VIABLE Lab Wins $50,000 Catalyst Prize for CHECKPOINT Tool
CHECKPOINT, a misconception-focused assessment item generation tool developed by VIABLE Lab, wins the Catalyst Prize in the Tools Competition, lead by Dr. Anthony Botelho
We are thrilled to announce that CHECKPOINT, a misconception-focused assessment item generation tool developed by the VIABLE Lab, has been awarded the prestigious Catalyst Prize worth $50,000 in the Tools Competition!
About CHECKPOINT
CHECKPOINT is an innovative tool designed to generate assessment items that specifically target common misunderstandings and errors exhibited by students. This groundbreaking approach helps educators identify and address learning gaps more effectively.
Key Features of CHECKPOINT:
- For Teachers: Helps identify and select content that is best suited to gauge student learning
- For Researchers: Supports the creation of psychometrically stable pretests and post-tests to evaluate learning interventions
- Misconception-Focused: Targets specific misunderstandings and common errors in student learning
- K-12 Learning: Designed specifically for K-12 educational contexts
Research Team
The CHECKPOINT project was developed by an interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Florida:
- Dr. Anthony Botelho - Principal Investigator, expert in learning analytics and AI in education
- Dr. Jinnie Shin - Co-Principal Investigator, specialist in educational assessment and learning sciences
- Dr. Avery Closser - Co-Principal Investigator, expert in cognitive psychology and educational technology
Tools Competition Recognition
The Tools Competition recognizes innovative educational technologies that have the potential to transform teaching and learning. CHECKPOINT was selected from a competitive pool of submissions for its innovative approach to assessment and its potential impact on K-12 education.
"CHECKPOINT represents a significant advancement in educational assessment technology. By focusing on misconceptions and common errors, it provides teachers with a powerful tool to understand and address student learning challenges more effectively."
Impact and Future Directions
The $50,000 Catalyst Prize serves as startup funding to launch the CHECKPOINT project, enabling the team to:
- Initiate development of the core assessment generation system
- Build the foundational infrastructure for misconception-focused item creation
- Establish partnerships with K-12 educational institutions
- Develop initial prototypes and proof-of-concept implementations
This recognition and startup funding validates our lab's commitment to developing practical, research-based tools that directly support educators and improve student learning outcomes.
Learn more about CHECKPOINT and the Tools Competition at: https://tools-competition.org/winner/checkpoint/