Shows
ListEdTech's PodcastEducation's Cognitive EffectEducational technology is entering a new phase. For years, scale and connectivity defined success. Today, the real advantage is shifting toward something deeper. In this episode, we explore the move from network effects to cognitive effects in EdTech. As platforms like LMSs and SISs accumulate years of learning data, they begin to develop long-term memory about how individual students think, study, and progress. That accumulated understanding creates a powerful "cognitive moat" — one that makes switching platforms harder and personalization more valuable. We unpack what this shift means for institutions, vendors, and learners alike. From predictive in...
2026-02-0514 min
Future Forward: Tech Trends NowAI Revolution 2026: Transformative Tech Trends Reshaping Payments, Education, Healthcare, and UtilitiesFuture Forward: Tech Trends Now. Listeners, as we dive into 2026, the tech landscape pulses with bold innovations reshaping finance, education, utilities, and beyond. According to the GoWest Association's 2026 Forecast, frictionless tech dominates payments, with contactless cards now held by 80 percent of credit union members, up from 58 percent in 2021, and digital wallets favored by 63 percent of consumers. Biometric digital identities, using fingerprints or face scans, are replacing passwords, poised to hit U.S. ATMs by year's end, as Chris Barry, Manager of Innovation, predicts.Agentic AI steals the spotlight, evolving from assistants to autonomous agents that shop, purchase, and...
2026-01-2903 min
ListEdTech's PodcastThe 2026 IT Strategic Landscape in Higher EducationIn this episode, we dive into the technological priorities shaping higher education in 2026. While artificial intelligence dominates headlines, universities are quietly focused on foundational infrastructure—identity management, network security, and core system modernization. We explore the "stability paradox," where digital transformation has shifted from a visionary goal to a day-to-day operational necessity, driven by reliability, regulatory compliance, and the 2026 legal deadline for digital accessibility. Along the way, we uncover the gap between high-level strategic ambitions and the mission-critical technical work that keeps campuses running smoothly. Note: This episode is based on a blog post from ListEdTech.com an...
2026-01-2813 min
HEUG the MicWhat Institutions Are Really Using: ListEdTech, a New HEUG Member BenefitIn the Season 4 premiere of HEUG the Mic, host Alex Green sits down with Justin Menard, Founder and CEO of ListEdTech, to introduce ListEdTech as a new HEUG member benefit. Together, they explore how real-world market data helps higher education institutions validate decisions, understand peer trends, and see what systems are actually in use across the industry—empowering HEUG members to make smarter, more confident technology decisions.Send us a text
2026-01-2632 minHEUG the MicWhat Institutions Are Really Using: ListEdTech, a New HEUG Member BenefitIn the Season 4 premiere of HEUG the Mic, host Alex Green sits down with Justin Menard, Founder and CEO of ListEdTech, to introduce ListEdTech as a new HEUG member benefit. Together, they explore how real-world market data helps higher education institutions validate decisions, understand peer trends, and see what systems are actually in use across the industry—empowering HEUG members to make smarter, more confident technology decisions.Send us a text
2026-01-2632 min
ListEdTech's PodcastIdentity and Access Management in HigherEd: A Market in TransitionThis episode breaks down the latest shifts in Identity and Access Management (IAM) across North American campuses. We explore Microsoft Entra's market dominance and the steady decline of legacy solutions like Shibboleth. Learn how smaller vendors are pivoting toward AI-readiness and why institutions are ditching standalone tools for unified security fabrics. Tune in to discover how cloud-native platforms are becoming the essential foundation for the modern digital campus. Note: This episode is based on a blog post from ListEdTech.com and was created using Google Notebook LM. While we strive to remain faithful to the original content...
2026-01-2215 min
ListEdTech's PodcastThe SIS Tipping Point: Cloud as the New Standard for EducationIn today's episode, we're breaking down the "Tipping Point" of the Student Information System (SIS). For decades, local, on-premises servers were the backbone of school administration. But the data is in, and the verdict is clear: the cloud is the new standard. We explore why the education sector has reached a point of no return. It's not just about flashy new software; it's about a massive wave of legacy migrations as K-12 and higher education institutions race to maintain their technological relevancy. Note: This episode is based on a blog post from ListEdTech.com and...
