The Power of Predictive Analytics: Using Data to Propel Students Towards Success
Predictive analytics is the process of using statistical techniques to extract patterns from historical data in order to predict future outcomes. From finance to healthcare, and higher education, in particular, the use of predictive analytics is gaining currency. Embarking on a predictive analytics journey not only helps you attain better results, deliver great customer experiences but also has remarkable financial benefits.
Maximize Student Success with Predictive Analytics:
Newly emerging disruptive technologies like AI, predictive analytics have made it possible to have data-informed insights into customer behavior and predict what will or won’t resonate with them. In the context of education, deploying AI in higher education and learning analytics lets administrators see enhanced student success behavior patterns in an otherwise raw mass of data. It becomes possible by setting years’ old historical student data against a machine learning algorithm which can extract patterns from it to predict the maximum chances of student success. With every student record that this algorithm looks at, its ability to predict what will or won’t maximize the chances of student success gets better.
Tap into The Immense Potential Your Student Data Holds:
Machine learning holds immense promise in the field of higher education if deployed, monitored, measured with a certain discipline. The constant focus today is on student-centric support. With OneStop student services, machine learning technologies; institutions today want to deliver a student experience that will take away the edge from their complex academic journey. Predictive Analytics has come to play a great role in helping educational institutions achieve these student support goals.
Linda Hartford, CIO at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in an article in CIO Review writes that “Higher education strives to achieve Amazon’s mastery of customer data gathering and use of predictive analytics”. She, however, claims that the goal isn’t the same as Amazon when she says, “Higher education is not looking to determine how many widgets it can sell in certain markets, but rather, will a student who enters college persist, and will she complete a degree”.
Institutions today have a wealth of information about students right from when they are only prospects to their graduation stage. This includes high school transcripts, financial data, demographic data, progress and success data, course and program data, as well as data on extracurricular activities. Predictive analytics sorts through this mass of raw data to:
- Personalize student learning
- Enhance customer/student service
- Monitor student engagement levels
- Notify faculty and advisors about at-risk students
- Increase positive outcomes including higher enrollment and graduation rates
Propel Your Student Towards Success through Predictive Analytics
The consolidation of academic, demographic and social data (obtained from social media, blogs, and other such channels) along with deployment of predictive analytics can put your faltering students back on track. It can give the instructors, administrators important insights into where a student is heading, whether s/he needs assistance, what can maximize the chances of graduation. While such unrestricted access to personal student information can raise some privacy and security concerns, the onus is on the educational institutions to ensure the ethical use of this data while leveraging its benefits.
Anthony Banford is an esteemed executive with 19 years of experience in technology, consulting, and education. He begins his latest chapter as Chief Revenue Officer at BlackBeltHelp, aiming to innovate in the higher education support industry. His move follows a successful stint as Head of Revenue at StudentBridge since March 2023, where he significantly contributed to the company’s merger with Full Measure Education, enhancing its service offerings.
Todd Hollrah joins BlackBeltHelp bringing 25+ years of experience managing service delivery operations for several Fortune 500 clients around the globe. After a distinguished career as an executive in the BPO industry, Todd will provide critical insight into building an exceptional customer experience combining both live voice and automated solutions.
Inspired by a family computer that always needed fixing, Chris Uthe has submerged himself in business and technology for the last 20 years. His first company, a PC repair and networking business, was started at just 16 and successfully fueled a deep interest in solving problems as he helped business customers throughout his hometown adopt technology into their business. He would go on to successfully run a media & managed IT company before joining the Ed Tech industry with a successful 13-year tenure within an ERP/SIS company leading the Student Portal & Learning Management division. His last startup, EdSolio, helped to fuel the winds of competency-based education by providing a comprehensive view of a student’s work and achievements. Chris is now focused on creating successful learners by ensuring the highest quality help and support through the use of AI backed toolsets spending the last 3 years in the student engagement and support markets.
Quaiser Absar is the Chief Technology Officer and Director of Institutional Computing at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia.
Bringing in over 2 decades of experience with him, Manish has ensured seamless operations in terms of client delivery, reporting & analytics, quality, training, and transitions with a special focus on technical integrations to help reduce costs and improve the bottom-line.
Anthony has served higher education in diverse, leadership roles for over 30 years and has helped organizations thrive through his expertise in developing, analyzing, and executing growth strategies. Prior to joining BlackBeltHelp, he served in College Administration as well as in leadership roles within Blackboard Student Services and Ellucian, Inc.
Accomplished IT Specialist and Manager with extensive experience in a higher education setting and demonstrated abilities to effectively manage both student and professional staff. Self-motivated problem solver, who is skilled in managing many issues and prioritizing their importance to find resolutions in a timely and effective manner. Possesses strong abilities to adapt to new technologies by extrapolating from existing experience. Possess first-rate communication and collaboration skills to work with diverse groups effectively.
Lila Buytendorp has been serving as the Director of User Services at Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) since 2000. In this role she is responsible for staff & lab desktop computing and end user support. She guides and supports technology based on the curriculum needs and ensures technology is implemented to support the emerging needs of the college. She builds and supports integrated systems to improve efficiencies and uses technologies to support data-driven decision making. Lila is a member of the Capital Projects Planning and Design Committee to ensure new or remodeled facilities have appropriate technology.