The ACODE TEL (Technology Enhanced Learning) Showcase is an extension of the ACODE/Pearson Innovation in TEL Awards, and provides the opportunity for ACODE Member nominees to articulate and disseminate in-practice innovation within the Australasian Higher Education Sector.
2024 Winner – Cogniti.ai
University of Sydney
Cogniti, an AI platform developed at the University of Sydney, has proven to be a game-changer in education, with significant impact both locally and globally. The platform, which integrates seamlessly with Learning Management Systems (LMS) via LTI, has been adopted by 58 institutions, demonstrating its scalability and flexibility.
Cogniti’s user-friendly interface has empowered educators and alleviated concerns about AI use, making it easier for institutions to incorporate this technology into teaching and learning practices. The platform’s open-source codebase, available for free, fosters collaboration and supports its sustainability across a growing network of partner institutions.
The evidence speaks for itself, with both qualitative and quantitative data highlighting its positive impact on student success. In fact, nearly half of the students in a recent cohort voluntarily engaged with the AI for feedback, showing how this tool supports an iterative learning process that improves outcomes.
While the platform’s cost-effective nature and widespread adoption are impressive, there are ongoing conversations about its long-term financial sustainability. However, the strong support from academic staff, reflected in high user satisfaction scores and endorsements, suggests that Cogniti is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of AI in education.
Cogniti’s success story showcases the transformative potential of AI in education, and its continued growth promises to revolutionize how students and educators engage with learning technologies.
Academic Feedback:
Cogniti has received strong support from educators, who have praised its user-friendly design and the ability to quickly build and deploy AI agents without needing technical expertise. Teachers appreciate the platform’s flexibility, allowing them to create AI agents tailored to specific course content and pedagogical goals. Feedback from academics highlights the tool’s accessibility and its ability to empower educators to use AI effectively in their teaching.
Student Feedback:
Students have responded positively to Cogniti, particularly for its ability to provide timely, 24/7 feedback. In one example, 48% of students engaged with an AI agent for feedback on reflective writing, leading to significant improvements in their work. Additionally, in a nursing cohort, 70% of students saw an increase in test scores after using the platform. Students have expressed a strong preference for continuing to use AI tools like Cogniti in future studies.
Team and Sustainability:
Cogniti’s team, composed of experienced academic developers and educational designers, has built a platform that ensures long-term sustainability. The platform’s design facilitates quick onboarding and continued use, even with staff mobility. By fostering cross-institutional collaboration, Cogniti supports the sharing of best practices and ensures its resources are adaptable across diverse educational contexts. Its cloud-based infrastructure allows for seamless scaling, ensuring its continued viability as usage grows.
Highly Commended – Passport to Maths
Monash College
The Passport to Math application has garnered significant attention for its focus on numeracy, a critical area in student education. Its potential to improve student retention has been highlighted as one of its key strengths, offering targeted support where it is needed most. The platform’s focus on specific pedagogical benefits has also been praised, although some have noted that its application may be more relevant in certain areas of study rather than across all disciplines.
While the Passport to Math application has received recognition for its targeted impact, its sustainability and long-term impact are still being evaluated. Despite this, its strong focus on numeracy and student outcomes earned it a highly commended award, reflecting its potential to make a lasting difference in the education sector.
Academic Feedback:
The Passport to Maths (P2M) initiative has received positive academic feedback for its ability to enhance student learning in mathematics. By integrating personalized learning pathways and learning analytics, the initiative has improved student preparedness and performance. Faculty involvement in developing Maths Learning Progressions (LPs) helped establish a developmental approach that goes beyond content delivery, focusing on capability building. Additionally, the use of the STACK assessment platform and lightboard technology has empowered educators to create flexible, engaging learning experiences. The teacher adoption of these tools is growing, as seen with STACK training sessions, which were well-received by teaching staff.
Student Feedback:
Students have shown strong engagement with the P2M initiative, with noticeable improvements in academic performance, retention rates, and learning outcomes. Personalized support, such as Needs Analysis Tests (NATs) and targeted online modules, helped them bridge knowledge gaps and improve scores. For example, in 2024, students who engaged with the initiative saw a 19% increase in performance and an 11% improvement compared to historical averages. Students also appreciated the self-study modules and interactive content, which were directly tied to their learning needs. Many students expressed that the personalized feedback and 24/7 access to resources provided them with much-needed support, making learning more flexible and effective.
Team and Sustainability:
The P2M initiative was developed by a collaborative team of subject matter experts (SMEs) and the Learning Design and Digital Innovation Team, showcasing a strong academic and operational partnership. The initiative is sustainable due to its scalable online design, which allows for easy adaptation to different cohorts and educational environments. Its integration into the Learning Management System (LMS) ensures that resources can be allocated efficiently and that learning analytics are used to track engagement and provide targeted support. Additionally, the modular structure minimizes maintenance and enables customization for different student cohorts, ensuring the program remains relevant and effective over time. The initiative’s impact is evidenced by its successful implementation across multiple institutions, including Monash College and Monash University, and its potential for broader adoption across other universities and educational providers.