Are you looking for higher education software for your school or college?
Education software will simplify tasks, minimize costs, and help you make informed decisions. Student experience, budget, and a highly competitive landscape entice schools and colleges to opt for software to generate maximum ROI. However, it is essential to set goals and objectives before purchasing.
Here are some benefits of investing in education software today:
- Enhanced student experience is a guaranteed ROI for schools
- Fewer IT expenses for IT support, IT talent, software upgrades, and additional resources
- Easy collaboration and integration with third-party software for seamless performance
- Secure access to data, theft protection, and reduce the risk of data loss
These software solutions enable institutions to perform better, improve efficiency, and analyze real-time analytics.
This article reviews the top 10 higher education software that will take your school and college to the next level.
- OnBoard
- SafeShare
- Jotform
- Blackboard
- GiveGab
- Alma SIS
- Vevox
- Brightspace
- Classtime
- Edvance360
In-Depth Reviews of Top 10 Higher Education Software
As student experience is critical to your school and college success, choosing the right one from all the higher education software companies is overwhelming.
Let’s dive into an in-depth review of the top 10 higher education software vendors that offer
1. OnBoard
Source: OnBoard
OnBoard is designed to give schools and colleges the digital power to run operations efficiently and collaboratively. It is software for colleges that helps them at every step and provides an intuitive way for an exceptional student experience.
Features
OnBoard is a trusted partner and top-selling software that offers intelligent, scalable, and supportive solutions that enable schools and colleges to grow and focus on what matters the most.
Key features of OnBoard:
- Agenda Builder
- Board Assessment
- D&O Questionnaires
- Meeting Analytics
- Minutes Builder
- Secure Messenger
- Voting & Approvals
- Video Conferencing Integrations
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Seamless user experience
- Integrations available
- Dashboard
Cons:
- Inability to use the gallery view
- Sound/video quality issues
- Download capabilities are limited to the administrators
Reviews
Overall, OnBoard has a good user rating, offering value for money, ease of use, customer support, and a seamless implementation process.
Integrations
- Microsoft Azure
- Zoom
- Microsoft 365
2. SafeShare
Source: SafeShare
SafeShare offers a unique blend of experiences for the teachers and students, allowing them to share and watch fun videos about stuff they learn in class. It enables teachers to share videos with students without distractions and allows sharing through email, social networks, and Google Classroom.
Features
SafeShare is one of the best platforms for sharing learning videos with relevant individuals, and teachers, students, and parents can effectively use it.
Key features of SafeShare:
- Video editing
- Assessment management
- Contact management
- Curriculum management
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- An ideal choice for students with a safe experience
- Safer watching experience
- Removes all distracting features
Cons:
- Limited to a specific platform
- Not universally available for all forms of video
- Hyperlink doesn’t work
Reviews
Users have mentioned that SafeShare is a one-of-a-kind platform that allows video sharing without worrying about unwanted ads. Also, the parents have reviewed it as the safer option that ensures no potentially inappropriate content is shared.
Integrations
- Video integrations
- Accessible on all devices
3. Jotform
Source: JotForm
JotForm is a leading web/app-based tool that is used to create forms online without the need for technical support and coding. JotForms offers powerful forms with logic, payment options, reports, and automated workflows to minimize your workload.
Features
JotForm facilitates higher engagement and response rates for higher education institutes.
Key features of JotForm:
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Useful document fields
- Easy sharing
- Embeddable on website
- Automated flows
- Document sharing
- Data management
- ACH payments
- Google Analytics
- Conversational forms
- Offline forms
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ease and efficiency in data collection
- Seamlessly creates and manages surveys
- Enhanced user experience
- Highly customizable
- Safe and secure platform
Cons:
- Not very intuitive for advanced surveys
- Fewer submissions allowed for the free version
Reviews
According to the users, when finding higher education administrative software is challenging, JotForms makes it easy with all its key features. It caters to a broad spectrum of needs and streamlines processes with security encryption and compliance.
Integrations
JotForm offers 100+ integrations for CRM, storage, payment, and email. Some of them include:
- Slack
- PayPal
- GoogleSheets
- Zoom
- Dropbox
- Hubspot
- Mailchimp
- Stripe
- Constant Contact
4. Blackboard
Source: Blackboard
Blackboard incorporates higher education marketing trends with a continuously evolving education landscape; it focuses on technology and tools to meet changing student needs. BlackBoard delivers solutions for learning engagement, academic effectiveness, education insights, and a unique approach to drive student success and institutional performance.
