How to Evaluate Learning Platforms for Higher Ed: A Comprehensive Guide

Companies with strong learning cultures see a 30-50% increase in retention. Here’s a checklist for choosing a learning platform that fits your organization.
How to Evaluate Learning Platforms for Higher Ed

Course completion and student retention have become existential issues during a time of spiraling costs and decreasing enrollment in Higher Ed.

Online learning is changing the way students learn. At one large Pennsylvania institution, 60% of students take online courses, filling in their core requirements and electives with remote classes. In the USA, 44% of college students take at least one course per semester online, with 19% of students fully remote.

Remote learning efficacy requires far more than clicking through slides and quizzes. Learners are expected to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and subject mastery. To realize those expectations it’s essential to incorporate multiple types of active learning.

1. Assess Organizational Learning Needs

Educational institutions that invest in robust learning platforms see improvements in student engagement and retention rates, much like the corporate world where training leads to higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help make an informed decision that aligns with your institution’s educational goals and student needs:


REACHUM Games are simple to use and effective for increasing retention.

2. Institutional Needs

  • Compliance and accreditation demands: Ensure the platform tracks student progress, certifications, and adherence to accreditation standards.
  • Consider learning preferences and formats: Determine if students and faculty prefer in-person learning, self-paced online learning, blended learning, or virtual classrooms.
  • Audience: Is the platform being used at the local, national, or international level? Is the audience composed of students on campus or external learners, as is becoming more common with industry-academic collaborations?
  • User experience (UX): The platform must be intuitive and easy to use.
  • Scalability: Ensure the platform can easily expand as the institution grows or as new programs and partnerships are introduced.
  • Integrations: Check if the platform integrates with student identity systems and tools for academic analytics and reporting.
  • Mobile compatibility: In an increasingly digital world, a platform that supports mobile learning is critical for students and faculty who are learning and working on-the-go.

3. Set Evaluation Criteria

  • User experience (UX): The platform should be intuitive and accessible for all employees, from freshman students to senior leadership.
  • Integrations: Check if the platform integrates with existing systems for analytics and reporting or has its own system.
  • Mobile compatibility: As more students are employed or taking care of family, a platform that supports mobile learning is essential.
  • Compliance and certifications: The ability to track and report learning outcomes for compliance purposes is an important feature.
  • Analytics and reporting: The platform should offer robust analytics to track engagement and completion, identify learning gaps, and determining efficacy.
  • Security and privacy: Ensure the platform meets regulatory and privacy requirements including FERPA, CHEA, HLC, and SACSCOC.
  • Engagement: Does the platform employ passive or active learning methods?
  • Innovation: Does the platform accommodate important technical innovations?
    • AI powered personalization
    • Microlearning
    • Game based learning
    • Scoring, challenges badges, and challenges
  • Cost: Evaluate pricing structure and ROI—consider if the platform charges per user, course, or flat fee, and assess one-time costs such as implementation, training, or content development.
  • How easy is it to create, deploy, and manage content? Are special skills required?
  • What platform features are most important for your audience?

Reading customer reviews can help you decide if the learning technology is a fit.

4. Research and Shortlist Vendors

  • Identify potential platforms: Research platforms known for meeting the needs of schools of similar size and course offerings.
  • Request demos and trials: Reach out to vendors for product demos, ask for access to trial versions, and evaluate the platforms’ performance firsthand.
  • Check reviews and references: Look for reviews from other institutions. Contact references to understand their experience with implementation and support.

5. Engage Key Stakeholders

  • Collaborate with the IT department: Ensure the platform meets all technical and security requirements.
  • Consult with department heads: Get input from leaders across the organization to understand their training needs. 

6. Pilot Program

  • Run a pilot program: Test the top 1–2 platforms with a select group of students. Track participation, completion, and user satisfaction.
  • Evaluate pilot results: Assess engagement levels, ease of use, and training outcomes from the pilot.

Budgets may limit your ability to select the right learning platform.

7. Make a Decision

  • Weigh pros and cons: Compare the platforms based on the defined criteria, student and teacher feedback, and pilot program results.
  • Finalize budget: Confirm the total cost of ownership and ensure it fits within your school’s budget.

8. Implementation and Rollout

  • Plan for smooth rollout: Develop a phased implementation plan that includes staff training and communications about the new platform.
  • Monitor and review: After the platform is implemented, track its performance and user adoption. Make adjustments based on usage data and ongoing feedback.

This methodical approach provides the basis for a thorough, data-driven evaluation that aligns the learning platform with your school’s strategic goals and academic needs.

Download our Learning Platform Features Checklist and Learning Platform Evaluation to help with your evaluation.