Industry News

Kaplan Acquires Grockit Test Prep

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 08/01/13

Kaplan has acquired Grockit's social learning platform and test preparation assets. In related news, Grockit has changed its name to Learnist.

Launched in 2007, "Grockit is an adaptive, personalized learning program distinguished by its unique social learning features that are proven to help people learn quickly and answer more questions correctly," according to information on the Grockit site.

"We've long recognized the Grockit team as innovators in social learning and gamification, and the company's initiatives are consistent with our efforts to improve student outcomes through learning science," said Rochelle Rothstein, executive vice president at Kaplan, in a prepared statement. "As we seek to better understand the role of social learning and gamification in test prep effectiveness, the acquisition of Grockit branded assets accelerates our efforts. We're looking forward to exploring platform synergies to improve our student experience."

Learnist will focus on its social learning network, also called Learnist, which allows users "to curate and share online content pertaining to their interests and expertise" via "learnboards," according to a company news release.

Launched last summer, the network has approximately one million users and recently inked an investment deal with Discovery Communications and a content agreement with the BBC.

The company will use the cash from the sale of Grockit to further develop Learnist. For example, the company plans to develop an Android app for the platform in addition to its current iOS app.

More information about Grockit is available at grockit.com. Go to learni.st for more information about Learnist.