TopHat vs LearningZen

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Our analysts compared TopHat vs LearningZen based on data from our 400+ point analysis of LMS Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

TopHat Software Tool

Product Basics

Top Hat is an online teaching platform that offers digital classrooms, discussions, customizable questions, textbooks, lectures, videos, attendance, assignments and more. Learners can get real-time feedback, proctor tests and quizzes and stream lectures. Administrators can track progress and look at overall trends.


It integrates with other education programs and works for students and instructors. Overall, the tools let users design workspaces, create interactive materials, make quick assignments and proctor exams. In many classes, it’s used to replace clickers which allowed teachers to show materials on-screen and students to choose answers via a handheld device at their desk. The resulting answers are shown via a bar graph on the screen for a visual representation of the group’s understanding. Its specialty is helping educators find and publish quality open education resources.
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LearningZen is a robust Learning Management System (LMS) designed to streamline the training process for businesses, particularly those in industries like healthcare, retail, and hospitality. It excels in creating, managing, and delivering online training courses with ease. The platform is particularly beneficial for organizations seeking to enhance employee skills and ensure compliance with industry standards. One of its standout features is the intuitive course builder, which allows users to develop engaging content without technical expertise. Additionally, LearningZen offers insightful analytics to track learner progress and performance. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface and the ability to customize training paths. While specific pricing details are not publicly available, LearningZen typically offers flexible pricing models that cater to different organizational needs. For precise pricing information, it is advisable to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, LearningZen is praised for its efficiency and adaptability in meeting diverse training requirements.
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$33 Monthly
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$199/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
Small
Medium
Large
Small
Medium
Large
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Better Content: The solution can help create and deliver high-quality content. Learners keep access to their materials even after the lesson is over. It also changes up boring PDFs and replaces them with interactive content with embedded videos, questions and graphics.
    • Digital Textbooks: Instructors can create, adapt, share and customize textbooks and other interactive materials for their course. They are always up-to-date. Users can embed assessments right into the material to see how students are absorbing material as they read. The text can also integrate videos and animations for more engaging material. It’s free or low-cost for the students and constantly added to by a community of educators.
    • Marketplace: It provides different integrated applications for coursework and content. Learners and teachers have access to thousands of textbooks, educational materials, question packs and over 20,000 open classroom resources. The subjects include anthropology, arts, biology, business, chemistry, computer science, cultural studies, earth science, education, engineering, ethics, health, humanities, law, math, medicine, physics, religious studies, science and more.
    • Customizing and OER: Users can change up the digital textbooks for intro courses to add and remove relevant information. Content is up to date and easy to modernize in the places where it may be lacking. It can take feedback and give changes in real-time. Through the marketplace, it’s easy to get open education resources from places like OpenStax and Saylor. This makes it easy for the school library to find the OER they need.
  • Greater Student Engagement: Students can receive more encouragement to participate, learn and have a voice. Some tools include a discussion prompt added between slides, awarding participation points and anonymous participation for shy students. Students can vote for responses in a queue, giving teachers an idea of where the group isn’t understanding the material. For creative questions, students can even submit drawings. The solution allows instructors to sync slides with students’ devices while students can’t move ahead of the class. This forces them to pay attention. Educators can share the responses of students in fun, interactive ways with visual graphs, heat maps and word clouds. Upon the end of the lecture, instructors can let their students see slides in review mode so they can study.
  • Better Interoperability: While the solution does some of the same things as the learning solutions, it also integrates with other more complex platforms such as Blackboard, Canvas, D2L and Moodle. For those who already have an LMS and SIS set up, this connects seamlessly to bump up the experience without getting rid of present tools.
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  • Easy To Use: Register for an instructor-led training program with an intuitive interface that suits both authors and students. Guide writers step by step in content creation through the comprehensive course building tool. Manage employee performance easily and send them messages quickly. 
  • Customizable: Customize the learning experience for employees by monitoring daily performance and tailoring course content based on employee’s areas of weakness. Provide personalized tests, assessments, curriculum, trainer-led customized guidance, and certificates on course completion to address each employee individually. 
  • Ensure Collaboration: Empower employees to communicate better through an internal messaging system and dialogue boards. Create collaborative easy-to-understand online courses in the form of inactive quizzes and videos with an incorporated course-builder. Also, integrate various content from third-party sources (i.e., SCORM, AICC, xAPI). 
  • Mobile-Friendly: Enable learners to access content easily anytime from anywhere from a mobile-friendly dashboard. Make sure employees never miss any updates related to training. 
  • Offers Scalable Pricing: Its tiered pricing accommodates organizations of all sizes, providing room for smaller businesses to upgrade as they grow. 
  • Generate New Revenue: Make extra income by selling tutorials and customized lessons to other organizations online via e-commerce. 
  • Leverage Proactive Support: The vendor prioritizes customer success and offers all kinds of launch assistance for every event with the help of professionals who physically attend events to assist company workers with product and event launches. Support can also help companies migrate all pre-existing training materials into a single location and accelerate the content assembly process, publishing content as quickly as possible. 
