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Blackboard Learning Management vs Totara Learn comparison

Blackboard and Totara Learning are both solutions in the Learning Management Systems (LMS) category. Blackboard is ranked #6 with an average rating of 7.3, while Totara Learning is ranked #13 with an average rating of 7.5. Blackboard holds a 2.4% mindshare in LMS, compared to Totara Learning’s 2.6% mindshare. Additionally, 87% of Blackboard users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Totara Learning users who would recommend it.
Blackboard Learning Management
Read 8 Blackboard Learning Management reviews
  • 1,936 Views
  • 197 Comparison Views
87% willing to recommend
Totara Learn
Read 2 Totara Learn reviews
  • 200 Views
  • 156 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 19, 2024

Blackboard Learning Management and Totara Learn are competing in the learning management system space. Totara Learn generally seems to have the upper hand due to its superior flexibility and customization, making it more appealing for companies seeking tailored solutions, whereas Blackboard is noted for its robust support and comprehensive feature set.

Features: Blackboard Learning Management is known for its extensive set of integrated tools suitable for both higher education and corporate training, offering a wide range of educational functionalities. Totara Learn stands out for its modular design, enabling organizations to customize and scale the platform to meet specific needs. This flexibility makes Totara a compelling option for businesses seeking personalized learning solutions.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Blackboard offers a traditional deployment model with strong customer service support, benefiting organizations that require hands-on assistance and proven procedural frameworks. Totara Learn's flexible deployment options, including open-source availability, attract organizations with technical expertise aiming for customized setups.

Pricing and ROI: Blackboard Learning Management typically incurs higher initial costs but provides significant long-term ROI through its comprehensive tools and support, which may appeal to larger institutions. Totara Learn often requires a lower initial investment, with its customizable features presenting attractive ROI potential, particularly for organizations capable of managing integrations and configurations independently.

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To learn more, read our detailed Blackboard Learning Management vs. Totara Learn Report (Updated: April 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Blackboard Learning Management vs. Totara Learn
April 2025
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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Blackboard Learning Management
Ranking in Learning Management Systems (LMS)
6th
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
6.6
Number of Reviews
8
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Totara Learn
Ranking in Learning Management Systems (LMS)
13th
Average Rating
7.6
Reviews Sentiment
6.5
Number of Reviews
2
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Learning Management Systems (LMS) category, the mindshare of Blackboard Learning Management is 2.4%, up from 2.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Totara Learn is 2.6%, up from 1.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
 

Featured Reviews

James Phelps - PeerSpot reviewer
Expandable with good real-time live interactions but is very expensive
Initially, Blackboard had problems for faculty members who were forced to use it to try to get it set up and running. That said, over time, they improved that. Unfortunately, due to its licensing requirements on standalone systems, like at a university on our servers, we run into problems where we can only set it up in one way. The way you teach a biology class is not the way you teach a social science class, for example. It's not flexible. Often you are forced into compromising in such a manner that neither group would be happy. If you need help, the help desk in-house will provide 24-hour help to both students and faculty. That means you have eight people, eight hours a day, supervisors, and an overall manager. It takes at least 12 people to handle maintenance for a 10,000-person campus for 24-hour coverage.
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MarcFonoll - PeerSpot reviewer
The tool's deployment is not complex but need to work on multi-tenant trainings
The challenge was understanding the entire solution, particularly its capabilities for managing training within a distributed organization. As part of a group of companies, some with training hubs and others working differently, the need for different tenants arose. This helps organize the training offerings centrally, addressing the challenge of a multi-tenant solution, which wasn't fully grasped initially.
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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"It encompasses various components, including course delivery modules, content management, community engagement features, digital classrooms, and mobile integration."
"The modules and courses are flexible."
"The solution is easy to use."
"One of Blackboard's strengths is its historical prominence as a leading LMS for universities in the US and Europe a decade or more ago."
"It is scalable."
"One of the most important features is the possibility of creating unlimited subdomains."
"Blackboard enables instructors to collectively gather all the grading data into one place. If students upload content or post it to a Google Doc, I can do my grading and calculate the grades. It is an excellent holding place for all of that data"
"The multi-tenancy features of Totara Learn are the most useful for training efficiency."
"The tool's deployment is not complex."
 

