Tech-enabled learning and research drive career-ready outcomes at La Trobe University

Executive summary 

With the support of Risepoint, La Trobe University is transforming online learning and workforce preparation through innovation, data, and applied research. This work starts with a predictive analytics effort that analyzes and addresses student concerns quickly and effectively, ultimately resulting in a 10% reduction in the student drop-out rate year-on-year. In parallel, Risepoint is co-investing in a research partnership to align digital health program curriculum with relevant employer needs. 

Predictive analytics result in personalised student support 

Using engagement data from La Trobe University’s Learning Management System, the Risepoint team identified students at risk of disengaging early in the semester – particularly those who had not accessed course materials or submitted their first assessment within five days of the due date. These early warning signals triggered a tiered outreach program via email, phone, and SMS. On behalf of La Trobe, Risepoint Student Support Coordinators provided timely, personalised support addressing both academic and non-academic concerns. The result was a 10 percent reduction in drop-out rate year-on-year in 2025, retaining 124 students – more than double the original target. One student reflected, “Thank you, I’m so impressed with this level of service and had no idea La Trobe provided this level of support.”

“In a university environment where genuine connection and belonging can transform the student experience, Risepoint has been one of the most thoughtful and impactful partners I’ve ever worked with. Working with them genuinely feels like having an extension of our own team, i.e., responsive, insightful, and always focused on helping students reflect, grow in confidence, and recognize their own progress in meaningful ways.”

Leanne Ngo

La Trobe University
Director of Student Engagement and Employability

“The partnership balanced data-driven prediction with human kindness and relational support. Both were essential in reaching learners early and helping them stay engaged. Predictive analytics helped us identify need early, and [the] Risepoint human-centred outreach provided the care and connection learners relied on. Together, both elements strengthened engagement and support.”

Leanne Ngo

La Trobe University
Director of Student Engagement and Employability

Digital health research for career readiness  

Risepoint is co-investing in a multi-year applied research partnership with La Trobe’s Digital Health team. The research explores how students develop digital health competencies and how well these skills align with employer needs. Risepoint contributes to shaping the research, reviewing manuscripts, funding the Research Assistant, and co-authoring papers. Insights from this work are already informing planned curriculum enhancements for 2027, ensuring courses remain contemporary, industry-aligned, and focused on employability. 

“Partnering with Risepoint has elevated our digital health courses at La Trobe in ways we couldn’t have imagined. From promotion to delivery to research, we’ve seen the real magic that happens when organisations unite with a shared purpose. Collaboration is truly the engine of digital transformation in healthcare.”

Dr. Urooj R. Khan

La Trobe University
Digital Health Postgraduate Courses Lead

Together, these initiatives demonstrate our unique approach to bridge technology, human support, and evidence-driven course design. For La Trobe University, predictive analytics provide a scalable model to improve retention, while research ensures graduates acquire the skills employers demand in rapidly evolving fields like digital health. Students benefit from more personalised support, authentic learning experiences, and a clear pathway from study to meaningful careers. By combining tech-enabled interventions with applied research and close industry engagement, Risepoint is helping our partner universities to produce graduates who are not only prepared for today’s workforce, but equipped to lead in the digital and health sectors of the future.