Study Group is to acquire learning experience platform developer Insendi in what is seen by the provider as a significant opportunity for business growth in online, blended and international education.
Founded by staff from the Edtech Lab at Imperial College London, Insendi provides a learning experience platform and expertise in course development, staff training and consultancy to its university partners.
“Our shared view is that these technologies are increasingly important to students and teachers”
Insendi will operate as a separate company within Study Group to retain its focus on innovation in online higher education, while Study Group will also work closely with Insendi to develop its online student support and bespoke provision in the years to come.
The move has been described as an opportunity to enhance Study Group’s position as a leading provider of international education in an area of growing importance to students and universities.
Chief executive of Study Group, Emma Lancaster, said the provider is delighted to welcome Insendi to the Study Group family.
“I have been deeply impressed by the team’s technical credentials as a company which grew out of their work at Imperial College and their focus on engaging higher education learning using their platform,” Lancaster said.
“Together with Study Group’s 25 years of experience of working with university partners and helping international students succeed, we see significant opportunities,” she added.
Director and co-founder of Insendi, David LeFevre – also the director of the EdTech Lab at Imperial College – echoed Lancaster’s sentiments, adding that it was important for Insendi to maintain its own “unique identity and reputation”.
“Together we see genuine complementary strengths and a real potential for business growth in the future.”
LeFevre said that increasingly, the teaching and support of students draw on the breakthrough technologies that are impacting our society.
“Our shared view is that these technologies are increasingly important to students and teachers and they will play a pivotal role in the future as international education addresses questions of access, resilience and environmental sustainability.
“We are excited about exploring these possibilities,” he added.