The conversation explores the current state of online education, focusing on the recent conferences of major LMS providers like Anthology, D2L, and Instructure. Key themes include Anthology's financial struggles and AI strategy, D2L's new features and user adoption, and Instructure's bold AI initiatives. The discussion highlights the potential for significant changes in the LMS market driven by AI, while also addressing the challenges and uncertainties faced by these companies.

takeaways

• Anthology is facing significant debt restructuring issues.
• The Blackboard AI feature set is showing value to customers.
• AI is becoming a central focus for LMS providers.
• D2L's Fusion Conference showcased a more confident approach.
• User adoption of AI features is still in early stages.
• Instructure's IgniteAI represents a bold new direction.
• There is a disconnect for Canvas between product development and user needs.
• Continuing education remains a key area for growth.
• The LMS market is at a critical juncture after 30 years.
• The impact of AI on user behavior is still uncertain.
• Future market dynamics will depend on how these companies deliver on their promises.

The conversation reflects on the Online Learning Summit held at the University of Leeds, discussing the growth of online education, the challenges and opportunities faced by institutions, and the importance of innovation and leadership in navigating change. The speakers emphasize the need for a shift in educational approaches, particularly in light of generative AI and evolving student needs, while also recognizing the enduring relevance of traditional degrees and institutions.

*Takeaways*

The summit showcased a growing community in online education.

There is a need for more student panels at conferences.

Common challenges in online education are consistent across regions.

Generative AI is changing the landscape of education.

The relevance of degrees is increasingly questioned.

Change in education is a complex, multifaceted issue.

Leadership plays a crucial role in driving change.

Innovation often arises from constraints rather than abundance.

Incremental change is necessary for traditional institutions.

The importance of assessing the impact of educational changes.

This conversation delves into the current state of the LMS market, exploring perceptions of stagnation versus excitement, the impact of AI, and the dynamics between major vendors like Anthology, D2L, Instructure, and Moodle. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities within the market, including pricing strategies, the role of non-credit education, and the evolving landscape of education technology.

00:00Introduction to the LMS Market Landscape

03:02Market Dynamics: Boring or Exciting?

05:59The LMS Market's Stability and SIS Comparisons

08:53AI's Impact on Education Technology

11:25Vendor-Specific Insights: Anthology and Blackboard

14:11D2L Fusion: Content Development and Pricing Strategies

36:50Engaging with the Community: Hockey and Accents

37:52Adoption of Add-Ons and Impact on Strategy

38:58AI Integration in D2L Brightspace

39:43Management Changes and Their Implications

41:01Pricing Strategies and Market Dynamics

43:03InstructureCon: Expectations and Product Strategy

48:01Moodle's Leadership Transition and Future Direction

54:57Open edX and the Evolving LMS Landscape

01:00:33Sakai and the Relevance of Specialized LMS

01:06:39Governance and Choices in EdTech Management

Phil interviews Rajay Naik, CEO of Skilled Education and formerly at Open University and Keypath Education, about his perspective on US and UK online higher education. Rajay describes his personal history seeing online from both the US and UK, and the two discuss whether the latter follows the former by five years or if it is more complex. Then Morgan, Neil, and Phil discuss the interview and their perspective on the key topics from the interview.

00:00 Introduction to Online Education Perspectives

34:35 Initial Reactions and Disagreements

36:57 The Impact of the Pandemic on Online Education

38:52 Unbundling Services in Online Education

41:44 International Student Recruitment Dynamics

46:08 Understanding Online Recruitment Strategies

48:43 Crossing Borders in EdTech and OPMs

This conversation explores the return on investment (ROI) of higher education, comparing perspectives from the US and UK. It discusses the increasing scrutiny on colleges and universities regarding their value, particularly in light of rising student debt. The speakers delve into the implications of metrics used to evaluate educational programs and the potential consequences of these discussions on future educational policies and practices.

00:00Introduction to ROI in Higher Education

05:52The State of College ROI in the US

10:14UK Perspectives on Higher Education Value

17:29The Complexity of Measuring Educational Outcomes

19:25Understanding ROI in Higher Education

22:41The Role of Data Dashboards

27:15Political Influences on Higher Education

30:08Future Trends in Higher Education

35:11The Importance of Industry Alignment

Marketing in online education is a different game than for traditional higher education - different in scale, infrastructure, and in key metrics. But without it, how would an institution reach new learners?

This conversation delves into the complexities of marketing in online education, focusing on the challenges faced by institutions and OPMs in recruitment and enrollment strategies. It highlights the increasing costs associated with marketing, the impact of demographic shifts, and the need for precise measurement of marketing effectiveness. The discussion also touches on the differences in marketing approaches between traditional and online education, emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies to meet the unique demands of online learners.

Like Alice realizing that nothing in Wonderland worked as she expected, so can it be with marketing online programs from a traditional marketing mindset.

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by universities in marketing their online programs, particularly in light of budget cuts and enrollment declines. The discussion highlights the pushback against changes in university structures, the importance of understanding digital marketing, and the evolving role of Online Program Managers (OPMs). The speakers emphasize the need for a student-centric approach in marketing and the complexities involved in transitioning to in-house marketing strategies.

00:00Introduction to Online Education Challenges

03:52Budget Cuts and Institutional Responses

10:21The Shift to In-House Marketing

19:02Understanding Online Marketing Dynamics

24:27Operational Strategies for Online Programs

24:33The Role of OPM Partnerships in University Marketing

30:30Challenges of Program-Specific Marketing

34:18Evaluating the Effectiveness of OPMs

39:28Building Internal Marketing Competence

45:48The Importance of Student-Centric Marketing

This conversation explores the evolving landscape of online education, focusing on student demand, preferences, and the implications of recent trends. The discussion highlights the complexities surrounding the perception of online learning, the impact of OPM relationships, and the need for universities to adapt to changing student needs. Phil, Morgan, and Neil analyze data from various reports, emphasizing the importance of understanding student choices and the potential for blended learning models.

The discussion raises two questions not often addressed: at what levels will online eduction plateau and stop growing, and do any institutions actually market blended or hybrid course experiences?

What was and wasn't prominently discussed at ASU+GSV 2025

In this conversation, Phil Hill, Neil Mosley, and Morgan discuss the recent ASU+GSV Summit and associated AI Show, reflecting on the overall experience, the quality of sessions, and the themes that emerged. They explore the disjunctures in higher education conversations, particularly regarding current challenges and the role of AI. The discussion also touches on the impact of financial turmoil, cultural wars, and the influence of Big Tech on education. The conversation concludes with thoughts on innovative solutions and the future direction of educational practices.

In this episode, Phil Hill discusses the evolving landscape of education policy under the Trump administration, focusing on the what to expect next based on negotiating tactics. The conversation delves into the emotional responses to these policies, the importance of transparency and accountability, and the need for a sector-neutral approach to education outcomes. Key themes include the political influences shaping education policy and the future directions that may emerge as a result of current trends.

Takeaways

• The Trump administration's education policies are complex and multifaceted.
• Emotional responses to education policy can cloud rational analysis.
• Transparency and accountability are crucial in education reform.
• Sector-neutral outcomes are a key focus for future education policies.
• The political landscape heavily influences education policy decisions.
• Higher education institutions must adapt to changing regulations and expectations.
• There is a need for critical thinking in response to education policy changes.
• The role of various stakeholders, including activists, is significant in shaping policy.
• Future education policies will likely focus on workforce alignment and outcomes.