Torus: The Technology Powering CourseWorks
CourseWorks is a network of educators and institutions united to share and refine high-quality, evidence-based, affordable learning at scale—led by Arizona State University’s Center for Education Through Exploration (ETX) and Carnegie Mellon University’s Open Learning Initiative (OLI).
The Role of Torus in CourseWorks
Torus is an open-source learning platform developed through collaboration between academic and technology partners. It provides the foundation for how digital courses are built, delivered, and continuously improved, supporting active, learn-by-doing instructional approaches while integrating with existing institutional systems.
Torus does not replace an LMS or require institutions to manage a separate technical stack. Instead, it supports courseware behind the scenes, enabling interactive learning experiences and ongoing course improvement without introducing additional operational burden.
Built specifically for this alliance, Torus provides the shared infrastructure that lets courses developed by different CourseWorks partners run reliably across a variety of academic settings, term after term.
Supporting CourseWorks Across Institutions
Courseware Delivery
Provides a shared foundation that allows institutionally developed courseware to be delivered consistently across campuses without requiring each partner to host or rebuild materials.
Institutional Integration
Supports adoption within existing academic systems, allowing courseware to integrate with institutional technology and workflows rather than introducing new infrastructure.
Evaluation & Learning Data
Supports rigorous learning research by connecting course design, student data, and outcomes to evaluate effectiveness and refine courseware using validated learning science.
Who Torus Serves
Torus is designed to support the teams responsible for evaluating, adopting, and sustaining courseware across institutions—providing shared infrastructure that serves academic, instructional, and technical stakeholders.
A Shared Platform, Developed in Partnership
Torus is developed and sustained through collaboration among universities, research initiatives, and mission-driven organizations, ensuring the platform reflects real academic needs and long-term institutional priorities.
Assess How Torus Supports Institutional Adoption
Get clarity on how Torus operates within real institutional environments, including delivery, integration, and evaluation.
