Pittsburgh-based Quantum Simulations, a self-described “technology think tank” that develops artificial intelligence software for tutoring and assessing, won plaudits this week for its performance in providing online tutoring and help with chemistry homework to students who are blind or otherwise impaired in their vision.
The honors came in a Platinum Award for Exceptional Achievement in Software Development at the International 21st Century Best Practices gala held in St. Louis by the U.S. Distance Learning Association. This is the second year in a row that Quantum Simulations, the entrepreneurial brainstorm of Benny Johnson, a theoretical chemist from Carnegie Mellon University, has carried home one of the highly coveted signals of cyber-technology’s key inroads into the traditional spaces of the American classroom. Backing up USDLA’s encomium is the National Federation of the Blind’s certification of Quantum’s delivery of the very first artificial intelligence tutoring software to people who cannot see a computer screen.
“Companies like Quantum continue to raise the bar and exceed best practice expectations for the industry, and we are truly honored by their contributions,” Dr. John G. Flores, USDLA CEO, said in making the award.
With its eyes on the gap between world demand for students trained in technical topics and growing needs for low-cost access to higher quality education, Quantum has introduced expert systems for online assistance in math and chemistry. And this year it is has made a major entry into post-secondary education in a partnership with McGraw Hill to provide tutoring to students who wish to learn accounting.
Source: Quantum Simulations, Al Renshaw
Writer: Joseph Plummer
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