Predicting and Reducing Dropout in Virtual Learning using Machine Learning Techniques: A Systematic Review

Context: This Research to Practice Full Paper presents a systematic review of methodologies that propose ways of reducing dropout rate in Virtual Learning Environments (VLE). This generates large amounts of data about courses and students, whose analysis requires the use of computational analytical tools. Most educational institutions claim that the greatest issue in virtual learning courses is high student dropout rates. Goal: Our study aims to identify solutions that use Machine Learning (ML) techniques to reduce these high dropout rates. Method: We conducted a systematic review to identify, filter and classify primary studies. Results: The initial search of academic databases resulted in 199 papers, of which 13 papers were included in the final analysis. The review reports the historical evolution of the publications, the Machine Learning techniques used, the characteristics of data used, as well as identifies solutions proposed to reduce dropout in distance learning. Conclusion: Our study provides an overview of the state of the art of solutions proposed to reduce dropout rates using ML techniques and may guide future studies and tool development.