2026-01-0704 min
ListEdTech's PodcastRFP Trends & Market Priorities – December 2025 UpdateIn this episode, we unpack ListEdTech's RFP Trends & Market Priorities – December 2025 Update, an analysis of five years of RFP activity across Higher Education and K–12. Drawing on thousands of procurement records from 2020 to 2025, the report reveals how institutional priorities are evolving as the market moves beyond pandemic-driven urgency. We explore why K–12 remains highly active in Student Information System modernization, while HigherEd institutions are taking a more cautious approach, focusing on CRM and career readiness solutions. The episode also examines broader market signals pointing to a shift toward long-term stability, security, and back-office optimization heading into 2026, and why RF...
2025-12-1014 min
ListEdTech's PodcastStudent First: Born from Scratch to Deliver the Future‑Ready SISIn this episode, we explore Student First, a modern Student Information System founded in 2021 by EdTech veteran David Meek. Built from the ground up to address growing frustration with aging, expensive SIS platforms, Student First takes a clean-slate approach using a modern SaaS architecture with no legacy constraints. Designed specifically for non-traditional institutions such as career colleges, online programs, and globally oriented campuses, the platform emphasizes multilingual and multi-currency support, rapid implementation, and transparent pricing. We discuss how its mobile-first design, adaptive framework, and evergreen upgrades allow institutions to onboard in as little as four months, and why Student...
2025-11-2613 min
ListEdTech's PodcastAI in Higher Education: Reimagining the Human ConnectionThis episode breaks down the key insights from the Instructure Roundtable at EDUCAUSE 2025, where leaders from major universities explored how AI is reshaping higher education. Rather than replacing human interaction, AI is emerging as a catalyst for connection—automating routine tasks so faculty can focus on mentorship and meaningful engagement. We look at shifting student expectations for seamless, digital-first learning, the rise of microcredentials, and how institutions are preparing for a future defined by personalized, lifelong learning. The message is clear: innovation should strengthen the human heart of education. Note: This episode is based on a blog po...
2025-11-1910 min
ListEdTech's PodcastThe 2025 K-12 SIS Market: Steady Leaders, Emerging ShiftsIn this episode, we unpack the evolving landscape of the North American K-12 Student Information System (SIS) market in 2025—a space marked by both maturity and disruption. While long-time leader PowerSchool continues to dominate with nearly a quarter of the market, competitors like FACTS SIS and Infinite Campus are reshaping regional dynamics and challenging legacy dominance. Behind the scenes, waves of mergers and acquisitions, the rise of AI-driven analytics, and state-level migrations such as North Carolina's shift to Infinite Campus signal a new era of transformation. As growth slows and replacement cycles define strategy, the SIS market is moving be...
2025-11-1216 min
ListEdTech's PodcastThe K–12 CMS Market: Consolidation, and the AI EffectThe K–12 website landscape is transforming fast. Once a fragmented field of niche vendors, the Content Management System (CMS) market has rapidly consolidated — with Finalsite and Apptegy now powering more than 40% of North American school district websites. In this episode, we unpack how this shift is reshaping communication, accessibility, and accountability in education. From AI-driven automation to the growing demand for ADA and WCAG compliance, we explore the trends that now define platform decisions. Districts are also moving beyond simple web publishing, seeking all-in-one ecosystems that integrate sites, notifications, and parent messaging under a single, unified platform.
2025-10-3012 min
ListEdTech's PodcastTracking HigherEd Tech Trends Through Educause Exhibitor DataIn this episode, we dig into a four-year analysis of Educause exhibitor data to uncover what's really shaping the future of HigherEd technology. Using vendor kiosk counts and total booth size from 2021 to 2025, ListEdTech's latest research reveals a sector in transition — shifting away from pandemic-driven solutions and returning its attention to core modernization. We break down the biggest signals in the data: the surge of investment in Hardware, Cloud, and ERP platforms; the ongoing prioritization of Security; and why Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being woven into existing systems rather than emerging as a standalone product category. The fi...
