Question 1

Who is Alps for?

Accepted Answer

Who is Alps for?

Alps is an AI-powered adaptive learning platform designed for computer science educators and learners in K-12 and higher education. Alps helps educators teach computer science interactively with embedded AI-powered tools including automated grading, AI tutoring, and differentiated learning. Whether you are teaching a formal class or a CS bootcamp, you can use one of the built-in curricula in Alps as primary materials or to supplement your teaching. Premium tier educators can also import their own content easily and enhance it with AI.

How do I sign up for Alps?

How do I create my first class?

How do learners access Alps?

Question 2

How do I sign up for Alps?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is easy and free! Visit alps.2sigma.school and click "Sign Up." Sign up with your school email for quick access using Google or Microsoft or request access to Alps in Clever or ClassLink. Educators get immediate access to all core features at no cost.

Question 3

How do I create my first class?

Accepted Answer

After signing in, click "Create Class" from your dashboard. Enter your class name, select a primary textbook, and choose how to enroll learners (share a join link, LMS sync, or manual import). Premium accounts can upload their own materials in addition to using our content library.

Question 4

How do learners access Alps?

Accepted Answer

Learners can join your class using a join link you can copy on the People page, through your LMS (Canvas, Schoology, etc.) via LTI integration, through Google Classroom sync, or bulk CSV import through Google Sheets. No separate account creation is needed when using SSO or LMS integration.

Question 5

What content is available on Alps?

Accepted Answer

Alps provides FREE access to popular open-source curricula including CSAwesome, Mobile CSP, Python for Everybody, Data 8 (Inferential Thinking), and many more. Licensed textbooks from our partner publishers are available for purchase. Premium accounts can also upload and transform your own materials into interactive lessons using our Gutenberg AI tool. If you would like us to add a specific textbook or curriculum, please contact us.

Question 6

How does automatic grading work?

Accepted Answer

Alps automatically grades code assignments by running test cases and further analyzing learner solutions using Rubriq, Alps' AI-powered rubric-based grading system. For open-response questions that require short answers, Rubriq evaluates answers against AI-generated rubrics, providing detailed feedback. Educators can review and adjust AI-generated grades and feedback before finalizing them.

Question 7

What is BloomIQ differentiation?

Accepted Answer

BloomIQ is Alps' AI-powered differentiation engine that analyzes learner performance data at granular skill levels, automatically groups learners by mastery level, and generates personalized assignments. With one click, educators can create differentiated coursework that challenges advanced learners while providing extra support for those who need it.

Question 8

What programming languages does Alps support?

Accepted Answer

Alps supports a wide range of languages and environments including Python, Java, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL, C/C++, and Jupyter notebooks. All coding happens in the browser with our integrated IDE—no installation required, works on Chromebooks and any device with a modern browser. We are continuously adding support for new languages and environments.

Question 9

What analytics and insights are available?

Accepted Answer

Alps provides InsightLens, a real-time analytics dashboard that gives educators visibility into learner progress, time spent on tasks, common misconceptions, and mastery trends. With InsightLens, educators can identify struggling learners early and see which concepts need more class time.

Question 10

Is Alps FERPA compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Alps by 2Sigma is fully FERPA compliant. Alps only uses student education records for the educational purposes specified by your institution. 2Sigma has signed Data Privacy Agreements with numerous school districts and can sign your institution's DPA as well. See our terms of service and privacy policy for details.

Question 11

Is Alps COPPA compliant for K-12 learners?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Alps by 2Sigma is COPPA compliant. Alps collects only the minimum information necessary for educational purposes and never collects personal information from children under 13 without school consent. Alps does not use learner data for advertising or sell any personal information.

Question 12

How do you ensure AI safety for learners?

Accepted Answer

Alps' AI features include multiple safety layers: content filtering, topic guardrails that keep conversations focused on coursework, and anti-cheating measures that encourage learning over answer-giving. Educators using Alps have full visibility into AI interactions with learners and can customize guardrail settings.

Question 13

Does Alps integrate with my LMS?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Alps supports LTI 1.3 integration with all major Learning Management Systems including Canvas, Blackboard, Schoology, Moodle, and Brightspace. This enables single sign-on, automatic roster sync, and grade passback directly to your LMS gradebook.

Question 14

How does Google Classroom integration work?

Accepted Answer

Alps integrates directly with Google Classroom via official APIs. You can import your classes and rosters, push assignments to Google Classroom, and sync grades. Educators and learners sign in with their Google accounts for seamless access. Google Workspace for Education customers can easily enable access to Alps for their learners and educators by installing the app from the Google Workspace Marketplace.

Question 15

Is Alps available on Clever?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Alps is listed in the Clever App Gallery. Districts using Clever can enable Alps for instant rostering and single sign-on integration.

Question 16

Is Alps really free for educators?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Alps Educator Basic tier is completely free and includes access to the Alps content library, automatic grading, and class management features. There are no hidden fees, trials, or credit card requirements. Educators can get started within a few minutes and access all open-source curricula for free. See Alps premium tiers on the Pricing page.

Question 17

How do I get Alps for my entire school, district, or university?

Accepted Answer

For institution-wide deployment, schedule a demo with our team. We'll discuss your needs, provide a custom quote, handle technical integration, and support your rollout with training and onboarding.

Question 18

Do learners need to pay anything?

Accepted Answer

No, learners never pay to use Alps. Access is provided through their educator or institution. Learners simply join their class using a join link, LMS link, or SSO.

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