Can courseware really make a difference? For one determined student and mom, the answer is yes.
Meet Jessica Skinner, a full-time mom, full-time student, and aspiring mechanical engineer at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. While juggling parenting and college life, Jessica found that Hawkes Learning didn’t just help her stay on track, it transformed how she learned.
With built-in instructional videos, step-by-step problem guidance, and a mastery-based approach, Hawkes gave Jessica the structure and flexibility she needed to succeed. But the impact went beyond the classroom. Her children often watched her work, celebrating every mastery check and learning the value of persistence by example—especially her seven-year-old, who began putting more effort into his own schoolwork.
Read the full story to see how Hawkes is helping students like Jessica achieve their goals—while inspiring the next generation along the way.
*Interview responses have been slightly edited for content and clarity.
Hawkes has played a significant role in my strategies for success, both academically and personally. My children often watch me work on my assignments, and they celebrate with me whenever I achieve mastery. This visible demonstration of progress and perseverance has had a positive impact, especially on my seven-year-old, who has started to put more effort into his own schoolwork. I believe this is directly influenced by seeing me actively engage in my studies and strive for success. Unlike other courses I attend on campus, Hawkes provides a clear, visual representation of progress, which not only motivates me but also serves as a source of inspiration for my children to value hard work and determination.
Hawkes Learning offers several features that support my engagement and promote a positive attitude toward learning. One of the most helpful aspects is the inclusion of instructional videos, which visually explain the lessons and make complex topics easier to understand. Additionally, the platform’s step-by-step guidance allows students to work through problems without simply giving away the answers. This approach encourages independent problem-solving and helps reinforce the learning process in a way that supports long-term understanding and success.
I am a visual learner, and when I have somebody working out the problems and showing me how to work them out, it is a game changer. The biggest way that Hawkes Learning’s platform has assisted me in overcoming my challenges would be the Step-By-Step part of the Practice section. It helps me understand and work out the problems myself while teaching me how to solve them.
I appreciate Hawkes’ mastery-based approach to learning. It functions like a quiz at the end of each lesson, ensuring that I fully understand the material before moving on. This method promotes deeper learning and helps reinforce key concepts. I also find the unlimited practice opportunities especially helpful, as they allow me to learn from my mistakes without added pressure. Overall, this approach reduces frustration and supports long-term academic success by focusing on comprehension rather than speed.
In my experience, I would utilize all of the tools they offer you. Be sure to watch all of the videos along with doing the reading. While the professor is working out the problems and explaining them to you, I suggest working them out as well. If you don’t understand how to work a problem, the Step-By-Step option in Practice will help you work the problem out while letting you answer it yourself. Hawkes Learning has so many tools to help you succeed; all you have to do is utilize them.
Hawkes Learning has so many tools to help you succeed; all you have to do is utilize them.
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