Construct Education is becoming OES. New name, same team, and same commitment to online learning excellence.
Construct Education is becoming OES. New name, same team, and same commitment to online learning excellence.
When Tulane University set out to redefine how newcomers engage with computer science, their goal was to create an inclusive, graduate-level experience that introduces core programming concepts, systems thinking, computational logic, and digital fluency without assuming any particular level of prior technical background. With OES as a development partner, this project transformed a traditional curriculum into a dynamic online learning journey designed for both accessibility and academic rigor.
Tulane faced a unique challenge: how to deliver an intellectually demanding subject in a way that was approachable to students with no previous exposure to the field. The course needed to cover a broad range of fundamental topics—algorithms, data structures, systems, and networking—while preparing learners for advanced study and real-world application.
Further complicating the project were strict parameters. Existing video content had to be retained, and material updates were limited due to intellectual property considerations. The course also had to maintain its role as a “refresher,” meaning the team could not fully rework or restructure all core content. The task was to bring clarity and cohesion without crossing these boundaries.
Working in collaboration with Professor Aaron Maus, the course’s subject matter expert, OES reimagined the learning experience across eight carefully scaffolded modules. The structure balanced synchronous and asynchronous components, offering learners both guided instruction and independent exploration.
To enhance engagement:
Discussions and ungraded practice activities helped students reinforce concepts, while weekly labs and a sequence of graded assignments gradually built toward the development of a mini operating system, Weenix—a hands-on capstone project that showcased the integration of core skills.
The course’s pedagogical model emphasized progression through practical engagement in the following way:
Every module laid the groundwork for the next, enabling learners to build both confidence and competence over time.
Feedback from Tulane was unanimously positive. Professor Maus praised the way his vision had been realized in a digital environment, particularly noting the fluency of the build and the clear communication throughout. The transformation wasn’t just technical; it was experiential. The restructured flow, visuals, and learner support mechanisms gave the course a fresh sense of direction and depth.
While student feedback is still pending, early impressions—ranging from a full 16-minute walkthrough to focused module previews—highlighted the course’s intuitive structure and academic integrity.
This project is a compelling example of how thoughtful design can overcome limitations and elevate even the most constrained content into a rich, learner-centered experience. Key lessons include:
This course now serves as a strong model for institutions looking to digitize entry-level subjects while maintaining academic quality and accessibility.
"Partnerships for program development can feel transactional, but Construct is truly an augmented team at every level. Our faculty have confidence that their courses will feature quality in the design and consistency in the overall student experience. Likewise, our Digital Learning staff appreciate the Construct team’s expertise and reliability throughout our projects."
Construct’s optimized course design services empower institutions to elevate their online offerings. Through strategic customization and cohesive branding across multiple courses, institutions gain scalability, accessibility, and inclusivity. Construct’s expertise enables universities to deliver impactful, engaging courses that enhance students’ educational experiences.
