The EdPlus Story: How Innovation in Higher Education is Reaching Learners Everywhere

Empowering learning through innovation

For decades, many universities have measured prestige by selectivity, who they exclude rather than who they admit. Traditional degree pathways are valued by their rigidity — limited by time, geography, finances and fixed course schedules. These learning experiences exclude a large number of learners, so the New American University was created with the belief that premium education should include and empower all learners.

At Arizona State University, education is attainable and a force for transformation. Guided by the Charter, success is measured by student outcomes, access to learning platforms and the impact of the programs and graduates. ASU leads the way in higher education by prioritizing digital teaching and learning, public good research and responsibility to surrounding communities.

EdPlus, an innovation unit within ASU, is at the heart of this transformation.

EdPlus was developed on the concept of creativity and innovation, utilizing a full spectrum of tools. From emergent technology to interpersonal communication, EdPlus works to improve learning outcomes and experiences for all students. As a result of these efforts, students are drawn to ASU from many countries and cultures united in one shared goal: To learn and uplift their lives, families and communities. 

The EdPlus Lookbook

The Story of EdPlus at Arizona State University: Designed to Innovate for Impact shares how the role of EdPlus supports the university’s mission of access through the development of digital teaching and learning initiatives and technologies. This Lookbook, a comprehensive narrative, illustrates the ways EdPlus rises to meet the educational needs of today and future generations. 

By challenging norms and fostering a culture of innovation, the teams within EdPlus strive to close the gap between people and technology, ignite transformative growth and meet the evolving demands of a changing world. At the forefront of a learning revolution, EdPlus crafts solutions to remove learning barriers.

• Expanding access at scale: ASU Online serves over 96,000 students and is on track to reach 150,000 by 2028, all while maintaining a high-quality curriculum and centering the student experience.
• Transforming STEM education: Dreamscape Learn immerses students in virtual reality storytelling, making complex scientific concepts more engaging and relevant. Since the program’s launch in 2022, more than 25,000 students have participated in Dreamscape Learn courses.
• Simplifying the college journey: Study Hall, in partnership with Crash Course, is one pathway with the goal to empower learners with college guidance, affordable courses and alternative pathways to admission — all while leveraging the world’s most popular learning platform: YouTube.
• Breaking barriers worldwide: Through global partnerships, EdPlus removes obstacles to education, ensuring learning is accessible to all, regardless of location. EdPlus collaborates with universities across the world, from South America to Australia. 

What’s Next?

This article is the first in a series exploring the Lookbook’s key themes, showcasing how EdPlus revolutionizes access to digital learning and teaching. 

• Accessible learning at scale: Learn how the university opens opportunities to education through ASU Online, Earned Admission and Study Hall.
• Innovative technology for learning: Take a behind-the-scenes look at how digital tools, narrative-driven technologies and immersive experiences transform education.
• Partnering with like-minded changemakers: Discover how partnerships with companies and organizations such as Starbucks and Uber make education accessible to new learners.
• Global impact and education advancement: Explore how EdPlus expands opportunities worldwide, ensuring students everywhere can access learning.

The future of higher education is unfolding now. See how ASU is driving meaningful change. Check out The EdPlus Lookbook and explore the full story today.