MSU Used Breakout Learning’s AI to Make a 1,200-Student Course Feel Small
Faculty like Dr. Rich Spreng (Associate Dean) sought a tool to replace antiquated methods with a modern, engaging, and personalized approach that scales. He found that tool in Breakout Learning’s NextBook.
NextBook offered a transformation: dynamic, 21st-century learning.
MSU piloted NextBook in BUS200, an introductory business course designed to expose nearly 1,200 students annually to real-world, cross-functional business perspectives.

The Problem
Traditional tools weren't working.
Student Engagement
Low participation, unprepared students.
Scalability
Meaningful interaction and manual grading became unsustainable with 1,200 students.
Professor Workload
Faculty swamped with busy work and grading
Outdated Textbooks
Expensive, static, irrelevant. Students don’t read them.
The Opportunity
NextBook's AI-driven platform offered a complete course transformation, not just a superficial upgrade.
Key goals
- Introducing students to real-world business applications through interactive scenarios.
- Scaling an engaging and collaborative curriculum for all students.
- Creating grading efficiencies and reducing time spent on moderation for faculty.
The Solution
AI-powered discussion modules.
MSU opted to fully replace their traditional BUS200 materials with Breakout Learning's NextBook in order to increase engagement, simplify course preparation, and foster critical thinking.
The implementation centered on:
Interactive, AI-Powered Modules
Small Group AI-Moderated Discussions
Custom Course Flow

Results
Impact on Students
-
Increased Engagement
Faculty reported a dramatic increase in participation, with 3x more students actively contributing to discussions. -
Improved Preparation
Guided pre-work ensured students arrived prepared to collaborate. -
Enhanced Outcomes
Students demonstrated a greater understanding of how theoretical concepts apply across business disciplines, enabling them to confidently explore their interests and career paths. -
Equitable Participation
AI-driven participation tracking ensured every student’s voice was heard, creating a more inclusive classroom environment.
Impact on Faculty
-
Streamlined Workflows
Seamless grading and facilitation freed up faculty to focus on mentoring and curriculum innovation. Dr. Rich Spreng noted, “With NextBook, I feel like I’m sitting in on 300 groups at once.” -
Scalability Without Sacrificing Quality
Despite serving 1,200 students, BUS200 now fosters deeper conversations, greater accountability, and richer group discussions, all powered by NextBook. -
Actionable Insights
Professors received detailed feedback reports identifying areas of student comprehension, topics needing reinforcement, and opportunities for future exploration.
"Accounting can be a tough sell for undergrads, but the customized modules Breakout created made the material relevant and engaging. One module tied financial concepts to a TikTok shop—students loved it, and their understanding improved dramatically."

Allison Dellapelle Accounting and Information Systems
MSU Case Study Brief
By the Numbers
Data from pre/post survey
- Students were surveyed before using Breakout Learning (“pre-survey”) and after using Breakout Learning (“post-survey”).
- There was a ~35% increase in strong agreement that the platform helps students better engage with course content after using it.
- Post-use perceptions of AI effectiveness in discussion increased +59 percentage points, signaling a significant improvement in student trust in AI facilitation.
- Belief in AI’s ability to support balanced discussions rose from 41% to 100%.
- 100% of students reported improved understanding and engagement after using the platform.
- 100% of students reported comfort contributing to group discussions and sharing their ideas after using Breakout Learning (compared to 71% of students prior to using Breakout Learning).
More Effective, Inclusive Classrooms
What Makes NextBook Different?
Area of Impact
Traditional Textbooks
NextBook
Key Takeaways
"Using tools like Breakout Learning, we’ve been able to create a scalable course that’s not only engaging but also helps students explore their interests and make informed decisions. It’s been incredible to see how this approach is changing the way we think about innovation in higher ed."

Dr. Rich Spreng Associate Dean, Broad College of Business
"For me, what sold it was the seamless customization. Unlike other platforms, NextBook doesn’t dictate how I teach—it amplifies it. I now have the tools to complement my curriculum and improve every class."

Shannon Brecheisen Assistant Dean
Why does this matter for your institution?
- Improve engagement and retention in your classrooms.
- Bring discussion back to the classroom—no more phoned-in, written discussion forums.
- Reduce time spent grading while enhancing teaching quality.
- Equip students with the critical thinking and communication skills they’ll need in the future workforce.
Want to see it in action?
Education reimagined. Forward-thinking, AI-powered, undeniably human.