“I have used the Runestone platform for several semesters, in both introductory programming and data science courses, and have been consistently impressed with student outcomes. The ActiveCode feature is wonderful: students get real-time feedback on their work, and the code history feature proves invaluable as they can review their past results and learn from their mistakes. Setup each semester is a breeze, and students can get to work within minutes. The sections are well written and appropriately-sized, concise and not overwhelming. As an instructor, the Student Progress page gives me an immediate overview of student learning, and the ability to review the dashboard "donut charts" for each activity helps me plan every session to maximize the impact of classroom time.  Creating assignments is a breeze, and I can incentivize reading by tying points (the "coin of the realm") to activity progress.  Students actually DO the reading!  I've learned to add my own questions and coding exercises to the text, and administer exams directly within the textbook, which has become a one-stop shop for all course activities.

I have used other interactive textbook systems over the years, and while each has its merits, nothing has come close to the ease-of-use and flexibility of the Runestone platform.  Backed by a wonderfully supportive developer and user community, I've always been able to find answers to technical issues and ideas for better utilizing the book. Students love Runestone books, and the fact that they are inexpensive and/or free is just icing on the cake..”       

Sean Joyce

Heidelberg University