Acquisition will allow the new company to expand offerings, student reach
(NEW YORK, August 20, 2015) — A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that was incubated within education technology company Amplify was acquired this summer by investors and rebranded as Edhesive. Edhesive, which offers an online AP Computer Science course to high schools that is a blended model of online learning and inperson coaching, was spun out of Amplify on July 6th in order to meet the growing demand for computer science education.
According to Code.org, roughly 90 percent of schools do not offer computer science classes — despite the fact that the technology sector will create about one million U.S. jobs requiring computer science skills.
“Amplify realized how much potential this uniquely structured course had, but couldn't give it the room to grow in the midst of other changes,” said Emily Grad, CEO of Edhesive. “Given the results we saw in our pilot year, it was clear that this was a valuable educational resource worth pursuing on a larger scale.”
In its pilot year, students from 53 high schools in 33 states participated in the MOOC, resulting in a retention rate up to 24 percent higher than the average MOOC, which can see an attrition rate as high as 98 percent. Grad adds that one of the reasons Edhesive’s course has been so successful is that it does not require a school to have a computer science teacher on staff, making it possible to bring 21st century skills to students on a statewide level.
For example, Delaware offered the course to every qualified student in the state, making up part of the 2,000 students in 36 states who have taken the class. “I love that there is one place to go for resources and coaching assistance if I truly need it,” said Jacques Bowe, a library assistant at Sussex Technical School in Delaware. “I can assess [and] then immediately use the resources to assist students. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be...a part of something so exciting and gratifying.”
Edhesive, which is offered at an affordable cost, saw notable results in its pilot year that have continued into its second year. Preliminary results from the 2015 exam were overwhelmingly positive: on average, students earned a 3.0. — a passing score that can count toward college credits. Official numbers on how many of Edhesive’s students took the AP Computer Science A Exam and how they performed will be released in September.
The course, which is aligned specifically to College Board’s Advanced Placement Computer Science A Exam, is led by awardwinning master computer science teacher Rebecca Dovi, who has more than 15 years of experience. Enrollment is now open, with no deadline to sign up. For students and administrators interested in learning more about the course, visit Edhesive’s contact page.
About Edhesive
Edhesive, formerly known as Amplify MOOC, brings AP Computer Science education to schools across the country in a way that is effective, affordable and easy to adopt. Edhesive’s blend of highquality online instruction from recognized experts and inperson coaching keeps students motivated and engaged, offering a complete curriculum with all the support schools need to accredit and guide students. To learn more about Edhesive, visit our website
“Amplify realized how much potential this uniquely structured course had, but couldn't give it the room to grow in the midst of other changes,” said Emily Grad, CEO of Edhesive. “Given the results we saw in our pilot year, it was clear that this was a valuable educational resource worth pursuing on a larger scale.”
In its pilot year, students from 53 high schools in 33 states participated in the MOOC, resulting in a retention rate up to 24 percent higher than the average MOOC, which can see an attrition rate as high as 98 percent. Grad adds that one of the reasons Edhesive’s course has been so successful is that it does not require a school to have a computer science teacher on staff, making it possible to bring 21st century skills to students on a statewide level.
For example, Delaware offered the course to every qualified student in the state, making up part of the 2,000 students in 36 states who have taken the class. “I love that there is one place to go for resources and coaching assistance if I truly need it,” said Jacques Bowe, a library assistant at Sussex Technical School in Delaware. “I can assess [and] then immediately use the resources to assist students. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be...a part of something so exciting and gratifying.”
Edhesive, which is offered at an affordable cost, saw notable results in its pilot year that have continued into its second year. Preliminary results from the 2015 exam were overwhelmingly positive: on average, students earned a 3.0. — a passing score that can count toward college credits. Official numbers on how many of Edhesive’s students took the AP Computer Science A Exam and how they performed will be released in September.
The course, which is aligned specifically to College Board’s Advanced Placement Computer Science A Exam, is led by awardwinning master computer science teacher Rebecca Dovi, who has more than 15 years of experience. Enrollment is now open, with no deadline to sign up. For students and administrators interested in learning more about the course, visit Edhesive’s contact page.
About Edhesive
Edhesive, formerly known as Amplify MOOC, brings AP Computer Science education to schools across the country in a way that is effective, affordable and easy to adopt. Edhesive’s blend of highquality online instruction from recognized experts and inperson coaching keeps students motivated and engaged, offering a complete curriculum with all the support schools need to accredit and guide students. To learn more about Edhesive, visit our website
