RESOURCE
The Evolution of Learning Solutions in Higher Education
Sep 14, 2026
Evidence of impact on teaching, learning, and student success
Once defined by textbooks, learning solutions providers now supply much of the instructional infrastructure that millions of faculty and learners use every day. The report examines the evidence behind that role.
The full research paper, The Evolution of Learning Solutions in Higher Education: Evidence of impact on teaching, learning, and student success, is available here.
Sources: Tyton Partners, Time for Class, 2025; du Plooy, Casteleijn & Franzsen, 2024; Darvishy et al., 2023; Cengage, Faces of Faculty; National Association of College Stores, Student Watch, 2024-25. Full citations in the report.
INNOVATIONS IN TEACHING & LEARNING
92%
Of higher education courses relied on digital materials as of 2023-2024, up from 88% in 2022.
The shift from print to digital is complete. The open question is, who guides teaching and learning through the AI transition to ensure responsible implementation and use?
LEARNER IMPACT
2 in 3
Learners not utilizing adaptive courseware in their courses scored lower than those who did.
Adaptive courseware can boost engagement, mastery, and course completion by identifying students’ exact level of knowledge and providing them with personalized learning resources.
ENABLING FACULTY
13%
Of instructor time is spent connecting directly with learners.
Courseware platforms absorb routine course infrastructure and provide learner insights so faculty can return to the relational work that shapes success.
RIGOROUS CURATION & LEARNER-CENTRIC DESIGN
10 out of 10
Higher education leaders surveyed agreed or
strongly agreed that learning solutions are core to instructional delivery.
Effectiveness lies in the way content and learning technologies are developed, curated, and implemented, not the content or tools alone.
AFFORDABILITY AND VALUE
$341
Average student spend on required course materials in AY '24-'25, about half the '07-'08 average.
Price is one input to value. What matters is whether learners can successfully access materials, complete courses, and earn a credential or degree that delivers lasting value.
CALL TO ACTION
FOR FACULTY
Keep faculty expertise at the center of how learning solutions are designed, selected, and utilized, integrated intentionally into course design and aligned to outcomes.
FOR INSTITUTIONAL LEADERS
Treat selection of learning solutions as critical academic decisions, evaluated by instructional quality, learner outcomes, and institutional capacity to sustain impact over time.
Additional Insights
BLOG
Shane Hunt, Ph.D., on Time for Reflection and AI-Enabled Learning: Helping Students Find Value, Confidence, and Perspective
Shane Hunt, Ph.D., President and Professor of Marketing at Cameron University, brings a candid, student-centered lens to one of higher education’s most pressing realities: many learners don’t lack ability, they lack time and space to reflect.
BLOG
Greg Morris, Ed.D., on Time Insecurity in Higher Education: How Students Balance Time, Work, and Learning
Greg Morris, Ed.D., Senior Vice Provost at Dallas College, highlights his efforts to advance equitable, student-focused initiatives in higher education, including removing barriers to course materials and leveraging AI technology to transform learning experiences and empower both students and educators.
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