Top Hat’s engineering team is gaining a valuable new voice with the addition of Alec Kretch, whose work and experience sits at the intersection of technical innovation and learning science. As the founder of OpenClass—an AI-powered platform that helps educators design meaningful, mastery-based assignments—Kretch is a strong advocate for using assessment as a tool for learning rather than simple measurement. The acquisition of OpenClass’s intellectual property, along with Kretch’s appointment to Top Hat’s engineering team, will support Top Hat’s continued investment in discipline-specific solutions and in expanding the company’s capabilities around authentic assessment. These efforts align with a growing institutional focus on career readiness and helping students build practical skills they can carry into life after graduation
“Alec has shown how technology can help educators create richer, more effective learning experiences through relevant, real-world application,” said Maggie Leen CEO of Top Hat. “His work with OpenClass aligns closely with our focus on supporting instructors with tools that encourage deeper thinking and meaningful student engagement.”
OpenClass was originally developed to help computer science instructors create authentic assignments, where students solve in-browser coding problems and receive immediate, actionable feedback. While built with programming in mind, the underlying approach is broadly applicable across disciplines. Authentic assessment encourages students to apply what they’ve learned in practical contexts, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and lasting understanding in ways traditional assignments often fall short. This kind of learning experience is especially vital as students increasingly look to higher education to build the skills they’ll need to succeed in their future careers.
Over the past few years Top Hat has expanded innovation across many disciplines. Aktiv Chemistry, for example, which the company acquired in 2022, offers interactive tools designed to meet the unique needs of chemistry educators and learners. Offering personalized, authentic assessments that reflect the real-world scenarios students will face in their careers supports Top Hat’s mission to spark better teaching and more meaningful learning.
“Top Hat is the gold standard for evidence-based learning platforms,” said Kretch. “We share a vision for the future of higher education—one that’s equitable, personalized, and focused on helping students develop real skills. I’m excited to help bring the best of OpenClass to more instructors and learners.”
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