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Data Science and AI Academy

The ADAPT Education Model

The All-Campus Data Science and AI Project-Based Teaching and Learning (ADAPT) model.

What is the ADAPT Model?

The All-Campus Data Science and AI Project-Based Teaching and Learning (ADAPT) model is a teaching and learning framework that guides the course design process and instructional delivery by the Data Science and AI Academy (DSA). Implemented across all DSA courses and adopted by partner institutions, the ADAPT model facilitates the creation of courses accessible to students from all majors and career paths.

It provides project-based learning opportunities that simulate real-world data science workflows and feature authentic applications relevant to students’ fields of interest. The model is built upon three core components: Project-Based Learning, 10 Common Learning Elements and Workforce Preparedness. By emphasizing student agency to explore topics and datasets of interest, the ADAPT model promotes interdisciplinary academic and career development.

Click the icons below for more details about ADAPT’s three core components:

Project-Based Learning

ADAPT’s project-based learning (PBL) approach forms the core of its course design. It ensures that data science and AI education mirror the real-world workflow of data scientists and actively engages students in data science practices. This PBL framework also dictates how student learning is assessed throughout the course.

10 Common Learning Elements

Ten common learning elements guide data science and AI education, fostering disciplinary knowledge and professional community engagement. While no single course covers all elements, the program addresses these elements across its data science and AI curriculum.

Workforce Preparedness

With a focus on workforce preparedness, students engage in learning experiences designed to develop real-world data science and AI problem-solving skills. Through authentic choices within course activities, homework and projects, they practice critical thinking and gain hands-on experience with workplace data science workflows. These data-driven choices foster ownership over their learning pathways. Our instructor community includes strong industry representation to align courses with current needs and standards.

Hear from instructors and students using the ADAPT model

Related Events and Resources

2025 Data Science and AI Education Share Fair

On May 9, 2025, the DSA hosted a share fair to highlight the ADAPT model and the different ways to implement it in the classroom.

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2024 Data Science and AI Education Share Fair

On May 1, 2024, the DSA hosted a share fair to highlight the ADAPT model and the different ways to implement it in the classroom.

Access Materials

Research with the ADAPT Model

Partner with us to shape the future of data science & AI education using the ADAPT model!

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The materials on this webpage were developed by Sunghwan Byun, Jeanne McClure and Doreen Mushi based upon the work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant #DUE: 2313644. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.