Blog.
Are ERPs in Decline?
In his article “The Decline And Fall Of ERP, And Why Colleges Should Care” posted on August 23, 2024, Ryan Craig argues that the decline of traditional Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and the rise of specialized SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms have significantly transformed the job market, especially for entry-level positions. Historically, ERPs ... Are ERPs in Decline? Read More
Are Institutions Embracing Same-Vendor Bundles?
Many vendors build their strategy around the idea that implementing same-vendor bundles is more valuable than combining products from various vendors. These vendors suggest bundling their products would help institutions overcome integration challenges, receive richer combined functionality, and lessen issues managing relationships with multiple vendors. To some degree, this argument makes sense. As many smartphone ... Are Institutions Embracing Same-Vendor Bundles? Read More
D2L Fusion 2024: The Role of the LMS in Transforming Teaching and Learning
Educational technology conferences share the same aspects. Attendees hear ambitious keynote talks and flashy feature announcements, participate in deep-dive sessions and networking opportunities, and navigate huge hotels and long lines for coffee. However, this year’s D2L Fusion conference—held in Toronto—was different in two ways. First, the organizers added an element of local charm to all ... D2L Fusion 2024: The Role of the LMS in Transforming Teaching and Learning Read More
InstructureCon 2024: A Partnership Unlocking Possibilities
I spent last week at InstructureCon 2024 in Las Vegas, experiencing the city’s scorching heat, with temperatures soaring daily between 45 and 47°C (113 and 116°F). My wife accompanied me as I celebrated the big 50. On our arrival on Monday, we had tickets to a comedy show. Being avid walkers, we thought a short ... InstructureCon 2024: A Partnership Unlocking Possibilities Read More
The Impact of the Move to Remote Learning on K-12 Ecosystems
Technology implementations related to teaching and learning in US K-12 school districts increased during the pandemic, with a combined annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21% between 2019 and 2021. Every technology category increased over this period, with Conferencing Systems (105%), Assessment and Evaluation Solutions (22%), E-Learning Solutions (18%), and Learning Management Systems (19%) showing the ... The Impact of the Move to Remote Learning on K-12 Ecosystems Read More
Different, But the Same
Key Takeaways for This Post Differences in Educational Structures: The text highlights significant structural differences between the higher education systems in Canada and in the United States. Canada has a higher proportion of two-year colleges compared to the US. On the other hand, the US has a notable number of institutions offering programs of less ... Different, But the Same Read More
Digital Accessibility in Higher Education: Two Vendors to Watch
According to the most recently available IPEDS data, twenty-one percent of undergraduates and eleven percent of postbaccalaureate students reported having a disability across all US institutions from 2019 to 2020. Yet, many of these students do not consider their accessibility needs met by their institutions. For example, a 2019 survey by Educause showed that “only about half of all ... Digital Accessibility in Higher Education: Two Vendors to Watch Read More
Packaging New Requirement Types for LMS RFPs
At the end of our blog post on deconstructing LMS RFPs to find the most popular evaluation criteria, we mentioned that we are working on defining the functional and non-functional criteria. Over the past month and a half, we have worked on grouping the different requirement types. Rapidly, we understood that it’s not a matter ... Packaging New Requirement Types for LMS RFPs Read More
Exploring the Benefits of Outcomes-Based Benchmarking
Many instructional leaders benchmark their institutions against others, intending to understand how to reduce expenditures and enhance productivity. Leveraging tools such as Educause’s Core Data Service, these leaders examine how their finances, staffing, and services compare against similar institutions and understand their level of maturity to launch strategic initiatives (analytics, etc.). This approach to benchmarking is ... Exploring the Benefits of Outcomes-Based Benchmarking Read More
Ellucian Live 2024: Illuminate. Innovate. Inspire.
From April 6-9, 2024, I attended Ellucian Live 2024, where James and I were invited as analysts. It was only my second Ellucian conference, but somehow, I felt like a veteran. I was happy to meet up with old acquaintances while making new connections in the edtech world. With this post, I want to share ... Ellucian Live 2024: Illuminate. Innovate. Inspire. Read More
Exploring Why Institutions Change Student Information Systems
At its conference this year, Ellucian highlighted Indian River State College’s recent conversion from another student information system (SIS) to its Ellucian Banner SaaS product. In the accompanying video, Dr. Timothy Moore, the college president, highlighted the functional reasons for the product switch and discussed how he sees the new product as better supporting his ... Exploring Why Institutions Change Student Information Systems Read More
