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This paper presents an innovative courseware project based on the Adaptive Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative’s Total Learning Architecture (TLA [1]), which encompasses a technical framework for education and training based on a data strategy built around open standards to support interoperability across diverse organizations and products ([2]). This framework includes definitions of a set of policies, specifications, and standards that enable a future learning ecosystem to facilitate lifelong learning principles promoting personalized and flexible learning environments that include both formal and informal activities [3]. In Fall 2023, a TLA- inspired course framework was implemented in a data visualization course for senior undergraduates and graduate students, using Moodle and a Learning Record Store (LRS) to track over 200,000 learning records. This system allowed instructors to visually monitor online learning activities for the whole class as well as selected individual learners. As future work, the course will expand to 10 STEM courses across 11 universities in the next three years as part of an existing NSF commitment. 

This paper presents our latest research on the efficient support of Data Science (DS) students in higher education, particularly focusing on underserved universities. The need for new graduates and professionals to upskill in DS surpasses the capacity of universities to offer conventional classes, particularly in underserved universities (NASEM, 2018). Our solution provides otherwise unavailable DS courses for all students by implementing the Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring (GIFT, Sottilare et al., 2012) to develop a multi-university adaptive distributed learning (ADL) environment that can share DS courses and facilitate student learning from anywhere at any time. This distributed learning ecosystem using Department of Defense (DOD)-initiated technologies (ADL, 2018) allows students from 11 networked universities to share courses and resources, providing equal access to underserved and better-equipped research universities within the system. Besides GIFT, the ADL environment integrates the learning management system (LMS), Moodle, competency management software such as Competence and Skill System (CaSS, 2021), and Learning Record Stores (LRSs) to collect and analyze data for personalized learning. Our instructional design and course development efficiently align learning objectives, activities, and assessments of DS student competencies based on the Edison DS Competency Framework (Edison, 2017).