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  • Testing: With built-in security, users can host tests, quizzes and exams in a virtual environment where students can bring their own devices. Tests are easy to build and customize with multiple formats for questions. The fourteen unique question types include fill-in-the-blank, word answers, multiple-choice, numeric answers, click-on-target and many others. Students can also do video assignments, drawings or chemistry questions. Several behavioral algorithms help teachers monitor students and prevent cheating. If they do, they’re immediately locked out. Instructors can also see a real-time report and can offer secure codes so students can get into the proper test. Once the exam is complete, educators can automatically grade and have results show up immediately in the gradebook. This system is compatible with smartphones, laptops and tablets and doesn’t require a separate app. Grades can transfer to an LMS or other solution. Once grading is complete, it’s easy to review results and identify at-risk learners.
  • Attendance: Teachers can verify attendance in several ways. First, they can prompt students to sign in using a unique code and assign grades to reward students who are present. Second, the solution can verify the students’ physical location so only those in class get counted. It sends points for roll call and participation straight into the gradebook. Alternatively, instructors can build options for excused absences.
  • Grading and Reporting: Users can track learner progress, implement weighted grading and track attendance and performance. All of this transfers to the gradebook automatically. Instructors can weigh factors such as questions, participation and attendance. From there, administrators can analyze information and adjust for future lessons. To make sure teachers miss nothing it automatically captures student replies and participation grades in the gradebook.
  • Course Creation: Users can integrate quizzes, tests and other course materials. They can also track through analytics and port results over to other software. The system is FERPA compliant and has extensive support. Some other functions are the discussion tool where students can collaborate, offline mode, multiple file type capabilities, access to the marketplace, design consulting and more. Administrators can include gamification, flip classrooms and use devices to bump up engagement. Teachers can also stream lectures and students can participate in a live chat.
  • Assignments: It provides the functionality to create, personalize and auto-grade homework. Teachers can assign unique questions based on the group or individual and use interactive questions to engage students and reinforce the material. Homework assignments are easy and quick to assemble. Users can time responses, limit wrong answers or show the correct answers. They can also add images, videos and website links and build existing homework right into the platform. When the homework is complete, instructors can provide feedback immediately with comments. For hard subjects, users can create ungraded homework.
  • Institutions: Broader districts or institutions using the solution can acquire support specifically for their needs. The solution provides help with implementation, scaling, onboarding and other resources. Afterward, the company can help administrators review the program’s success. For organizations looking for more comprehensive help, the company manages support and training for the institution. They also offer workshops that follow the pedagogy and challenges of the faculty. A team of 40 instructional designers works to make this happen while a dedicated account manager communicates one-on-one. It integrates with all major LMSs and works with Shibboleth for easy configuration and single sign-on capability. It comes with institution-paid and student-paid options and has a clicker buyback program for the early transition.
  • Cloud-Based: The solution is a Software-as-a-Service and available without additional hardware or installing. It’s designed to scale smoothly and collects student data to ensure the organization is keeping track of student aptitude and progress.
  • Assessments: These deeper level analytics go after not just individual grades or students, but can track performance, completion, persistence and learning outcomes across the organization. It offers both summative and formative analysis so instructions can both correct the overall course and find individuals who need help. This makes it easier to track, identify, diagnose and fix problems when they arise.
  • Content Creation and Course Authoring: For specialized content, the solution provides authoring tools to create the materials. Users can get help with textbook projects. Instructors who want to share their work on the marketplace still own the copyright and earn royalties. It also provides collaborative projects where multiple educators and experts can come together to make a textbook. Creators can import OER or other content and split the revenue among collaborators.
  • Accessibility: It has various options to accommodate different students and learning styles. This includes allowing students to dial-in to a lecture via phone, transcripts of lecture records and videos of class meetings. It also optimizes assignments and textbooks so students can work from their desired device.
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  • Student Dashboard: Enable students to start learning as soon as possible, with an intuitive, mobile-friendly e-learning interface in the form of a customizable dashboard, with an integrated help center. Register for instructor-led courses, send messages and track progress with ease on what needs to be started, finished or reviewed. 
  • Collaboration: Enhances communication between learners and educators via built-in forums, discussion boards and an internal messaging system. 
  • Reporting: Monitor overall employee performance. Track exact areas of learner's weaknesses through reports in order to help strengthen them moving forward. 
  • Course Builder: Create online course content with its integrated, easy-to-use course builder and instructional designers. Collaborate directly with employees on various aspects of content authoring to develop appealing multimedia content. 
    • Media Formats: Supports various media types, like Microsoft Office Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets and more; audio and video files both owned and borrowed; and SCORM-compatible materials from products like Adobe Captivate, Articulate, Storyline, etc. 
  • Exams and Assessments: Streamline students’ learning experiences with regular tests, assessments and quizzes that demonstrate knowledge and provide certification for learners. Provide instructor-led feedback for additional insight. 
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Product Ranking

#31

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#34

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User Sentiment Summary

Good User Sentiment 63 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 4 reviews
78%
of users recommend this product

TopHat has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 78% when considering 63 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

96%
of users recommend this product

LearningZen has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 96% when considering 4 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

4.0 (22)
n/a
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4.8 (4)
3.8 (38)
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4.0 (3)
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Awards

No awards.

