A scaffolded learning platform that reduces stress in chemistry
Today’s students need a chemistry platform that helps them learn from their mistakes in the moment. That can be tough when mastery-based systems prioritize assessment over real learning. Aktiv Chemistry is different. With low-stakes assessment, predictable workloads and targeted feedback that helps students close learning gaps in real time, Aktiv takes heightened anxiety and guesswork out of the equation.
Aktiv Chemistry combines personalized learning with structure, flexibility and student-friendly support. What's not to love?
Criteria
Aktiv Chemistry
Mastery-Based Learning Platforms
Workload Predictability
Aktiv Chemistry
Finite, structured assignments with predictable time commitments and adaptive follow-ups that reinforce learning without overload.
Mastery-Based Learning Platforms
Mistakes during a mastery-based learning assessment such as an ALEKS Knowledge Check can trigger extended, repetitive problem sets that increase time pressure.
Question Design and AI Resistance
Aktiv Chemistry
Mastery-Based Learning Platforms
Many questions rely on final-answer inputs that can be completed using AI. This can create a false sense of mastery, advancing students too quickly, leading to inefficient backtracking.
Grading and Motivation
Aktiv Chemistry
Mastery-Based Learning Platforms
Mastery models can remove previously earned progress, including losing points from ALEKS’ pie, leading to frustration and Knowledge Check fatigue.
Feedback and Attempts
Aktiv Chemistry
Mastery-Based Learning Platforms
Feedback is often presented in an intimidating way. Instead of providing hints and an opportunity to reattempt the problem after a mistake—critical for students to identify their own errors in the moment—mastery-based systems redirect learners to a new problem or prerequisite topic.
Flexibility and Customization
Aktiv Chemistry
Instructors maintain full control over content, assignments and grading to match their teaching approach. Enable personalized learning to provide tailored support without letting students get off track.
Mastery-Based Learning Platforms
The adaptive engine found in mastery-based learning platforms puts personalization at the expense of instructor control. While faculty can choose topics, they cannot customize or select specific questions to align with their unique teaching styles.
Why educators love using Aktiv Chemistry
Before Aktiv, only 10 percent of my students earned Bs and another 10 percent earned Ds. Now, 24 percent are receiving Bs (an 82 percent increase) and 0 percent are earning Ds. Aktiv really helped students excel to a greater degree than previous classes.
Georgia State University
Previously used ALEKS before switching to Aktiv Chemistry.
When they come into the classroom, that’s where Aktiv kicks in. I started immediately seeing much improved test scores, honestly, because they were getting much more practice. I don’t have bell curves anymore. I now have slopes with A’s being at the top.
Director, Freshman Chemistry Labs
Florida State University
of students said Aktiv Chemistry increased their confidence in understanding chemistry concepts.*
of students said the targeted feedback in the moment helped them better succeed in the course.*
of students said Aktiv Chemistry reduced their temptation to use AI to complete their work.*
*Source: Aktiv Chemistry Fall 2025 Student Survey, n = 1,950 students
How Aktiv Chemistry supports student success
Instead of just marking an answer right or wrong, Aktiv guides you through the process—giving hints, catching small mistakes, and helping you understand why something is incorrect.*
Student
East Carolina University
I liked the unique homework design, especially on problems that involved conversions and connecting elements with bonds or lone pairs.*
Student
Augusta University
I liked that I could [draw molecules] in the app rather than having to look at pictures to study… I wasn’t just memorizing the concepts, I was actually having to create correct structures.*
Student
Florida State University
*Source: Aktiv Chemistry Fall 2025 Student Survey, n = 1,950 students
A chemistry platform that put accessible and interactive learning first
Aktiv Chemistry is designed to support accessibility across a range of learning needs. The platform supports keyboard navigation and is compatible with assistive technologies, including screen readers and magnification tools. Many interactive question types—such as AktivGrid Drawing, Interpret Arrows, Nomenclature with Smart Suggestions and Graphing—meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards when containing accessible elements (such as alt text for images).
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Aktiv Chemistry different from mastery-based platforms like ALEKS?
Aktiv Chemistry is a modern platform built for today’s students with scaffolded learning at its center. While mastery-based platforms like ALEKS prioritize assessment over learning, Aktiv focuses on helping students make steady progress with finite, structured chemistry homework they can complete in a predictable amount of time. Aktiv reinforces learning with targeted feedback and multiple attempts, helping students correct mistakes in the moment and build confidence as they go.
Aktiv’s interactive, scaffolded learning problem types also make it less motivating and more difficult for students to rely on AI shortcuts, encouraging genuine understanding rather than answer-seeking. Combined with flexible grading and interactive problem types, Aktiv creates a more supportive learning environment that reduces anxiety and improves outcomes.
How easy is it to switch from mastery-based platforms like ALEKS to Aktiv Chemistry?
Switching to Aktiv Chemistry from ALEKS or another chemistry platform is designed to be simple and low-effort for instructors. Aktiv provides a large library of ready-to-use chemistry homework aligned to all major chemistry textbooks and an AI-powered automatic assignment creation tool (Ace Assignment Builder), so in just minutes you can rebuild your course to match your existing syllabus.
Flexible settings for grading, number of attempts and available resources make it easy to achieve your desired course setup. To ensure a smooth transition, Aktiv offers onboarding support, including course setup guidance, best practices and training resources. Most instructors are able to get up and running quickly, without needing to overhaul their teaching approach.
Does Aktiv Chemistry help reduce cheating or AI misuse?
Yes. Aktiv Chemistry is designed from the ground up to support how chemistry is taught in modern classrooms, encouraging academic integrity through interactive, scaffolded chemistry homework. Interactive problems limit the ability to copy and paste and require students to build answers step-by-step. Assignments can be organized into sets with randomized order, leveraging question pools to provide varied practice and reinforce learning. Unlike mastery-based learning systems, using AI to look up answers does not allow students to skip questions or shorten the length of assignments. This approach de-motivates students to rely on AI shortcuts and encourages deeper understanding.
How does Aktiv Chemistry support scaffolded learning?
Aktiv Chemistry is designed to guide students through the problem-solving process. Instead of relying on final answers, many questions use interactive formats that break complex concepts into smaller, manageable steps—helping students build understanding as they go.
When students make a mistake, Aktiv provides targeted feedback on the specific error and allows multiple attempts, so they can correct their thinking in the moment rather than moving on too quickly. Instructors can also assign follow-up practice that reinforces key concepts without overwhelming students, keeping learning focused and manageable.
Does Aktiv Chemistry integrate with Learning Management Systems and participate in Total Access and Course Access programs?
Yes. Aktiv Chemistry integrates with major LMS platforms, allowing you to easily sync rosters, manage assignments and transfer grades. This ensures a seamless experience when using Aktiv as your primary chemistry homework platform.
Aktiv participates in many schools’ access and affordability programs, so students can access Aktiv Chemistry at a discounted rate just like a digital textbook.
Can I use Aktiv Chemistry with my current chemistry textbook?
Yes. Aktiv Chemistry is designed to work with major chemistry textbooks, including general chemistry, organic chemistry and GOB courses, and covers a wide range of topics with the depth needed for each course. Its extensive library of problems is mapped to widely used chemistry textbooks, making it easy to find and assign relevant problems that align with your course materials. In addition, Aktiv integrates with OpenStax chemistry textbooks and can be paired with Top Hat’s interactive textbooks, giving you flexible options to support your teaching and provide students with connected, accessible resources.
See how Aktiv support STEM Courses
Test out our platform with a free instructor playground account and access to our content library by scheduling a demo of Aktiv Chemistry.