Features
BlackBoard offers life-changing features for students and educational institutions by combining the best-in-tech solutions, long-standing commitment to security, and data-informed experiences.
Key features of BlackBoard:
- API
- Activity dashboard
- Ad hoc reporting
- Admission management
- Assessment management
- Asynchronous learning
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Centralized data management
- Built-in web-based tools
- Self and peer-assessment
- Customized navigation
- Robust content management
- Learner engagement tools
Cons:
- Limitations in terms of student assessment due to file size
Reviews
Users have mentioned that BlackBoard offers full support for training, gives access to multiple communication, age-friendly user experience, is adaptable, and is easier for technology-challenged students. At the same time, some users find it costly as there isn’t any free version.
Integrations
BlackBoard supports a variety of third-party integrations. Some of these include:
- Learning Tools Interoperability LTI
- SIS
- Building Blocks & REST APIs
- BlackBoard Drive
- Cross-Origin Resource Sharing
5. GiveGab
Source: GiveGab
GiveGab is the most innovative higher education management software that engages students and alums, offers full customization, and has an enjoyable experience. With best-in-class technology, GiveGab is your school and college’s most successful education partner.
Features
GiveGab offers comprehensive features you might be looking for in college education software. Some of them include:
- ACH payment processing
- Activity dashboard
- Attendance management
- Alumni management
- Communication management
- Contact management
- Alerts/Notifications
- Customizable branding
- Third-party integrations
- Real-time reporting
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Maximize awareness
- Drive engagement
- Easy-to-use platform
- Regular feature updates
- Live chat support
Cons:
- Some elements are inflexible
- Requires basic IT understanding
Reviews
Users consider it an outstanding higher education lead generation platform with an excellent interface. Occasionally, users have reported tech glitches due to updates.
Integrations
GiveGab software integrations are not limited to the list below, but these are some of the top integrations allowed:
- Mailchimp
- Salesforce Sales Cloud
- Google Analytics 360
- Intercom
- Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT
6. Alma SIS
Source: Alma SIS
Alma SIS’s higher education platform is designed to consider the unique needs of schools and students. Its modern and intuitive interface enables seamless experience, better insights, flexibility, and scalability. A no-hassle setup, Alma SIS provides step-by-step directions.
Features
Alma SIS is designed for the tech generation, ensuring better student experience and seamless operations for educational institutions to incorporate modern enrollment trends in higher education.
Key features of Alma SIS:
- Build-your-own reporting
- Bus routes
- Calendar
- Command-and-control decisions
- Custom reporting
- Custom roles
- District & school dashboards
- Easy data entry and editing
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Saves time with administrative tasks
- Helps make informed decisions
- Wide range of customizable reports
- Easy parent communication
Cons:
- Limited attendance management
- Difficult navigation
- Little room for personalization
Reviews
Users believe it is a future-ready software solution that drives engagement through assertive communication. While basic GPA-based grade calculations still need to be upgraded.
Integrations
Alma SIS offers turn-key integration for 100+ platforms/solutions/apps. Some of them include:
- Google Classroom
- Google Drive
- Google Docs
- Canvas
- API
- Intercom
- Schoology
- Salesforce platform
- ClassLink
- Xello
- Signal Vine
- Acron
7. Vevox
Source: Vevox
Vevox software for higher education is an excellent teaching tool that offers increased student engagement, better understanding of concepts, and encourages collaboration. It can be used as a primary platform or supplement teaching resource.
Features
Vevox provides an interactive way for the students and teachers to get connected. Some of the top features include:
- Live Q&A
- Transparent feedback system
- Live results of surveys and polls
- Highly interactive platform
- Works as a hybrid model
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Works effectively for users worldwide
- Robust software
- Runs real-time polls and surveys
Cons:
- Glitches due to constant updates
Reviews
Users have a great experience using Vevox and are highly optimistic about the results generated. With support for asynchronous learning, it improves engagement and interaction. Some users have issues with setting up third-party software and extracting data.
