I got the same email. They say a new version will "[offer] a variety of approaches to a lesson based on the student’s learning style". The research I've seen by Daniel Willingham has found that tailoring lessons based on students' "learning styles" is ineffective.
We now have a touch screen Windows 8.1 PC, and the children sometimes like to use EPGY by touching the screen instead of using the keyboard and mouse.
However, after carefully reviewing the feedback [from a parent survey], we reached an important conclusion: while EPGY excels at fulfilling the needs of your child by providing accelerated content at a pace attuned to him or her, its technology needs an upgrade.
When EPGY was created, it reflected an education philosophy built on many years of research, but it was based on technology available at the time. Learning was conceived as a path that took a child from concept to explanation to application. Today, we know that the key to advanced learning is a more flexible approach that takes cues from the student, offers a variety of approaches to a lesson based on the student’s learning style, and engages students in a more tailored and personal way. Today, the technology is available to do that.
At the same time, we know that the foundational elements of the EPGY program remain true – the theories that support the program are as solid as ever.
As we look forward, we want to preserve the fundamental theories that underpin the EPGY program while improving the offering in several ways:
To utilize evolved education technology through a transition to a modern platform that allows compatibility with mobile devices, including tablet computers.
To incorporate additional effective instructional strategies that continue to adapt to students’ needs and to improve their engagement in order to motivate and activate their fullest learning potential.
To open the lines of communication with both you and your child to ensure you are getting the most out of your EPGY experience in all of your interactions with our team.
Over the coming months, we will be conducting additional research and employing the expertise of partners at the intersection of education and technology. Our goal is to upgrade the EPGY technology and resources while continuing to provide the rigorous educational experience you value. We plan to share an update on our vision and progress this February. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reply to this email address with further feedback, questions or concerns.
Best,
The EPGY Team, Stanford University