Online Learning Tool Review

NIU is conducting a systematic review of key enterprise online learning tools integrated with Blackboard to understand their impact on teaching and learning, patterns of use across campus and overall institutional value. This site summarizes what we are learning from faculty, highlights tool-specific findings and shares the evidence informing renewal and licensing decisions.

Review at a Glance

The following highlights summarize what we are learning across Respondus, VoiceThread and Yellowdig based on usage data, faculty surveys and qualitative feedback.

Early themes from faculty feedback and usage data:

• Strong use of assessment integrity tools. Respondus products show broad adoption in courses with high-stakes assessments, though faculty report mixed experiences with student friction and setup time.
• Engagement tools show uneven uptake. VoiceThread and Yellowdig are valued by some faculty for interaction and community-building, but adoption varies widely by discipline and teaching modality.
• Course design matters more than the tool. Faculty consistently report that student learning outcomes depend more on how tools are used within course design than on the tools themselves.
• Training and support influence satisfaction. Faculty who used CITL resources and peer support generally reported more positive experiences.
• Cost and scalability are central considerations. Institutional licensing decisions must balance pedagogical value with sustainability and equity of access.

About the Review

The Online Learning Tool Review is an evidence-informed process led by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) and the Office of Online Learning. It examines multi-year usage data, faculty feedback, accessibility considerations and total cost of ownership to inform renewal and licensing decisions.

Learn more about the review process

What Happens Next

Findings from this review will inform recommendations to academic leadership regarding future licensing and support for these tools. Where changes are recommended, CITL will provide transition planning, training and consultation to minimize disruption to courses and students.