WGU News – For Immediate Release Follow WGU Labs on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Contact for media inquiries:
Matt Griffin, WGU Communications
(615) 472-6055
WGU Labs will research the effects of eLumin’s virtual learning environment on student access to the full range of required learning technologies..
Salt Lake City, UT – September 22, 2020 – WGU Labs, Inc., an affiliate of online nonprofit Western Governors University (WGU), today announced a partnership with eLumin. The eLumin solution improves student access to vital, course-required applications and data through its cloud-based virtual learning environment. eLumin is founded on the belief that technology should never get in the way of life, learning, or accomplishment, and that a student’s ability to work, learn, and interact should extend beyond the bounds of a traditional campus.
Under the partnership, WGU Labs will research how the eLumin solution positively impacts student access to learning. The research will include analyzing in what ways access to the platform impacts the learning process, learning outcomes, and student retention. In addition to rigorous research, WGU Labs will also support eLumin’s market outreach.
“We had been looking into ways to grow our business and had spoken to several business accelerators. It was important to us that we found the right partner that put the student at the center of what they value. Improving student access to their institution’s learning environment, regardless of the cost of their device is core to what we value. WGU Labs has a passion for the student and we share a similar vision, it was clear they were the right partner to help grow eLumin impact,” says eLumin founder Greg M. Smith.
A recent study by Indiana University found that 20% of students had problems maintaining access to effective technology. And the difficulties are more common for students from low-income families.
“Greg and his team are addressing the income-based digital divide amongst postsecondary students. Educational success should not be based on the cost of your device. It’s Maslowian — all students must have access to the internet and course required applications and data they need in order to achieve learning objectives.” Todd Bloom, Managing Director of the Accelerator at WGU Labs.
eLumin marks the sixth partnership for the Accelerator at WGU Labs since its establishment. Crowell Moring advised on the execution of the eLumin and WGU Labs partnership.
###
About WGU Labs
WGU Labs is a nonprofit that is an affiliate of WGU. WGU Labs primarily provides research, services, inventions, and builds, and secondarily provides investments in strategically aligned innovative learning solutions that improve quality and advance educational outcomes for learners everywhere. Building on social psychology, learning science, and industry trends, WGU Labs accelerates education startups and develops its own research-supported, scalable products. Learn more about WGU Labs at https://wgulabs.org/.
