EdTech: Adaptive Learning Goes to College

Translated by Nina Fink, Sophie Blitman Publié le
EdTech: Adaptive Learning Goes to College
Paris-Descartes University has tested Domoscio's software in a French expression class which prepares high school graduates for college. // ©  Camille Stromboni
French EdTech startup Domoscio has its eyes on the prize. Its goal is to rival Knewton, the American leader in adaptive learning. After making its official debut, the company formed its first university partnership with Paris-Descartes University.

Adaptive learning is growing fast in the U.S. The educational method promotes teaching to individual needs, in terms of both content and speed. Some see it as the education of the future. Knewton has quickly become the leader in a field that combines cognitive science, psychology, learning education and artificial intelligence.

Over in France, Domoscio offers both adaptive learning and learning consolidation. One algorithm enables educators to assess students' knowledge via a placement test then select content accordingly. Another algorithm quizzes students to measure content assimilation and consolidation.

Domoscio in the Classroom

Paris-Descartes University is among the French startup's first clients. The school has tested the software in a French expression class in its new Paréo program, which prepares high school graduates for college. Paréo's Educational Coordinator Marion Petipré notes, "People say that digital tools are second nature to digital natives. That may be true when they're having fun but not necessarily when they're studying."

Descartes has used Domoscio in conjunction with writing workshops. "Classroom learning remains essential. Digital tools can correct mistakes but students don't always apply what they've learned," underscores Petipré. It is up to teachers to identify students' weak points and send them the appropriate exercises.

Onward and Upward

Domoscio charges based on the number of reminders it sends out per student per month. High-volume discounts are available. For Petipré, "Their pricing policy isn't aggressive. It costs us around 30 to 50 cents per student per month." She adds, "They really spent time on the Moodle plug-in."

Domoscio has roughly a dozen non-academic clients. "We hope to find balance in 2016 by reaching our revenue goal of €300 thousand. We feel confident," states Co-Founder Ivan Ostrowicz, who reports receiving demo requests "at least once a day." Co-Founder Benoît Praly says, "Our community is growing. Knewton raised €155 million in the U.S. We have a ways to go but we're catching up."

Read the article (in French)

Translated by Nina Fink, Sophie Blitman | Publié le