LearningZen stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Interactive Features: TopHat offers interactive features such as live polling, quizzes, and discussion tools.
Easy Integration: TopHat can be integrated with other educational tools to streamline workflows.
Improved Engagement: TopHat helps increase student participation and engagement during lectures.
Valuable Analytics: Educators gain insights into student performance through TopHat's analytics features.
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Intuitive Platform: LearningZen is recognized for its user-friendly design, making it simple for administrators to set up and manage training courses, and for employees to navigate and engage with learning materials.
Customizable Training: The platform's course builder and monitoring tools empower businesses to create tailored training solutions that align with their specific requirements and objectives.
Cost and Time Efficiency: LearningZen eliminates the need for traditional training logistics, such as travel and physical accommodations, leading to significant cost savings and reduced time away from work.
Consistent Training: The platform enables businesses, especially those with multiple locations or franchises, to deliver standardized training content, ensuring consistency in knowledge and skills development across the board.
Strong Customer Support: LearningZen is commended for its responsive and helpful customer support team, providing users with assistance and guidance when needed.
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Cost: TopHat is often more expensive than other LMS options, which can be a barrier for budget-conscious users.
Technical Issues: Some users have reported experiencing occasional technical glitches or difficulties with the platform.
Learning Curve: New users may require some time to familiarize themselves with all of TopHat's features and functionalities, leading to a learning curve.
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Limited Customization: While LearningZen offers free templates, businesses with unique branding or course design requirements might find the customization options restrictive.
Potential Feature Limitations: As a cost-effective solution, LearningZen may lack some advanced features found in higher-priced LMS platforms, potentially limiting certain training functionalities.
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Is TopHat a top-tier learning management system, or does it fall flat? User reviews from the last year reveal a mixed bag. TopHat is praised for its interactive features that boost student participation, such as polls, quizzes, and seamless integration with existing LMS platforms. Educators particularly appreciate its ability to transform lectures into engaging experiences, as highlighted by a professor who lauded TopHat for breathing life into their classroom and facilitating dynamic student interaction. However, some users find the platform's initial navigation somewhat cumbersome and occasionally encounter technical hiccups. A case in point is the "time-constrained attendance marker," which reportedly suffers from lag, impacting user experience. While TopHat's customer support receives mixed reviews, its strengths lie in its user-friendly interface, diverse question formats, and smooth integration capabilities. Its standout feature, the ability to create an interactive and engaging learning environment, makes it a hit among educators. Conversely, the pricing model, which requires students to pay individually, draws criticism for potentially hindering access for some. A user aptly pointed out, "Not all of my students have the means to pay for access (which can really impact their grade if they don't use the platform)." TopHat's differentiating factor lies in its dedication to fostering student engagement and active learning. This is achieved through features like real-time polls, quizzes, and interactive presentations, setting it apart from traditional, static learning platforms. A testament to this is a user's comment, "Top Hat is a great student engagement tool, useful in polling students on the fly or setting up assessments prior to class." In conclusion, TopHat is best suited for educators seeking to infuse their classrooms with interactivity and boost student participation. Its array of engagement-focused tools makes it ideal for educators who prioritize active learning. However, the pricing structure might pose a challenge for students with limited financial resources, making it crucial for institutions to consider alternative funding models or explore site licenses to ensure equitable access for all.

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Is LearningZen truly a state of learning tranquility, or does it leave users feeling like they're stuck in a digital detention? User reviews from the past year suggest that LearningZen is a breath of fresh air in the often-complicated world of Learning Management Systems (LMS). Users consistently praise its intuitive design and user-friendly interface, highlighting how easy it is to create and manage training programs without needing a PhD in computer science. This ease of use is a major differentiating factor, as many other LMS platforms are often bogged down with clunky interfaces and a steep learning curve. Imagine being able to launch a new training program within hours instead of weeks – that's the kind of efficiency LearningZen offers. While LearningZen excels in its simplicity and ease of use, some users have pointed out limitations in certain features. For instance, the platform might not have the same level of advanced customization or integrations as some of its competitors. However, these limitations appear to be minor compared to the overall positive experience reported by most users. LearningZen seems to be a classic case of "doing a few things very well" rather than trying to be everything to everyone. In conclusion, LearningZen is best suited for businesses, particularly franchises, looking to streamline their training processes without getting lost in a maze of complex features. Its intuitive design, coupled with its focus on core LMS functionalities, makes it an ideal choice for organizations that prioritize ease of use and efficiency. If you're searching for a user-friendly LMS that can help you get your training programs up and running quickly, LearningZen is definitely worth considering.

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