This November, Academy introduces significant updates designed to enhance learning, streamline workflows, and improve user experience. These updates include new assessment tools, enhanced registration and enrolment workflows, improved payment processing, and program management features.

This release introduces two new assessment activities to Academy as well as a comprehensive set of reporting tools.

Quizzes

Auto-marked assessments featuring Multiple Choice – Select One and Multiple Choice – Select Many questions.

Configuration and Features

• Get immediate results with automated marking.
• Group questions by topics and create question pools for assessment variety.
• Randomise questions from your topic pools.
• Set attempt limits and pass criteria to match your requirements.
• Add supporting materials (images, documents, videos) to questions.
• Preview assessments exactly as learners will see them.
• Track question and learner performance.

Key Benefits

• Efficiently assess large groups with automated marking.
• Create variety through question pooling.
• Get immediate performance insights.
• Scale your assessments with confidence.

Marked Assessments

Written response assessments marked by your assessment team featuring Single Written Response, Multi-Part Written Response, and the option to include Multiple Choice questions.

Configuration and Features

• Centralised marking through the Actions inbox.
• Clear visibility of all assessments awaiting review.
• Quick navigation between questions during marking.
• Structured marking with defined criteria for consistency.
• Provide feedback at the question and assessment levels.
• Control when results and feedback are released to learners.
• Review all marks before finalising results.

Key Benefits

• Efficiently assess large groups with automated marking.
• Create variety through question pooling.
• Get immediate performance insights.
• Scale your assessments with confidence.

Assessment Analytics

Five reporting views to track and analyse performance throughout the assessment lifecycle:

• Assessment Overview: Summary statistics, completion rates and performance trends.
• Learner Progress: Track individual performance, attempts and outcomes.
• Question Summary: Question performance metrics and correctness rates.
• Question Deep Dive: Detailed analysis of response patterns and outcomes.
• Common Misconceptions: Identify questions where 25%+ select the same incorrect option.

Key Benefits

• Make data-driven decisions about assessment design.
• Identify knowledge gaps early.
• Track both individual and group progress.
• Support quality assurance with comprehensive analytics.

This update improves the login, registration, and enrolment workflows, making them faster and more efficient for all users.

Unified Interface

A single screen now combines login and registration.

• New users can register without switching between screens or completing long forms.
• Returning users can log in directly with fewer steps.
• A clear and streamlined design reduces unnecessary navigation.

Improved Registration Workflow

The updated registration process simplifies account creation for all users.

Email Sign-Up:

• Users can create an account immediately without completing lengthy profile forms.
• After logging in, they are prompted to complete their profile directly within the platform.

Smart SSO Integration:

• SSO users (SAML, Google, LinkedIn) benefit from faster registration.
• The system automatically detects if they have an existing account and either logs them in or creates a new account.
• First-time SSO users are prompted to complete their profile immediately after registration to ensure all required details are captured.

Refreshed Enrolment Workflow

The enrolment and application workflow has been redesigned to align with what users expect from a product checkout experience.

• This update creates a smoother experience for users enrolling or applying for programs.
• The new workflow works seamlessly regardless of how users access the page—whether through the Academy Catalogue or an external link.
   

Key Benefits

• Faster account creation with minimal effort for both email and SSO users.
• Automatic SSO detection for quicker login or registration with SAML, Google, or LinkedIn.
• Profile completion after registration for first-time users ensures that required details are captured.
• A modernised enrolment workflow improves usability and reduces friction for all users.
• Other New Features and Enhancements

MFA for Email Sign-Up

We’ve introduced Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for self-registration to enhance account security. Users verify their email with a six-digit code before completing account creation. Registration invitations and Single Sign-On (SSO) registrations are exempt from this step.

Key Features

• Verify email addresses with a one-time six-digit code.

Key Benefits

• Strengthen account security.
• Provide flexibility for users already verified through other methods.

Enforce User Profile Updates

Administrators can now require users to update their profiles when they log in, ensuring essential information is always up to date.
 

Key Features

• Prompt users to complete or update profile details during login.

Key Benefits

• Maintain accurate user data.
• Support compliance requirements.
• Simplify account management.

Stripe Integration

Administrators can now require users to update their profiles when they log in, ensuring essential information is always up to date.
 

Configuration and Features

• Support for more payment options.
• Improved handling of failed transactions.
• Enhanced payment status monitoring.

Key Benefits

• Minimise disruptions and errors in payments.
• Gain better visibility into payment processes.

Updates to Issuing Invoices and Receipts

The invoice and receipt system has transitioned from a program-specific setup to a unified platform configuration, ensuring consistency across all payments.
 

Configuration Options

• Platform-Issued Documents: Academy generates invoices and receipts with secure payment links and real-time updates.
• Upload to Invoice Inbox: Manual uploads for external invoices, with full status tracking and API support.
• External Management: Manage all documents through client finance systems.

Pay Your Invoice Online

This feature allows users to pay Academy-issued invoices securely via a “Pay Your Invoice Online” link. The link can be shared with accounts teams or accessed by anyone with the invoice for added convenience.
 

Key Benefits

• Direct payment links for secure transactions.
• Automated receipts are generated instantly upon payment.
• Real-time updates to payment status.

Cross-Program Action Inbox: Add Completed Tab to Tasks to Review

We’ve enhanced the portal action inbox by adding a "Completed" tab, mirroring functionality previously available in program-specific inboxes. This update enables reviewers to access and edit feedback on completed submissions directly from the portal.
 

Key Features

• Centralised access to completed submissions.
• Ability to edit feedback at any stage.

Key Benefits

• Streamlined Access: Manage completed tasks without switching between inboxes.
• Improved Feedback Management: Refine feedback to support learner improvement.
• Enhanced Usability: Simplify the review process.

Location Groups

This release introduces Location Groups, a new feature that allows multiple addresses associated with programs to be grouped together under a single location. This functionality is reflected in the course catalogue’s location filter, enabling users to filter programs by these broader location groups instead of individual addresses.
 

Key Features

• Group multiple addresses into a single location.
• Update the catalogue location filter to display these grouped locations for easier browsing.

Key Benefits

• Simplify the browsing experience for users searching for programs across multiple addresses.
• Allow users to filter programs by broader regions or campuses instead of individual addresses.

Enhanced Course Promotion Carousel

The Course Promotion Carousel now includes additional automation to keep program promotions up to date. Programs are dynamically promoted based on rules such as enrolment deadlines, purchase plan expirations, and capacity thresholds.
 

Key Benefits

• Automate promotions to ensure relevance.
• Reduce manual updates with dynamic rules.

Updated Navigation Icons

Program settings icons have been redesigned with a simpler, cleaner look, optimised for smaller screens to improve usability.

We’re confident these updates will significantly improve your experience on Academy and provide even greater support to your learners. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to innovate and enhance our platform.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our success team.