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.
Comment
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.
Recent Comments
R on What’s right and what’s wrong about Coursera-style MOOCs
What a bunch of cry babies. Hello free education, material, quizzes peer grading. Its not easy to personalize. You must...worried wart on What’s going on at Athabasca University?
I am a bit worried as a distance student in Toronto. I am completing courses towards the CMA designation. I...formación online on Una mirada personal sobre el uso de tecnologías digitales en la formación de docentes en los INFDs de Argentina.
Muy interesante gracias por compartirlo.Tony Bates on Discussing design models for hybrid/blended learning and the impact on the campus
Very nice story, Howard. Yes, I guess that sums up my law of equal substitution - it all depends on the...Howard Davis on Discussing design models for hybrid/blended learning and the impact on the campus
Hi Tony, not to muddle your observation about "high/low" emotional meetings since I agree with it, but I have direct...Tony Bates on Discussing design models for hybrid/blended learning and the impact on the campus
Good comments, Denise. I agree: I think 'non-academic' or non-content issues, such as availability of support, cost, student needs, and methods...Tony Bates on Discussing design models for hybrid/blended learning and the impact on the campus
Thanks for this comment, Howard. Your 'flipped' question is an interesting one. I think at an exploratory stage, for brainstorming, etc.,...Math Calculus on e-learning outlook for 2012: will it be a rough ride?
I think it will not be tough as long as the educators are going to do their best