2025-10-2312 min
ListEdTech's PodcastWho Are HigherEd's Tech Leaders?In this episode, we unpack a fascinating analysis from a recent ListEdTech blog post by Justin Ménard, which examines the "early adopters" segment of the Product Adoption Curve in higher education. By tracking twenty institutions that consistently appear among the first to adopt new technologies across thirty product categories, the study identifies a core group of HigherEd's Tech Leaders. Mostly small- to mid-sized institutions concentrated in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, these early adopters play an outsized role in shaping the sector. Their willingness to take risks helps vendors refine new products and sets benchmarks that influence a...
2025-10-1510 min
ListEdTech's PodcastAnthology's Chapter 11 Filing: Breaking Up to RefocusIn this episode, we unpack Anthology's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing—a strategic move aimed at reducing debt and streamlining the company's future. Once known for its aggressive acquisition strategy, Anthology is now reorganizing around its core Blackboard teaching and learning solutions. As part of the restructuring, Ellucian is likely to acquire Anthology's SIS/ERP business, while Encoura should take over its student success units, underscoring the limited overlap between product lines. We explore how years of rapid expansion led to a complex and overlapping portfolio, why financial restructuring became unavoidable, and what this means for current Blackboard customers facing both co...
2025-10-0112 min
ListEdTech's PodcastRethinking Market Saturation in EdTechIn 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 Conferencing Systems, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and Student Information Systems (SIS) across both K-12 school districts and higher education, using data visualizations to reveal how events like COVID-19 or vendor announcements often drive replacements rather than genuine growth. Fi...
2025-09-2515 min
ListEdTech's PodcastThesis: From Unit4 Spin‑Off to SIS SpecialistIn 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 Management and Thesis Elements) and how they're built for speed, simplicity, and compliance. You'll hear how Thesis leverages financial stability, customer-driven innovation, and strong leadership to compete in a crowded market. We also look ahead...
2025-09-1713 min
ListEdTech's PodcastHow Institutions Discover What Tech Their Peers Are UsingIn 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 these gaps can delay or distort technology adoption. Finally, we look at how ListEdTech addresses this problem by offering a comprehensive, structured data resource that delivers transparent insights into EdTech trends, helping institutions improve student experience, boost faculty productivity, and stay competitive....
2025-09-0413 min
ListEdTech's PodcastWhy Accurate Institution Data MattersIn 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, and accreditation bodies alike. Note: This episode was generated based on a blog post. While we aim to stay true to the original content, some details may be inaccurate. For the official version, please refer to th...
2025-08-2813 min
ListEdTech's PodcastBlackboard, D2L, Instructure: the Future of AI in LMSIn 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 pathway guidance and deep institutional integration, these moves signal an AI-driven paradigm shift in higher education technology. But innovation comes with risks. We also unpack the idea of the "Winner's Curse," asking whether the very strengths that made these companies market leaders could become ob...
2025-08-2113 min
ListEdTech's PodcastWhen Institutions Merge, Systems CollideIn 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 transition, why legacy systems from smaller entities rarely survive—even when newly upgraded—and how mergers create a rare opportunity to modernize IT infrastructure and renegotiate vendor contracts. Join us as we unpack the high-stakes technology decisions that shape operational efficiency and set the stage for...
2025-08-0613 min
ListEdTech's PodcastD2L Fusion 2025: Key Takeaways from the Solutions SpotlightIn 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 investment in corporate training, with new partnerships and tools designed for workforce learning. Tune in for a concise breakdown of how D2L is shaping a more scalable, accessible, and AI-driven learning ecosystem. Note: Th...
2025-07-3111 min
ListEdTech's PodcastKey Announcements at Anthology Together 2025In 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 migration. We also explore the introduction of AI-powered tools like Illuminate, designed to ease transitions and unlock deeper analytics. Tune in for a breakdown of the roadmap, key insights, and a candid look at how institutions are reacting—with both hope and hesi...
2025-07-2415 min
ListEdTech's PodcastStudent Privacy at Risk? EdTech Surveillance in FocusAs 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 threats, EdTech is under pressure to shift from self-regulation to transparency and accountability. Join us as we unpack how privacy-first design and ethical practices are reshaping trust—and the future of educational technology. Note: This episode was generated based on a blog po...
2025-07-1013 min
ListEdTech's PodcastIntroducing the Competitive Compass: A Smarter Way to Read the EdTech MarketIn 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 products best fit their institutional needs. Whether you're in procurement, product development, or research, this quadrant-based system helps you make smarter, evidence-based decisions in a complex market. Note: This episode was generated based on a blog post. While we...
