Abstract
Anatomy and Physiology is a foundational course for undergraduate health sciences students. However, student success in Anatomy and Physiology is often a limiting factor in students’ progress in their respective degree programs. Recent studies have suggested that adaptive learning tools offer promising learning tools for students (Matthews, 2021; Linden, 2019). We sought to determine whether completion of adaptive learning assignments in Anatomy 2 improves student learning in this course. Thirteen adaptive McGraw-Hill Connect Smartbook assignments were created and provided as optional assignments. Assessment data were collected from online assignments, exam grades and an end of semester survey. Preliminary data suggest that completion of adaptive learning assignments correlates with higher exam scores (r=0.3). A change in course design to require students to complete such assignments may offer a strategy to improve student success in Anatomy and Physiology. These findings may relate to other content areas by offering adaptive learning tools as one strategy to improve student learning of complex material.