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Back to Research An In-Depth Exploration of Mathematics Teaching Tools: Practical Insights for Educators Jennifer Vradenburgh, Cynthia L. Blitz, & David J. Amiel In an era where digital technology has transformed mathematics education, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, educators face the challenge of selecting and implementing effective online learning tools. This comprehensive research presents findings from an in-depth exploration of five widely used mathematics teaching platforms: ALEKS, Beast Academy, DreamBox, IXL, and Khan Academy. Conducted by seasoned educators and educational researchers, the study combines systematic information gathering with educator-informed analysis to provide practical guidance for classroom integration. The research covers both logistical considerations such as pricing, technical requirements, and accessibility, as well as instructional design elements including scope and sequence, lesson formats, and assessment strategies. Each platform is examined through a structured framework that facilitates direct comparisons while highlighting unique features and strengths. The study reveals how these tools support blended learning environments through various approaches to adaptivity, student engagement, and personalized instruction. ALEKS emphasizes AI-driven diagnostics and frustration-free learning, while Beast Academy uses a graphic novel format for younger students. DreamBox focuses on gamified standards-aligned instruction, IXL provides comprehensive skill-building with real-time diagnostics, and Khan Academy offers free video-based instruction across all grade levels. The paper emphasizes that effectiveness depends significantly on matching tools to specific classroom goals, contexts, and student populations, providing educators with valuable perspectives for both selecting new resources and optimizing tools already in use. June 2025 17th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (EDULEARN) DOI: 10.21125/edulearn.2025.1577 A comprehensive exploration of five widely used mathematics teaching tools providing educators with practical insights for selecting and integrating digital resources effectively. Citation Vradenburgh, J., Blitz, C. L., & Amiel, D. J. (2025). An In-Depth Exploration of Mathematics Teaching Tools: Practical Insights for Educators. Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies , 6415–6420. https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2025.1577 View Online Download PDF Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Back to Research A Researcher Practitioner Partnership: The Computer Science Teaching & Learning Collaboratory Cynthia L. Blitz, Vivian Allen, & David J. Amiel This presentation discussed the Computer Science Teaching and Learning Collaboratory (CS-TLC), a researcher-practitioner partnership (RPP) funded by the National Science Foundation. The CS-TLC brings together educators, administrators, university faculty, and community partners to address shared challenges in computer science education through collaborative professional development, research, and evaluation. The presentation highlighted the partnership's structure, professional learning opportunities including face-to-face summer institutes and monthly virtual sessions, and its focus on building pedagogical content knowledge among CS educators while promoting equity and inclusion in computer science education. Key outcomes presented include increased teacher self-efficacy, improved instructional practices, and enhanced student engagement and achievement in computer science courses. June 2020 2020 Pennsylvania Computer Science For All Summit Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA This presentation discussed the CS Teaching and Learning Collaboratory, an NSF-funded researcher-practitioner partnership that brings together educators and university partners to improve CS education. Citation Blitz, C. L., Allen, V., & Amiel, D. J. (2020, June 24). A Researcher Practitioner Partnership (RPP): The Computer Science Teaching & Learning Collaboratory [Conference presentation]. 2020 Pennsylvania Computer Science For All Summit, Harrisburg, PA. https://www.pattan.net/Events/On-line-Courses/Course-2736/Events/Session-34589 View Online Download PDF Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Back to Resources Computing Concepts: A Four-Part Professional Development Video Series for Middle School Educators At-your-own-pace video modules in this four-part professional development series include: Impacts of Computing, Networks, The Internet, and Protocols. Suggested Citation Computing concepts: A four-part professional development video series for middle school educators . Rutgers University Center for Effective School Practices. (2021, August). https://cesp.rutgers.edu/resource/ms-cs-video-series Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices created this four-part professional development video series, titled Computing Concepts, as a component of its multiyear project Extending the CS Pipeline: Enhancing Rigor and Relevance in Middle School Computer Science Education, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Each module is described here with a link to the online video published on the center’s YouTube channel. Further below, you will find four separate video players that allow you to watch the videos on this webpage. Module 1: Impacts of Computing Considers the impact of computing on education. What do we see computer science as? What are its positive and negative impacts? How does this affect the digital divide? How it might affect the future? Module 2: Networks Explores networks, computer systems, and the internet. What is a network? What are the different types of networks? How are computer devices connected on a network, and how do they communicate with each other? Module 3: The Internet Presents the internet as a massive network of networks and focuses on packets, redundancy (reliability), and routing. Module 4: Protocols Examines the role of protocols as the rules that govern the internet and the “World Wide Web” and the role of protocols in transmitting data across networks. Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Back to Our People Solangel Troncoso, Ph.D. Research Associate e : p : solangel.troncoso@gse.rutgers.edu (732) 564-9100 x10 Download CV Education : Ph.D., Psychology, Women’s and Gender Studies; University of Michigan M.S., Psychology; University of Michigan B.A., Psychology, Women’s and Gender Studies; Rutgers University Affiliations : American Psychological Association (APA) Biographical Highlights ￫ Mixed-methods researcher with expertise in qualitative and quantitative approaches to studying equity and access in education ￫ Experienced in program evaluation, family and community engagement, and applied research that informs practice and policy ￫ Published scholar with peer-reviewed articles on gender, adolescent development, and resilience factors contributing to academic success Solangel Troncoso is a Research Associate at Rutgers CESP, where she contributes to applied research and community-engaged initiatives with a focus on advancing educational excellence for all learners. At CESP, she supports resource curation, development, and the provision of high quality technical assistance within the BRIDGE initiative as well as conducting qualitative research that centers the perspectives of learners, educators, and community members. Solangel has a strong background in mixed-methods research, program evaluation, and family and community engagement. She has experience in research design, participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis, and has published in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to gender, adolescent development, and educational equity. Her work has included qualitative studies on parent-adolescent communication among Latino youth and research examining resilience factors that contribute to academic success. Prior to joining CESP, Solangel worked with education access organizations in New Jersey, where she supported students and families in navigating academic opportunities and college readiness. Solangel holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan, where she also earned her M.S. in Psychology. She completed her B.A. in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies at Rutgers University.

