From 7–9 April 2025, Durham University’s Department of Mathematical Sciences welcomed about 100 educators, researchers, and technologists from around the world for the International Meeting of the STACK Community 2025.
The annual conference focused on the evolving role of online assessment in mathematics education, with a particular spotlight on STACK (System for Teaching and Assessment using a Computer algebraKernel) - the open-source system designed to provide students with immediate, meaningful feedback on their mathematical reasoning.
Far from being just a time-saving tool, STACK has increasingly been recognised as a transformative force in how mathematics is taught and learned. By allowing automated yet nuanced feedback, the platform supports deeper understanding and engagement with mathematical concepts.
The 2025 meeting featured a variety of sessions, including:
An introductory workshop for newcomers to STACK
Technical talks on recent developments and innovations
Case studies highlighting real-world classroom applications
Discussions on pedagogy and student experience in digital learning environments
Two prominent figures in the field, Professor Meike Akveld (ETH Zürich) and Professor Sally Jordan (Open University), delivered plenary lectures, sharing insights from their extensive work in mathematics education and assessment.
Dr Clare Wallace from the Department of Mathematical Sciences, assisted by Dr Sam Fearn and their final year undergraduate students, presented an internal plenary on the innovative use of STACK as a research topic for final year project students.
The event brought together a dynamic and international community of practitioners and researchers, all committed to advancing the use of technology in mathematics education. Whether attendees were long-time users or exploring STACK for the first time, the conference offered a rich space for collaboration, learning, and innovation.
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