endorsedCompleted

OpenEdX Learning Tool & PhET Integration for Nonprofit

Services Covered:

Custom Software Development

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Duration

8 months

Budget

10K - 49K

Start Date

1 August 2019

Team Size

6-10 Employees

Engagement Model

Offshore

Project Capability Score (PCS)

73/100

Good

Project Capability Score (PCS) estimates how capable Raccoon Gang is of successfully delivering a project like this, based on its past experience, track record, and ability to handle similar work. Learn more about PCS

Client

Confidential

Iowa City, United States of America

Project Summary

Raccoon Gang developed a learning tool on the OpenEdX platform for a nonprofit, integrating PhET computer simulations and building backend interfaces for teachers and researchers. They implemented a login system, a Django-based scoring and reporting backend, lesson templates, and WCAG 2.0–compliant content across four development phases. The prototype functioned and enabled the client to collect data, leading to preliminary publications, though the planned large-scale release was scaled back and put on hold due to the pandemic. The vendor was responsive, adaptable to scope changes, and communicative.

Key Challenges

Deliver a learning tool in OpenEdX with scaffolding and scoring
Integrate the learning tool with computer simulation labs (PhET)
Provide backend interfaces for teachers and researchers to manage students, classes, and data

Project Deliverables

Flow control phase
Lesson page
Maskot
LMS (learning management system)
Login system for students, teachers, and researchers
PhET simulation integration
Django backend for scoring and reporting
Lesson entry templates for simulations
WCAG 2.0-compliant content
Testing and bug fixes
Backend interfaces for teachers and researchers to manage students, classes, and data

Project Solution

Raccoon Gang was selected to build a learning tool on the OpenEdX platform. They executed four development phases (flow control, lesson page, maskot, and an LMS), implemented a login system for students, teachers, and researchers, integrated PhET simulations into OpenEdX, and used Django to build backend scoring and reporting services. They also produced lesson entry templates to support simulations, developed WCAG 2.0–compliant content, and completed testing and bug fixes; approximately six vendor staff (including project managers and leads) worked on the project.

Project Outcome

Prototype functioned and enabled data collection
Preliminary findings were published in journal articles and presented at AERA/NCME
Work was completed and ready for large-scale release in spring 2020 but the pilot was scaled back and put on indefinite hold due to the pandemic

Platforms

SaaS
Web

Tech Stack

Python
Django

Client Endorsement

Overall Review Rating

4.88

Timeliness

Cost Rating

Willing to Refer

Quality of Deliverables

“Raccoon Gang delivered the project successfully, allowing the client to collect data using the system. Flexible and professional, the team was highly accommodating of scope changes and responsive to the client's needs. They were knowledgeable, communicative, efficient, and receptive to feedback.”
Jay Thomas
Lead Content Specialist
Date: 09/06/2022