Back to Our People Teresa G. Duncan, Ph.D. President & Founder e : p : Download CV Education : Affiliations : Biographical Highlights Dr. Duncan has more than 30 years of post-doctoral research experience in applied research and evaluation. Her methodological expertise is in experimental and quasi-experimental designs, program evaluation, survey development, and applied educational and psychological measurement. As an educational psychologist, Dr. Duncan is interested in teaching and learning from pre-K to 16; her content area expertise is in the areas of teacher professional development and student learning, cognition, and achievement, including interventions for at-risk students.

Back to Our People Anna Lasek Communications Assistant e : p : cesp@gse.rutgers.edu (732) 564-9100 x10 Download CV Education : B.A., Comparative Literature/Political Science; Rutgers University, 2025 Affiliations : Biographical Highlights Anna Lasek is a double major in Comparative Literature and Political Science with a minor in Russian Literature at Rutgers University. As a Communications and Resource Development Assistant at Rutgers CESP, Anna develops blog posts and manages social media content to package instructional resources for educators, ensuring their accessibility and practical application. Throughout her time at Rutgers, Anna has actively engaged in various roles within Student Affairs. She serves as a Student Pedagogical Partner Fellow at the Institute for Teaching, Innovation, and Inclusive Pedagogy, where she conducts classroom observations and provides feedback to enhance teaching practices. Additionally, Anna has experience as a Resident Assistant, RU FIT and FIGS Peer Instructor, and Editorial Intern at Rutgers University Press. She is also a member of the School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program and has contributed to the program's blog. Anna is involved with the Institute for Women's Leadership (IWL) as a Leadership Scholar. In her free time, Anna enjoys reading and playing volleyball. She is a member of Girl Gains, a weightlifting organization dedicated to empowering women. Anna is also an alumna of North Arlington High School in New Jersey. After completing her undergraduate studies in May 2025, Anna plans to pursue a master's degree in College Student Affairs.

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Back to Our People Maria Salinas Founder & CEO e : p : Download CV Education : Affiliations : Biographical Highlights Maria Salinas is an experienced project manager and dissemination practitioner. Over the past 20 years, she has led dissemination and community engagement for various multi-year projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education, HHS, CDC, pharmaceutical, and energy efficiency clients. Her dissemination and project management skills include oversight of multiple projects with cross-functional, distributed teams. She has been particularly adept at leading and coordinating multi-agency resources and establishing effective communication between clients, subcontractors, grantees, and related stakeholders for maximum program effectiveness. She has assisted local and national programs develop goals, implementation plans, communication and dissemination plans, and integrate research and evaluation findings into program development.

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Back to Our People Daryl Detrick CS Educator & Advocate e : p : Download CV Education : Affiliations : Biographical Highlights Daryl Detrick is a passionate computer science educator and advocate for K–12 technology learning. Currently teaching at Warren Hills Regional High School, he’s well known for his innovative approach to curriculum design and for inspiring students to explore the world of computer science. In addition to his classroom role, Daryl serves as the Director for CS4NJ, where he helps shape statewide initiatives aimed at broadening access to quality CS education. His commitment to excellence has also earned him recognition as Warren County Teacher of the Year for 2022–23, underscoring his impact on both his students and the broader educational community.