Online Education Across the Atlantic

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 Landscape03:02Market Dynamics: Boring or Exciting?05:59The LMS Market's Stability and SIS Comparisons08:53AI's Impact on Education Technology11:25Vendor-Specific Insights: Anthology and Blackboard14:11D2L Fusion: Content Development and Pricing Strategies36:50Engaging with the Community: Hockey and Accents37:52Adoption of Add-Ons and Impact on Strategy38:58AI Integration in D2L Brightspace39:43Management Changes and Their Implications41:01Pricing Strategies and Market Dynamics43:03InstructureCon: Expectations and Product Strategy48:01Moodle's Leadership Transition and Future Direction54:57Open edX and the Evolving LMS Landscape01:00:33Sakai and the Relevance of Specialized LMS01:06:39Governance 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 Perspectives34:35 Initial Reactions and Disagreements36:57 The Impact of the Pandemic on Online Education38:52 Unbundling Services in Online Education41:44 International Student Recruitment Dynamics46:08 Understanding Online Recruitment Strategies48:43 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 Education05:52The State of College ROI in the US10:14UK Perspectives on Higher Education Value17:29The Complexity of Measuring Educational Outcomes19:25Understanding ROI in Higher Education22:41The Role of Data Dashboards27:15Political Influences on Higher Education30:08Future Trends in Higher Education35:11The 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 Challenges03:52Budget Cuts and Institutional Responses10:21The Shift to In-House Marketing19:02Understanding Online Marketing Dynamics24:27Operational Strategies for Online Programs24:33The Role of OPM Partnerships in University Marketing30:30Challenges of Program-Specific Marketing34:18Evaluating the Effectiveness of OPMs39:28Building Internal Marketing Competence45:48The 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 2025In 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.

The conversation delves into the complexities and challenges of online international education, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding international students and the financial pressures faced by universities. The speakers discuss trends in recruitment, the importance of understanding different markets, and the need for universities to adapt their strategies to meet the demands of a changing landscape. They emphasize the significance of partnerships and the long-term vision required to succeed in this evolving field.

This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of the Online Program Management (OPM) market, particularly focusing on the shift from revenue share to fee-for-service models. Recent reports present a false narrative, and we don't buy it. The discussion highlights the challenges in defining OPMs, the role of Coursera, and the implications of these changes for educational institutions. We express skepticism about the reported trends and emphasize the need for clearer definitions and understanding of the market dynamics. This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of online education, focusing on revenue models, particularly the dominance of revenue share versus fee-for-service arrangements. The speakers discuss the implications of regulatory pressures, the maturity of institutions, and the strategic shifts of platforms like Coursera, which is moving away from traditional degree offerings towards more flexible, unbundled services. The discussion highlights the complexities and nuances of the market, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of these dynamics as they continue to evolve.

This conversation delves into the current state of the VLE and LMS market, focusing on financial pressures faced by universities, the impact of government funding, and the dynamics of online learning implementations. The discussion also highlights the role of AI in shaping market changes and the overall trends observed in the education technology landscape.

Predictions for 2025: What Lies Ahead?In this episode, Phil, Morgan, and Neil discuss various topics related to online education, including the impact of generative AI on the market, predictions for 2025, and the future of language learning apps. They explore the potential for university bankptcies, shifts in assessment practices, and the increasing trend of international online learning. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of AI in educational platforms and the challenges faced by established companies like edX.Chapters00:00 Introduction to New Recording Era02:44 Live Podcast Recording at Leeds University05:35 Generative AI Panic and Market Reactions08:19 Impact of AI on Education11:10 Predictions for 2025: Assessment Trends in Higher Education13:54 Student Success and Vendor Accountability16:53 University Closures and Financial Challenges21:05 The Impact of Online Learning on International Education24:06 Shifts in VLE and LMS Market Focus27:23 The Revolving Door in Education Politics29:54 Challenges for Language Learning Apps32:28 The Future of edX and University Platforms36:54 Generative AI's Sustainable Use in EdTech41:07 New Chapter

Welcome back to another episode of "Online Education Across the Atlantic". In today's episode, our hosts dive into the evolving state of online education in both the US and the UK. As they navigate through recent data, they compare enrollment trends, challenges, and strategic investments that shape the future of online learning. The discussion delves into how the sectors have grown post-COVID, the stability of datasets, and the increasing competitiveness in the online education market.Phil and Morgan share perspectives on the US market, highlighting how legacy investments have paid off for certain institutions, while Neil provides a UK viewpoint, discussing the impact of financial constraints and the potential for growth. They explore the potential influence of changing administrations on educational policies and the anticipated innovations in international online education.Join us as we unpack these trends and look ahead to what 2025 holds for online learning.

In this episode of "Online Education Across the Atlantic," we delve into the findings of the UK’s Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, revealing a split in satisfaction between international and UK students. The discussion expands to explore the challenges and benefits of online education, such as program flexibility, student engagement, and the pivotal role of faculty involvement. The episode also examines the effects of COVID-19 on educational expectations, the balance between cohort-based learning and flexibility, and the potential for AI to personalize learning. As the episode closes, the speakers share their holiday traditions, university financial challenges, and critique of the educational rankings, setting the stage for thoughtful considerations as they prepare to reunite in the new year.