Cons

"Blackboard has limitations in terms of delivering content and assessing student assignments because it can't handle large file sizes. It's also limited in its ability to track student activity. Instructors can see the student's most recent login, but they can't follow the activity."
"The system falls short in terms of managing assessments and exams effectively."
"The solution must provide better integration with third-party software."
"The solution is not flexible."
"Blackboard could benefit from significant improvements in its data storage and software functionality to remain competitive with more innovative LMS solutions."
"It would be ideal to create a more responsive or more intuitive template for access from telephones or tablets."
"Totara Learn needs to improve the look and feel, and make it easier to use, more user-friendly."
"The challenge was understanding the entire solution, particularly its capabilities for managing training within a distributed organization. As part of a group of companies, some with training hubs and others working differently, the need for different tenants arose. This helps organize the training offerings centrally, addressing the challenge of a multi-tenant solution, which wasn't fully grasped initially."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The product pricing tends to be higher than alternatives."
"At the beginning, you can choose a basic plan. As your users grow you can buy a more expensive license."
"It's not expensive. It's user-based."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
University
20%
Educational Organization
20%
Government
10%
Computer Software Company
7%
University
13%
Manufacturing Company
11%
Construction Company
9%
Computer Software Company
9%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Blackboard Learning Management?
The modules and courses are flexible.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Blackboard Learning Management?
The product pricing tends to be higher than alternatives like Canvas, making Blackboard more suitable for larger universities with substantial budgets.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Blackboard Learning Management?
Blackboard could benefit from significant improvements in its data storage and software functionality to remain competitive with more innovative LMS solutions.
See all answers
What do you like most about Totara Learn?
The tool's deployment is not complex.
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What needs improvement with Totara Learn?
The look and feel is not good. Totara Learn needs to improve its look and feel and make it easier to use and more user-friendly. The interface is okay, but sometimes it's messy. Totara needs to imp...
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What advice do you have for others considering Totara Learn?
For people who need a highly scalable, multi-tenant LMS on a low budget, this is a good option. It's a very good option in the market, low-priced, and a very good LMS. Overall, I would rate it an e...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Compared 63% of the time
Canvas LMS vs Totara Learn Logo
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Compared 37% of the time
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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Blackboard Learning Management
April 2025
Blackboard Learning Management reportDownload Blackboard Learning Management product report
Buyer's Guide
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
April 2025
Totara Learn reportDownload Totara Learn product report
 

Overview

Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) is a comprehensive platform designed to enhance the teaching and learning experience in educational institutions. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Blackboard LMS enables educators to create, deliver, and manage online courses effectively. Blackboard LMS is facilitates communication and collaboration among students and instructors. The platform's built-in discussion boards, chat rooms, and messaging systems enable real-time interaction and engagement, fostering a sense of community and allowing students to participate actively in the learning process.

Blackboard LMS also provides a full set of tools for content creation and management. Educators can easily upload and organize course materials, including documents, videos, and multimedia resources. The platform supports various file formats, making it convenient for instructors to deliver diverse content to their students.

Assessment and grading are simplified with Blackboard LMS. Educators can create online quizzes, assignments, and exams, and even set automated grading criteria. This saves time and effort, while also providing students with immediate feedback on their performance. The platform also offers grade book functionality, allowing instructors to track and manage student progress easily.

Blackboard LMS features robust analytics and reporting capabilities. Educators can access detailed data on student engagement, performance, and participation, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and tailor their teaching strategies accordingly. This data-driven approach enhances the effectiveness of instruction and supports personalized learning.

Blackboard LMS is also highly customizable, allowing institutions to tailor the platform to their specific needs. It integrates seamlessly with other educational tools and systems, ensuring a smooth workflow and enhancing the overall learning experience.

Blackboard Learning Management System is a powerful and versatile platform that empowers educators to deliver engaging and effective online courses. With its comprehensive features, user-friendly interface, and customizable options, Blackboard LMS is a valuable tool for educational institutions seeking to enhance their teaching and learning environment.

Blackboard

Totara Learn is a flexible learning management system designed to meet diverse educational needs. Its adaptability supports personalized learning environments and facilitates efficient training across sectors.

Totara Learn provides a comprehensive platform that enables organizations to deliver effective learning experiences while adapting to changing requirements. Known for its customizable nature, it allows modifications to better align with specific institutional processes. It supports integrations that enhance the learning ecosystem, making it efficient for businesses looking to improve employee training and development.

What are the key features of Totara Learn?
  • Customization: Allows tailored functionalities to suit educational goals.
  • Integrations: Supports seamless connectivity with external systems and tools.
  • Reporting: Offers detailed analytics for tracking learner progress and outcomes.
  • Mobile-Friendly: Ensures accessible learning on smartphones and tablets.
  • Certification Management: Streamlines the process of compliance tracking.
What should be considered in reviews for Totara Learn's ROI?
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Evaluate if the investment aligns with training results.
  • Scalability: Consider the ease of expanding learning initiatives as needed.
  • Adaptability: Assess how well it can cater to specific learning paths.
  • User Experience: Look for feedback on engagement and satisfaction.

Industries like healthcare, retail, and finance implement Totara Learn to address specific training challenges. Its flexibility aids in meeting compliance standards, onboarding processes, and continuous professional development unique to each sector, ensuring tailored learning experiences that support strategic goals.

Totara Learning
 

Sample Customers

University of Derby, University of Warwick, John Moore's University
Information Not Available
Buyer's Guide
Blackboard Learning Management vs. Totara Learn
April 2025
Free Report: Blackboard Learning Management vs. Totara Learn
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