Integrations
Top integrations offered by Vevox include:
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom
- Blackboard
- Canvas
- Moodle
8. Brightspace
Source: Brightspace
Brightspace offers instructors the utmost technical and pedagogical support through its unique university management software. It is a cloud-based LMS that runs both blended and fully online courses.
Features
Brightspace is a power-pack, best-in-class, customizable learning platform that effectively serves students’ and instructors’ purposes.
Critical features of Brightspace include:
- Content experience
- Discussion boards
- Outcome-based assessments
- Video note
- Mobile-friendly design
- Accessibility
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Robust
- Intuitive for students
- High runtime
- Wide communication channel
- Exceptional layouts
Cons:
- Multiple search avenues to look for files that create confusion
- Case-by-case glitches
- Pop-up windows
Reviews
Overall, positive reviews are mentioned about Brightspace, as it allows educational institutions to view the dashboard as a student and improve the experience. As a con, it requires a few extra clicks to take you to specific tabs.
Integrations
Brightspace offers the largest integration options with over 1800+ tools to create a personalized digital learning experience. Some of them include:
- Microsoft
- Integrity Advocate
- Class
- Copyleaks
- Google Workspace
- GoReact
- Vevox
- Wooclap
- Poll Everywhere
- H5P
9. Classtime
Source: Classtime
Classtime is a complete solution for higher education that complements in-class instruction with blended learning tools to increase student engagement. Real-time assessment helps save time, build engaging lessons, and excite students.
Features
Easy to use for parents, students, and schools, Classtime is a highly flexible platform. Some of the core features include:
- Real-time class analytics
- Get immediate feedback on students’ level of understanding per session
- All question types
- Unlimited questions & sessions
- Unlimited Session Reports (PDF)
- Access to 50,000+ free question
- Anti-cheating
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Engagement activities
- Allow mix testing
- Animations and puzzles
Cons:
- Limited library catalogue of questions
Reviews
Users of Classtime think it is a fantastic tool that allows teachers and educational institutions a complete platform for delivering online lessons. The users demand the platform expand its library of usable question sets.
Integrations
- Microsoft 365
- Google Classroom
10. Edvance360
Source: Edvance360
Edvance360 offers software solutions for corporate, higher ed, and K-12 districts. It helps you eliminate spreadsheets, fast customer support, time savings, agile onboarding, and robust reporting systems.
Features
Top key features of Edvance360 include:
- Built-in content authoring
- E-commerce
- Analytics
- Social learning
- Task automation
- Smart notifications
- ILT
- Gamification
- Video assessments
- Customized learning paths
- Custom UI branding
- Secure
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flexible and adaptable
- Excellent support
- Efficient communication
Cons:
- Grade sheets need to be separate
- Data extraction requires IT knowledge
Reviews
Higher educational institutions and individual educators have been using Edvance360 for many years and find it flexible and supportive. Also, minor bugs have been reported, but support service reports immediately and get it cleared up.
Integrations
Edvance360 offers integration with the most popular tools and platforms, such as:
- Salesforce
- Zoom
- GoToMeeting
Higher Education Software – FAQs
What role does marketing play in promoting the adoption of education software?
The role of marketing in promoting the adoption of education software includes:
- Creates brand awareness
- Highlights benefits
- Addresses user pain points
- Showcase software value
- Enhance learning experience
How can higher education software providers use digital marketing to reach a wider audience?
Here are some ways higher education software providers can use digital marketing to reach a wider audience:
- Social media
- Content marketing
- Email campaigns
- SEO
- Webinars & workshops
- Landing pages
- Mobile optimization
- Analytics and data
- Personalization
- Reviews and testimonials
How can data analytics from education software be leveraged for targeted marketing campaigns?
Here’s how data analytics from education software can be leveraged for targeted marketing campaigns:
- Analyze user engagement patterns and segments
- Customize content based on behaviour
- Tailor messages to address pain points
- Refine campaigns with A/B testing
- Predict user needs and preferences
- Personalize email marketing
- Improve conversion rates
- Enhance user experience
- Monitor user feedback and sentiment
- Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities
Final Words
Now that you know the insights into the top 10 higher education software solutions, you can decide which best suits your needs and matches our requirements.
Education software can help you focus on the core and improve student experience while standing out in the education industry.
Also, you can look for a professional higher education marketing agency to implement and run seamless software solutions that help you generate maximum ROI.
