Sakai

What differentiates Sakai from other similar products?

Sakai stands out from other learning management systems primarily because it is open-source and community-driven. This means institutions can customize the platform extensively without the high costs associated with proprietary software. Unlike many commercial LMS products, Sakai allows full control over data, functionality, and appearance, making it ideal for schools that prioritize academic freedom and flexibility. Its strong emphasis on interoperability through standards like LTI and IMS ensures it integrates smoothly with a variety of third-party tools.

What is your favorite aspect of this product?

My favorite aspect of Sakai is its high level of customizability and control. Being open-source, it allows institutions to tailor the platform to fit their unique teaching and learning needs without being locked into rigid, pre-defined structures. Instructors can design their course sites with flexibility, choosing the tools and layout that best suit their pedagogy. The Gradebook and Assignments tools are particularly robust, offering clear tracking of student progress and flexible grading options.

What do you dislike most about this product?

What I dislike most about Sakai is its outdated and less intuitive user interface. Compared to more modern LMS platforms, Sakai’s design can feel clunky and visually unappealing, which may lead to a steeper learning curve for new users. Navigating between tools and performing simple tasks often requires multiple clicks, and some features are not as streamlined or user-friendly as they could be. Limited mobile functionality and the lack of a robust native mobile app hinder accessibility for users who prefer learning on-the-go. The pace of updates and improvements can also be slow due to its community-driven nature

What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?

If you are considering Sakai, I recommend evaluating your institution’s technical capacity and long-term goals. Sakai is best suited for institutions that value open-source flexibility, academic freedom, and have the resources to support in-house customization and development. Be prepared to invest time in training for both faculty and students, as the learning curve can be steeper than with some commercial platforms. Take advantage of the active Sakai user community—it’s a valuable resource for troubleshooting, updates, and feature suggestions. If your priorities include data privacy, custom workflows, and long-term cost savings,

What differentiates Sakai from other similar products?

My overall experience with Sakai LMS has been positive. It stands out for its flexibility and customization capabilities. I like the ease of managing courses and collaborating with learners.

What is your favorite aspect of this product?

Sakai LMS is a great open-source tool that is extremely easy and simple to use. It's a solid solution that helps with solving problems, hence improving efficiency and effectiveness.

What do you dislike most about this product?

I haven't yet experienced any challenges while using Sakai LMS. Nothing to dislike about it.

What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?

I recommend using Sakai LMS.

What differentiates Sakai from other similar products?

I didn’t expect to like Sakai. It doesn’t exactly scream “sleek learning experience.” But the more we used it, the more it felt like that reliable friend who shows up in jeans, knows their stuff, and quietly helps you get your life together. For our HR-led training programs, especially onboarding modules and compliance refreshers — Sakai’s turned out to be a dependable little workhorse.

What is your favorite aspect of this product?

I really appreciate how Sakai gives you just enough, gradebooks, assignment uploads, forums, announcements. The forums in particular became a weirdly great space for HR to run reflection prompts after training. We’d post something like “What’s one unconscious bias you caught yourself having?” and boom thoughtful replies, real convos, no awkward Zoom silences.

What do you dislike most about this product?

I won’t lie, it’s not exactly intuitive on day one. You’re going to need an orientation just to figure out where the tools are buried. And if you’re used to snazzy UIs like Notion or Miro, Sakai’s going to feel a bit like using a public library computer.

What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?

Would I recommend it? Yes, but with realistic expectations. If you want solid tracking, flexibility in content formats, and don’t mind a slightly retro experience, Sakai will get you there. Just don’t expect it to win beauty contests. Or send push notifications. Or sync with your smartwatch.