Inspark Smart Courses

  • Published by Inspark Science Network
Last evaluated
10/30/2023

Inspark operates out of Arizona State University's new Learning Enterprise and is a global network of educators creating and sharing next-generation courseware. We support a consortium of over 100 institutions and collaborate with partners such as CMU, OSU, NAU to develop high quality content. The resources are available to adopt as-is or adapt using our open source platform. Inspark was created out of a $4.5M Next-Generation Courseware Challenge Gates Foundation grant and is supporting a $3.4M Dept. of Education OER grant called OpenSkill. The offerings are simulation-based and use a narrative arc in the curriculum to keep students motivated.


How CourseGateway Reviews Products

Reviews are established through an evaluation process applied to each courseware product.

How CourseGateway Reviews Products

Reviews are established through an evaluation process applied to each courseware product.

10/30/2023

Overall

Overall

InSpark Smart Courses excels in terms of accessibility, with a notable emphasis on accessible functionality and supplier accessibility maturity, resulting in a high average accessibility score. However, there's room for improvement in evidence across institution types and research design support in the efficacy category. In the equity aspect, it demonstrates strength in design and product development, learning activities, and student support, contributing to a solid overall equity score. Functionality is respectable, with noteworthy scores in adaptivity, evidence-based teaching practices, and usability. System capabilities show potential in content management and course administration, but data access, data privacy, and ownership could be enhanced. Overall, InSpark Smart Courses offers a platform with strong accessibility features and a commitment to equity, making it a valuable choice for educators and students seeking inclusive learning experiences.  

Product Review Scale: 
0 - No Evidence; 1 - Minimum Evidence; 2 - Moderate Evidence; 3 - Significant Evidence

Products listed on the CourseGateway site are reviewed by a trusted Product Advisory Board and higher education professionals. 

Overall

InSpark Smart Courses excels in terms of accessibility, with a notable emphasis on accessible functionality and supplier accessibility maturity, resulting in a high average accessibility score. However, there's room for improvement in evidence across institution types and research design support in the efficacy category. In the equity aspect, it demonstrates strength in design and product development, learning activities, and student support, contributing to a solid overall equity score. Functionality is respectable, with noteworthy scores in adaptivity, evidence-based teaching practices, and usability. System capabilities show potential in content management and course administration, but data access, data privacy, and ownership could be enhanced. Overall, InSpark Smart Courses offers a platform with strong accessibility features and a commitment to equity, making it a valuable choice for educators and students seeking inclusive learning experiences.  

Product Review Scale: 
0 - No Evidence; 1 - Minimum Evidence; 2 - Moderate Evidence; 3 - Significant Evidence

Products listed on the CourseGateway site are reviewed by a trusted Product Advisory Board and higher education professionals. 

Accessibility

3 / 3
Average Accessibility Rating

Accessibility

3 / 3
Average Accessibility Rating

3 / 3
Average Accessibility Rating

Accessible Functionality
Documenting Product Accessibility
Supplier Accessibility Maturity

Efficacy

2.5 / 3
Average Efficacy Rating

Efficacy

2.5 / 3
Average Efficacy Rating

2.5 / 3
Average Efficacy Rating

Case Studies
Evidence Across Institution Types
Research design support
Rigorous Methodologies
Third-Party Efficacy Research

Equity

2.5 / 3
Average Equity Rating

Equity

2.5 / 3
Average Equity Rating

2.5 / 3
Average Equity Rating

Design and Product Development
Language
Learning Activities
Outcomes
Student representation
Student Supports

Functionality

2 / 3
Average Functionality Rating

Functionality

2 / 3
Average Functionality Rating

2 / 3
Average Functionality Rating

Adaptivity
Communication and Collaboration
Customization
Enables evidence-base teaching practices
Learner Guidance
Measurement and Structure
Usability

Systems Capabilities

1.5 / 3
Average Systems Capabilities Rating

Systems Capabilities

1.5 / 3
Average Systems Capabilities Rating

1.5 / 3
Average Systems Capabilities Rating

Content Management
Course Administration
Data Access
Data as Support
Data Privacy and Ownership
Third-Party Applications

CourseGateway Reviews

All of the products listed on the CourseGateway site are reviewed by a trusted Product Advisory Board and additional courseware users. A governance board oversees the review process followed by our reviewers.

CourseGateway Reviews

All of the products listed on the CourseGateway site are reviewed by a trusted Product Advisory Board and additional courseware users. A governance board oversees the review process followed by our reviewers.

Courses

Introductory Anatomy & Physiology
Introductory General Biology
Introductory General Chemistry
Introductory Physics
Disciplines

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Political Science
Sociology
LMS Integrations

Blackboard
Brightspace
Canvas
Moodle
Sakai
Schoology

How CourseGateway Reviews Products

Reviews are established through an evaluation process applied to each courseware product.

How CourseGateway Reviews Products

Reviews are established through an evaluation process applied to each courseware product.