In this episode of "Online Education Across the Atlantic," we discuss the extremes of attitudes towards technology in education, particularly around AI. Starting with Donald Clarks critique of an anti-tech keynote at the OEB conference, we dive into the popularity of 100% skepticism or 100% optimism we often hear during keynotes. We explore the importance of organizing high-profile debates to tackle polarizing issues and reflect on the success of past debates. We also highlight the prevalence of critical voices in academia and the need for more balanced discussions on AI and tech in education. Join us for a rich conversation on the future of online learning!00:00 Passenger saves taxi from crash in rain.05:48 Discussion on tech skepticism and AI negativity.10:17 Keynotes seemed unremarkable; celebrity status issue.13:40 UK trends critical of edtech and AI.16:02 Ed tech debate polarized, seeking balanced voices.18:55 EU bloc critical towards technology developments.22:43 Conference experiences amplify edtech divide, platform critical voices.26:46 Debate got personal, especially regarding AI skepticism.29:16 Perceived big tech takeover of higher education.33:39 Tech development orthodoxy criticized for promoting bias.36:07 Universities haven't fully adapted to digital era.39:29 Debate planned between author and Stephanie Hall.

In the Season 2 premiere of "Online Education Across the Atlantic," hosts Phil, Morgan, and Neil take you on a tour of the latest educational technology conferences. We explore key takeaways from CanvasConnect in Barcelona, where lifelong learning and practical course organization dominated the sessions, and the D2L Connections event in Amsterdam, highlighting the buzz around AI-driven tools like Lumi and H5P integration.Morgan shares experiences from the Moodle Moot in Mexico, unpacking the challenges and future directions for Moodle, while Phil reports on the vendor partnerships and AI discussions at Educause in San Antonio, Texas. With increased attendance and a revamped exhibit hall layout, Educause is reviving itself for connecting educators with technology partners. Tune in for an in-depth look at how these conferences are shaping the future of online education and what it means for institutions across the globe.00:00 Neil spoke at last year's smaller conference in Europe.05:08 Comparing D2L's learning focus and Instructure's vision.07:45 H5P and Lumi positively viewed, but underused.11:07 Lifelong learning tension: transformational vs practical focus.14:42 Education hype can disconnect from universities' realities.17:38 Enjoyed European-style breakfast with Yucatan pork.21:39 Leadership transition creates balance challenge for direction.24:22 Moodle crucial for higher education and LMS.29:53 Facilitated Educause workshop, changing partnerships perspective.33:17 Strategic planning impacts edtech vendor outlook.35:20 Organize AI, clean data for accurate insights.40:07 Initial moral panic impeded serious AI discussions.41:50 Space-themed hotel excited 8-year-old.

Title Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBKKo43lJ-EThis week, we dive into the non-regulatory issues surrounding EdTech ecosystem usage where multiple apps are used within a course. Controlling which apps can be used can trigger academic freedom concerns, but how can educators gain a more complete view of student learning? We discuss the complexities of tracking and data analytics across various platforms. Plus, we explore how centralized data approaches can benefit institutions trying to solve this problem. This discussion gives insights on leadership changes in edtech and debates on data ownership and contract management. Tune in to discover how these dynamics are shaping the future of online education!00:00 Welcome back to final podcast episode, everyone!05:52 LMS can't track third-party academic tools usage.09:22 Limited edtech implementation, mainly administrative and monitoring.13:35 Interviews revealed schools' attendance solutions, maintaining confidentiality.15:25 Programs are credit-hour based, not clock-hour tracked.17:46 Universities struggle with unified edtech tool integration.23:03 Overseeing student activities on platforms is lacking.27:01 Holistic learning tools adopted piecemeal across institutions.28:54 Institutional policy drives centralized data integration efforts.33:40 Holistic student learning focus benefits larger institutions.35:07 Decentralized universities struggle with modern technology implementation.39:50 Community college systems balance variety and centralization.41:31 LMS VLE issues led to LTI ecosystem shift.

In this episode of Online Education Across the Atlantic, hosts Phil, Neil, and Morgan dive into the conference season in the world of learning management systems. They discuss D2L's focus on engaging interactive content through the acquisition of H5P, Anthology's new direction under fresh leadership, and the challenges faced by Instructure in clearly communicating their product roadmap. The conversation also touches on the potential impact of AI on content development and the future of LMS products. Join us as we explore the insights gained from attending user conferences, the strategic moves companies are making to stay competitive, and the importance of understanding the needs of educators and learners in the ever-evolving landscape of online education.00:00 Morgan and Phil covered four conferences.08:34 D2L focuses on interactive content for education.11:16 Reflections on H5P and its acquisition.19:48 AI's impact on content development and adoption.25:53 Instructure's school vision includes ecological exploration.28:01 Similarities in product development and lifelong learning.34:47 Comparing AI in education and K-12 impact.40:47 Misty Frost marketing Instructure moves to Spokane.49:06 Critical assessment of educational technology market trends.53:42 Anthology's realistic approach to competition and market strategy.59:16 AI and new leadership revitalize education market.01:02:57 Is new leadership guiding Moodle effectively?