Dobby, C. (2013) Desire2Learn acquires technology to predict how students will perform National Post, January 24
Desire2Learn, a leading LMS company, has acquired Degree Compass, a predictive analytics technology developed at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. The tool uses historical data — such as past grades, SAT scores and grade point averages — to help students select courses in which they’re likely to achieve an optimal outcome, an idea that was aimed at improving graduation rates.
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Expect to see more purchases and acquisitions in this area – Desire2Learn has $80 million of venture capital investment, as do many other learning technology companies. These companies are looking to add features such as early warning signals, and data analytics that predict what kind of students are most likely to succeed.
This is a bit like DNA coding – what if you you are considered a bad risk by a college when applying – will this be grounds to refuse admission? What if I want to take a science course but I don’t have the necessary grades when I was 14? 1984 is arriving 29 years late.
Dr. Tony Bates is the author of eleven books in the field of online learning and distance education. He has provided consulting services specializing in training in the planning and management of online learning and distance education, working with over 40 organizations in 25 countries. Tony is a Research Associate with Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education & Training Network.
