Toronto digital-learning platform Top Hat has acquired Nelson’s higher-ed textbook business in a deal announced on May 26. The acquisition completes Nelson’s shift in strategy to focus solely on the K–12 education market.

Top Hat plans to adapt 400 print titles from Nelson for its online platform. Top Hat is used in 750 of the top 1,000 post-secondary schools in North America.

The Nelson titles will be adapted for a digital environment, which will include adding multimedia modifications such as rollover definitions, interactive 3D models, comprehensive chapter summaries, study guides, and quizzes. This is intended to complement the features already available on the Top Hat platform, which include the ability to livestream lectures, present and edit slides, record lectures for later viewing, host live chats, poll and quiz students during class, assign homework, and deliver feedback.

A survey of 3,089 North American post-secondary students found that more than a quarter are questioning returning to school in the fall because of their school’s lack of a clear plan on reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven out of 10 reported that the instruction they have received online has been inferior to their in-class education.