ListEdTech's Podcast

In this episode, we dive into a fresh analysis from ListEdTech that challenges the way we think about market saturation in education technology. Rather than seeing saturation as a static point, this discussion highlights how markets evolve over time — and why tracking both total adoption (X-axis) and new implementations (Y-axis) paints a more accurate picture. We explore the adoption patterns of C...

In this episode, we dive into the story of Thesis , a rising force in the Student Information System (SIS) market. Born from Unit4's SIS division in 2021, Thesis has quickly established itself as a cloud-first, SaaS-driven provider focused on the unique needs of small and mid-sized colleges and universities across the U.S., Canada, and the UK. We explore their flagship solutions ( Thesis Student M...

In this episode, we explore how higher education institutions uncover what technologies their peers are using—and why the process is often more complicated than it seems. From hallway conversations at conferences to fragmented online forums and professional networks, most discovery methods remain informal, incomplete, and biased. We discuss the challenges this creates for decision-makers and how t...

In this episode of the ListEdTech podcast, we explore why validating institutional data each year is not just a clerical task—but a critical process that underpins trust and clarity in the education sector. We break down how verifying the type of institution, degree offerings, enrollment numbers, and active status helps maintain a robust and reliable dataset that serves researchers, policymakers,...

In this episode, we dive into the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in Learning Management Systems (LMS). Drawing from recent announcements at major industry conferences, we explore how Blackboard (Anthology), D2L (Brightspace), and Instructure (Canvas) are embedding AI into their platforms—each with a unique strategy. From personalized learning and accessibility improvements to career path...

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked challenge of technology system integration during university mergers. Drawing on ListEdTech's extensive database and industry insights from ERP Today and EdTech Magazine , we explore why larger institutions' systems almost always prevail, thanks to their scalability and robust infrastructure. We discuss how pre-merger alignment can smooth the tran...

In this episode, we explore the major announcements from D2L Fusion 2025 and what they mean for the future of Brightspace. From the rollout of Lumi AI to Accessibility Plus, D2L is putting artificial intelligence at the center of its strategy—enhancing teaching, improving student support, and streamlining administrative work. We also look at the company's expanding global presence and its growing...

In this episode, we dive into the major announcements from Anthology Together 2025 (AT25), as covered by Justin Menard on ListEdTech.com. Anthology is doubling down on AI, cloud migration, and automation across its core platforms—Reach, Blackboard, and Student. One of the biggest takeaways? Blackboard Learn Original will reach end-of-life by December 2026, prompting institutions to prepare for mig...

As digital tools become embedded in classrooms, surveillance technologies like GoGuardian, Gaggle, and ClassDojo raise urgent questions about privacy, bias, and consent. In this episode, we explore the expanding use of facial recognition and biometric data in schools, and the growing backlash against unchecked monitoring. With state and federal regulators stepping in amid rising cybersecurity thre...

In this episode, we introduce ListEdTech's Competitive Compass , a powerful new tool that offers a transparent, data-driven view of the education technology market. Forget subjective rankings — the Compass uses verified data on market adoption and recent momentum to visualize where vendors truly stand. With filters like region, sector, and degree type, users can tailor their view to see which prod...

In this episode, we unpack the complexities behind payment solutions in educational institutions. Drawing from our article Breaking Down the Payment Stack in Education , we explore why most schools and universities rely on a layered mix of vendors rather than a single system. You'll learn about the five core sections of the payment stack, the key functions of each, and how integration with SIS and...

As K–12 districts increasingly turn to dual-LMS setups—pairing platforms like Google Classroom with Canvas or Schoology to bridge functionality gaps—a new layer of complexity is emerging. In this episode, we explore the rise of strategic LMS combinations and the parallel wave of legal scrutiny facing major EdTech providers. From data collection concerns to lawsuits against Google, Instructure, and...

In this episode, we explore the evolving LMS landscape in Oceania. While Moodle continues to dominate, Canvas is rapidly gaining ground, and AI-powered tools from platforms like Brightspace and Blackboard are drawing increased attention. We unpack how hybrid learning, academic integrity, and user experience are shaping institutional decisions—and what these shifts mean for the future of edtech in...

In this episode, we explore the accelerating wave of end-of-life announcements for on-premises software in higher education. From Banner and Colleague to PeopleSoft and Dynamics GP, vendors are signaling a decisive pivot to the cloud. We unpack what this shift means for institutions, why proactive audits and migration planning are critical, and how cloud-first strategies are reshaping the future o...

In this episode, we unpack the major themes from Ellucian Live 2025, where the Student Information System is being reimagined as a student-centric, AI-driven cloud platform. From tools like Smart Plan and Smart Award to deeper conversations about the role of AI in advising and degree completion, we explore how Ellucian is reshaping the SIS into a strategic asset. While innovation is front and cent...

In this episode, we dive into the latest findings from our analysis of IT project data across 78 higher education institutions in North America and Europe. What are the top priorities shaping campus tech strategies in 2025? From cloud adoption and AI integration to renewed investments in core systems and cybersecurity, we explore the emerging trends that institutions are acting on today to build t...

In this episode, we dive into the latest snapshot of the North American Higher Ed Student Information System (SIS) market, based on data from the ListEdTech blog. We explore key players like Ellucian Banner, Colleague, Jenzabar, and Oracle PeopleSoft, and examine how modernization efforts and cloud adoption are reshaping the competitive landscape. With 150+ implementations and upgrades each year,...