2025-06-2615 min
ListEdTech's PodcastBreaking Down the Payment Stack in Education: Who Does What?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 ERP platforms remains a significant hurdle. We also discuss how international payments vary across vendors, highlight current market data, and share insights into vendor market share. If you want a clearer picture of the...
2025-06-1212 min
ListEdTech's PodcastGoogle, Instructure, and PowerSchool in the Classroom: Usage Insights and Legal ConcernsAs 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 PowerSchool, we dive into the evolving conversation around student privacy, transparency, and accountability in the digital classroom. Note: This episode was generated based on a blog post. While we aim to stay true to the original content, some d...
2025-05-2911 min
ListEdTech's PodcastShifting LMS Trends in Oceania: From Moodle to AI IntegrationIn 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 the region. Note: This episode was generated based on a blog post. While we aim to stay true to the original content, some details may be inaccurate. For the official version, please refer to the blog post on Li...
2025-05-1508 min
ListEdTech's PodcastEnd-of-Life Announcements and the Inevitable Move to the CloudIn 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 of campus tech. Featuring real-world examples like the Huron eResearch Platform and Unit4, this episode offers practical insights for navigating the inevitable transition. Note: This episode was generated based on a blog post. While we aim to stay...
2025-05-0113 min
ListEdTech's PodcastEllucian Live 2025 - Reimagining the Student Information SystemIn 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 center, the human element remains key—technology is here to support, not replace, educators and administrators. Note: This episode was generated based on a blog post. While we aim to stay true to the or...
2025-04-1711 min
ListEdTech's PodcastIT Priorities for HigherEd Institutions in 2025In 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 tomorrow's resilient, student-focused campuses. We also compare our data to broader industry insights, offering a well-rounded view of where the sector is headed—and why now is the time for sustainable, strategic action. Note: This ep...
2025-01-2315 min
ListEdTech's PodcastNorth American SIS HigherEd Market Share – January 2025 UpdateIn 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, the SIS space is evolving fast—and institutions are making bold moves to stay ahead. Whether you're tracking market share or planning your next system shift, this episode offers valuable insights into where the SIS market is headed. Note: Th...
2025-01-0910 min
EdTech ConnectUsing Data to Chart the Future of EdTech with Justin MenardIn this conversation, Justin Menard, CEO of ListEdTech, shares his extensive experience in educational technology and the evolution of data usage in higher education. He discusses the importance of data in decision-making for institutions and vendors, the challenges of categorizing educational technology, and the impact of AI on the industry. Justin emphasizes the value of peer insights in tech adoption and highlights common pitfalls institutions face when selecting technology solutions.
Guest Profile
Name: Justin Menard
Position: CEO of ListEdTech
Experience: Over 20 years in educational technology
Key Insights
Comprehensive exploration of data usage in higher edu...
2024-12-2028 min
The EdUp Experience594: LIVE From #eLIVE23 - with Justin Menard, Founder & CEO at ListEdTechWe welcome YOU back to America's leading higher education podcast, The EdUp Experience!
It’s YOUR time to #EdUp
In this episode,
YOUR guest is Justin Menard, Founder & CEO at ListEdTech
YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio &
YOUR sponsors are Ellucian LIVE 2023 & Commencement: The Beginning of a New Era In Higher Education!
This episode was recorded LIVE at Ellucian's #eLIVE23 conference in New Orleans!
Listen in to #EdUp!
Thank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to E...
2023-03-2819 min
TOPcast: The Teaching Online PodcastEpisode 12: The LMS: Past, Present, and FutureAbout Episode 12:
The Learning Management System (LMS) is often indistinguishable from online education in the minds of the uninitiated. In this episode, join hosts Thomas Cavanagh and Kelvin Thompson as they examine where the LMS has been, where it is, and where it is going.
Download Transcript [PDF, RTF]
Episode 12 Show Notes:
Please find various show notes and resources below.
Episode Synopsis via Twitter
View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter
Coffee Links
Coffee Profile: Nicaragua Kailash (featured in this episode)
Video: 5 min. mini-documentary video with the grower of Nicaragua Kailash (Don Maximo Ramos)
The Vespr Coffeebar (featured in thi...
2016-04-0426 min