Higher education leaders are taking a harder look at every technology investment.

In this edition of Signals, we explore a recent EdTech Insiders analysis that argues every platform should be able to answer three questions:

• Does it improve the top or bottom line?
• Does it build trust around AI?
• Has it earned its place?

We discuss why usage metrics aren't enough, how institutions can evaluate technology based on measurable outcomes, and why trust and workflow integration matter just as much as features.

You'll also learn how the CLOSE operating model can help connect data, people, and processes so technology becomes part of everyday decision-making instead of another disconnected tool.

Whether you're evaluating a new platform or reviewing your current technology portfolio, this episode offers a practical framework for asking better questions.

Resources mentioned:

• What Higher Ed Now Demands From Its Vendors in 2026
• 2026 Student Success Impact Report
• Beyond Student Success: Evaluating Higher Ed Software Vendors for Institutional Fit
• CLOSE the Student Impact Gap: A Modern Operating Model for Student Success