"It’s not the first time a market leader in the higher ed industry becomes complacent and finds themselves behind the curve."
Matthew Winn, PhD, Senior Analyst
Tambellini Group
Referencing Canvas
Blackboard: Setting the pace in innovation
For three years running (2022, 2023, and 2024), Anthology Blackboard has led the market in new feature releases.* In fact, we’re delivering at more than double the rate of Canvas. Innovation is more than a buzzword here—it’s our blueprint.
*Based on published Canvas and Blackboard release notes
Built with you
Over the past 12 months alone, 261 user-requested features in Blackboard have been contributed through the Anthology Idea Exchange—our popular channel for accepting customer ideas and needs.
“All the development being done by Anthology was a big influence on our decision-making process. We want to stay at the forefront of technology and leverage new tools like AI, so seeing the progress they're continuously making is encouraging for us as an innovative institution wanting to ensure our students have access to cutting edge tools.”
Emmanuelle Houet, PiLab Director, EDHEC | Read the Story
"JCU has absolutely impacted how Blackboard develops the learning management system. We can point, I can point at things that my team has said we need this and now it's in the product."
Toby Nutting – System Administrator, James Cook University | Watch the Video
Leaders in AI for education
AI isn’t the future—it’s happening now. And Blackboard is leading the way.
While Canvas lags behind, Blackboard is building the frameworks and tools that will define teaching and learning in the AI era. Blackboard includes a variety of AI capabilities as part of the core license, including:
First-to-Market AI Design Assistant
Exclusive AI Conversation Tool
Authentic Assessments
At the University of Leeds, five months after its release, 95% of instructors report that it saves them time, and 92% would recommend it to their peers.*
* In-app feedback, September 2023–February 2024.
Blackboard AI adoption is growing fast
(as of July 2025)
Instructors ♡ Blackboard
The Blackboard Difference: Success Stories from Leading Institutions
University of the Visayas selects Anthology's learning management system, Blackboard, to support their digital transformation journey.
Read the Press
Explore how Northumbria University and the University of Westminster partnered with Anthology to responsibly introduce AI into the learning experience, enhancing teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
Read the Story
Discover how the University of Northampton is leading the way in digital learning with Blackboard, empowering staff with new tools and driving meaningful innovation across their courses.
Read the Story
We’re not the only ones saying it
Blackboard ranked as a Commander in the Tambellini StarChart™: 2024 Teaching & Learning Series: Learning Management Systems
Blackboard ranked #12 in G2’s Best Education Software Products 2025 (above Canvas at #41)
Blackboard’s AI features won Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Best of 2024
Ready to take a fresh look at Blackboard?
See the innovation in action. Contact us to get a personalized look at what Blackboard can do for your institution.