June 26, 2025

Top Hat ‘Ace’ joins Aktiv Chemistry, Introducing AI-Powered Problem Solving and Feedback for Student Success

Ace, Top Hat’s AI assistant, is now available in Aktiv Chemistry to deliver intelligent feedback and personalized study plans to strengthen foundational skills essential for success in chemistry courses

Eric Gardiner

Director of Marketing, Thought Leadership & Educational Programming

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Toronto – June 26, 2025 Top Hat, the leader in student engagement solutions for higher education, today announced the expansion of its AI-powered teaching and learning assistant, Ace, to the Aktiv Chemistry platform. Known for helping thousands of students build confidence through on-demand study support and unlimited practice across a variety of disciplines, Ace now powers step-by-step tutoring in Aktiv’s Readiness module, which is designed to close knowledge gaps in foundational math and chemistry skills. The initial integration of Ace into the Aktiv experience aims to support improved academic success and reduce DFW rates in gateway chemistry courses.

“First year chemistry often presents a formidable challenge for students that can derail academic momentum or reduce student confidence,” said Maggie Leen, CEO of Top Hat. “By bringing Ace to Aktiv, we’re empowering more students with real-time support and personalized guidance that helps them master essential skills so they can stay on track toward achieving their academic and career goals.”

How Ace Transforms Readiness in Aktiv: Ace in Aktiv Chemistry delivers powerful student-centered features to deepen learning, reduce frustration, and enhance instructor insight:

  • Tailored remediation plans – The Readiness diagnostic evaluates performance on course-specific learning objectives and generates personalized study plans. Step-by-Step problems powered by Ace are now automatically embedded where appropriate, guiding students toward mastery of prerequisite skills.

  • AI-powered feedback that feels human – Ace serves as  a personal tutor, offering respectful, timely feedback that helps students move past roadblocks and build confidence in their own problem-solving abilities.

  • Flexible problem-solving paths – Rather than prescribing steps, Ace is one of the only solutions that supports student agency by allowing learners to choose their own approach, reinforcing correct steps and using the Socratic method to coach them through missteps.

  • Math and chemistry accuracy – Unlike most AI tools, Ace delivers reliable, accurate feedback on math problems, powered by Aktiv’s proprietary computer algebra system.

Aktiv Chemistry provides a proven platform for student success, combining modern tools with personalized feedback. The Readiness module ensures students begin the course with essential math and chemistry foundations through adaptive diagnostics and individualized study plans. With the addition of Ace, students now get on-the-go support that mirrors the guidance of a personal tutor, helping them master prerequisite concepts and gain confidence in their ability to problem-solve independently. Ace for Aktiv represents the first step in bringing more AI-powered capabilities to the platform to benefit both students and educators.

Book a personal demo to see how Ace-powered problem solving in Aktiv Chemistry helps students grow their skills in class and beyond. 

About Top Hat 

As the leader in student engagement solutions for higher education, Top Hat enables educators to employ proven student-centered teaching practices through interactive content and tools enhanced by AI, and activities in in-person, online and hybrid classroom environments. To accelerate student impact and return on investment, the company provides a range of change management services, including faculty training and instructional design support, integration and data management services, and digital content customization. Thousands of faculty at 750 leading North American colleges and universities use Top Hat to create meaningful, engaging and accessible learning experiences for students before, during, and after class.

Contact press@tophat.com for media inquiries.

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