Cambridge University Press & Assessment acquires CogBooks

Cambridge University Press & Assessment has acquired CogBooks, an online technology company which specialises in adaptive courseware. 

The company said the takeover supports its development of "flexible, online delivery of Cambridge learning materials" and increases its offer for entrants to higher education and undergraduates.

CogBooks technology enables students to indicate their level of confidence in a topic as they complete assignments and assessments, adapting and responding accordingly while recommending the course material needed to optimise learning at that precise moment.

Rod Smith, m.d. of education publishing at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: “The global trend towards more online learning has been dramatically accelerated by the pandemic. We need to help education institutions deliver high-quality learning flexibly, both in person and remotely, in ways that not only retain but enhance its effectiveness.

“Adaptive learning technology has a huge part to play, and when you combine that technology with world-leading educational content from Cambridge, the possibilities to support learners are really exciting, aligning perfectly with our mission to unlock people’s potential with the best learning and research solutions.”

In acquiring CogBooks, Cambridge University Press & Assessment will continue to advance CogBooks' existing partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) where, in addition to a number of other general education courses, the company partnered to build Biospine, the world’s first adaptive-learning biology degree programme, funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Next Generation Courseware Challenge.

Cambridge also plans to build on the relationship with ASU following the acquisition through additional content and courses, alongside developing new partnerships and opportunities. Cambridge said that CogBooks’ other partners and customers will also benefit from its acquisition through "an expansion of product offerings and partnership opportunities in the coming months".

Jim Thompson, c.e.o. of CogBooks, said: “We founded CogBooks with a vision of applying rigorous research and cognitive science to the development of learning technology in order to improve equity in education. Since then, we’ve experienced a remarkable surge in demand for our adaptive learning technology. I’m immensely proud of our employees in their ability to execute on our vision with cutting-edge adaptive courseware design, and am grateful to our investors who have supported us on this journey.

“We’re honored to become a part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, one of education’s greatest global companies. I look forward to combining our innovative learning technology with their award-winning academic content.”