student’s learning pace using Knowledge Tracing, an advanced algorithm that estimates cognitive mastery for individual skills. OATutor adjusts the difficulty and number of practice problems based on each student’s mastery level, and advances them when they are ready.
Students receive instant feedback after submitting their answers, helping them understand mistakes in real time.
OATutor lessons can be integrated into Canvas as assignments or modules. Instructors can select their desired lesson per assignment.
%201.png)
The Canvas teacher dashboard provides detailed insights into student work and interaction with a lesson, including answers they inputted, hints they used, and how much time they spent on individual problems.
OATutor’s current problem library includes a comprehensive collection of math problems, with a focus on algebra, sourced from open-license textbooks such as OpenStax Elementary Algebra and Intermediate Algebra.
Prof. Alexander Paulin has observed that many students were struggling with certain prerequisite topics throughout the course
We developed custom prerequisite mastery content in OATutor. This included authoring 110 targeted questions spanning 10 lessons, covering topics such as Exponents/ Logarithms, Inequalities, Composition of Functions, Geometry in Algebra etc.
A/B test different variants of the system across lessons in the class and evaluate learning gains in the A/B groups for comparison.
Stoichiometry: Compare OATutor manual hints to a control group (no hints)
Quantum Mechanics: Compare ChatGPT-generated hints to OATutor's manual hints
Thermodynamics: Compare ChatGPT-generated hints and questions to OATutor's manual hints with questions from OpenStax
OATutor can be integrated into Canvas, allowing you to create assignments directly within the platform. Whether you are setting up anew course or adding adaptive learning to an existing one, Read our step-by-step guides to help you get started, along with important compliance information.
You can access all our guides here: