10 Good Poll Questions to Shape Your 2026 eLearning Strategy

In today's dynamic learning environments, understanding the needs and preferences of learners and instructors is paramount. Generic surveys often yield vague results, but strategically crafted polls can unlock powerful, actionable insights. This guide moves beyond theory, providing a curated collection of good poll questions designed specifically for educators, professors, and corporate trainers. Each question is a tool to gauge preferences on everything from LMS video integration to AI-driven features, helping you make informed decisions that enhance engagement and streamline workflows.

This is not a list of abstract ideas; it is a practical toolkit. We will explore specific, ready-to-use questions that you can deploy immediately within your teaching and training platforms. Whether you are running a live virtual classroom or setting up asynchronous video assignments, the right questions provide the data needed to truly optimise your digital learning ecosystem. To ensure the feedback gathered is genuinely useful and not just polite affirmations, it's vital to follow principles similar to those outlined in The Mom Test for asking good questions. This approach focuses on uncovering real user behaviour and needs, rather than hypothetical opinions.

This article provides actionable examples covering crucial topics such as video content management, accessibility priorities, and desired technical support. By asking better questions, you can gather the precise data required to ensure your technology serves its pedagogical purpose, creating a more effective and responsive learning experience for everyone involved. Let’s dive into the questions that will help you transform direct feedback into a clear, actionable strategy.

1. LMS Video Integration Preferences

Understanding how educators and trainers actually use video within their Learning Management Systems (LMS) is crucial for optimising workflows and improving user experience. A poll focused on LMS video integration preferences moves beyond assumptions, gathering concrete data on whether users favour embedding videos, uploading them directly, or using specialised third-party integrations. This is one of the most effective good poll questions for technology administrators and curriculum designers seeking to streamline content delivery.

This question helps identify common pain points and priorities, directly informing which tools and features require development or support. For instance, if most instructors prefer a dedicated media platform that integrates with their LMS, it signals a need for robust, seamless connections rather than native file uploaders. For a deeper understanding of this process, you can find valuable insights by mastering learning management system integration.

Example Poll Question

"Which method do you most frequently use to add video content to your courses in [Your LMS - e.g., Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard]?"

• A) Embedding a video from a public platform (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo)

• B) Uploading video files directly to the LMS

• C) Using an integrated third-party video platform (e.g., MEDIAL, Panopto)

• D) A combination of the above methods

• E) I do not currently use video in my courses

Actionable Implementation Tips

• Be Platform-Specific: Customise the question to mention the LMS platforms your organisation supports, such as Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, or D2L Brightspace. This makes the question more relevant to the respondent.

• Segment Your Audience: Analyse the results based on department, institution type (K-12 vs. higher education), or role (instructor vs. administrator). For example, you might discover that your Science faculty heavily uses a specific video platform integration, justifying targeted training for that group.

• Include a Follow-Up: Use poll logic to ask respondents who choose "A combination of the above" or mention an integration an open-ended follow-up question, such as: "What are the biggest challenges you face with your current video integration method?" This qualitative data is invaluable for identifying specific issues like slow upload times or broken embeds.

2. Video Assignment Engagement Methods

Understanding how learners interact with and respond to video-based assignments is essential for designing effective, engaging assessments. A poll focused on video assignment engagement methods helps educators and trainers identify which formats best capture attention and facilitate deeper learning. By asking directly about preferences for video responses, peer reviews, or interactive quizzes, you can gather valuable data to refine your assessment strategy. This type of query is one of the most useful good poll questions for instructional designers aiming to leverage video for more than just content delivery.

This question helps pinpoint which assignment types learners find most motivating and which may cause friction. For instance, a strong preference for annotated video feedback over simple text comments could indicate that learners value detailed, contextual guidance. Conversely, if interactive video quizzes are highly favoured, it suggests an appetite for self-paced, gamified learning experiences. This feedback directly informs how to best utilise video assignment tools to maximise learner participation and comprehension.

Example Poll Question

"When completing a video-based assignment, which format do you find most engaging and effective for your learning?"

• A) Recording and submitting my own video response to a prompt

• B) Providing peer-to-peer feedback on a fellow learner's video submission

• C) Reviewing instructor feedback with time-stamped annotations on my video

• D) Completing an interactive quiz embedded within a video

• E) I have not yet participated in a video-based assignment

Actionable Implementation Tips

• Segment by Learner Type: Separate poll results between different cohorts, such as university students and corporate trainees. For example, trainees in a sales program might prefer recording practice pitches, while literature students may value peer-to-peer feedback on video essays.

• Correlate Preference with Performance: Analyse if there is a connection between learners' preferred assignment formats and their actual performance or grades. This can help validate which methods are not just popular but also academically effective.

• Offer a Comments Box: Include an optional open-text field for learners to explain why they chose a particular option. This qualitative data can provide rich insights into specific use cases, such as a learner explaining how peer feedback helped them improve their presentation skills for a specific project.

3. Closed Caption and Accessibility Priorities

Understanding the value educators and institutions place on digital accessibility is essential for creating inclusive learning environments. A poll focused on closed captions and accessibility priorities helps gauge the demand for features like automated captioning, multilingual subtitles, and compliance with standards like WCAG. This is one of the most insightful good poll questions for administrators aiming to meet legal requirements and improve the learning experience for all students.

This question provides direct feedback on which accessibility features are most critical to users, guiding development and resource allocation. For example, strong demand for high-accuracy automated captions over manual services could signal a need to invest in advanced AI-powered tools. Exploring how features like AI auto-captioning can streamline this process provides a clearer path forward for institutions, which you can learn more about by unlocking accessibility with MEDIAL V9.

Example Poll Question

"When considering video accessibility, which of the following is the highest priority for your teaching or content creation?"

• A) High-accuracy automated closed captions

• B) Compliance with specific standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1, ADA)

• C) Support for multilingual subtitles

• D) The ability to manually edit and correct captions

• E) Accessibility features are not a current priority for me

Actionable Implementation Tips

• Reference Specific Standards: Including options that mention WCAG 2.1 or ADA makes the question more concrete and helps you understand awareness and adherence to formal compliance standards.

• Segment by Compliance Needs: Analyse responses based on whether the respondent's institution has mandatory accessibility requirements. This can reveal a significant difference in priorities between those who must comply and those who do not.

• Ask About Current Workflows: Use poll logic to ask a follow-up question about their current captioning process. For example, "How do you currently generate captions for your video content?" This helps identify pain points with manual transcription or third-party services, uncovering opportunities to introduce a more efficient tool.

4. Live Streaming and Real-Time Session Scheduling

Understanding educator needs for synchronous learning tools is vital as hybrid and online teaching models become standard. A poll on live streaming and session scheduling preferences helps institutions gauge demand for features like automated recording, calendar integration, and branding customisation. This makes it one of the most practical good poll questions for administrators deciding which virtual classroom integrations to support and prioritise.

Polling on this topic provides clear data on which tools educators are already using (such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams) and what their primary pain points are. If a majority of staff find scheduling sessions across multiple platforms cumbersome, it signals a need for a centralised, integrated solution. Discovering how to implement these tools effectively is key, and you can learn more by exploring how to set up live streaming for educators.

Example Poll Question

"When scheduling a live online session (e.g., lecture, webinar), what is your biggest challenge?"

• A) Manually creating events in multiple systems (LMS, calendar, streaming platform)

• B) Managing automated recordings and making them available to students

• C) A lack of custom branding options for my institution/department

• D) Technical difficulties with the streaming platform itself (e.g., Zoom, Teams)

• E) I do not use live streaming for my teaching

Actionable Implementation Tips

• Investigate Current Tools: Ask a preliminary question about which platforms respondents currently use (e.g., "Which platform do you primarily use for live sessions?"). This provides essential context for interpreting their reported challenges.

• Segment by Audience Size: Analyse responses based on typical class or session size. Instructors teaching large cohorts may prioritise recording automation and accessibility, while those in smaller seminars might face different challenges, like a lack of interactive features.

• Probe on Branding: For those who mention branding, use poll logic to ask a follow-up: "How important is applying institutional branding (logos, colours) to your live session interface and recordings?" This helps quantify the demand for customisation features.

5. Video Content Management and Security Concerns

In an era of increasing data privacy regulations and intellectual property risks, understanding educators' security priorities is paramount. A poll focused on video content management and security assesses concerns around access control, compliance with institutional policies like FERPA or GDPR, and the protection of sensitive educational materials. These are some of the most essential good poll questions for IT administrators and institutional leaders responsible for safeguarding academic assets.

This type of poll uncovers the non-negotiable security features that instructors and trainers need to feel confident using video for sensitive content, such as patient simulations in medical training or proprietary corporate information. The results can validate the need for a secure, internal video platform over public-facing solutions, guiding procurement and policy decisions towards tools that offer robust protection and granular control. For a deeper dive into securing educational content, you can learn more about how a secure video library for education can protect your institution.

Example Poll Question

"When using video for teaching or training, which of the following security features do you consider most critical for protecting your content?"

• A) Restricting access to enrolled students or specific user groups only

• B) Compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, FERPA)

• C) Preventing unauthorised downloads or sharing of videos

• D) Detailed analytics to monitor who has viewed the content

• E) I do not have significant security concerns with my video content

Actionable Implementation Tips

• Mention Specific Regulations: Tailor your options to include compliance requirements relevant to your audience, such as FERPA for US educational institutions or GDPR in Europe. This makes the question more pertinent.

• Probe Granularity Needs: Ask a follow-up question about how finely they need to control access. For example, "Is it sufficient to restrict access to the course level, or do you need to control it at the individual student or group level?" This can justify investment in platforms with more advanced permissions.

• Gauge Real-World Concerns: Include an open-ended question to capture qualitative data, such as: "What is your biggest current concern regarding the security or intellectual property of your educational videos?" This can reveal anxieties that multiple-choice options might miss, like a medical professor worried about patient privacy in recorded simulations.

6. Video Editing and In-Browser Workflow Preferences

Understanding how educators manage video post-production is essential for providing tools that genuinely save time and reduce technical barriers. A poll focused on video editing and in-browser workflow preferences can reveal whether instructors rely on complex external software or would prefer simple, integrated editing tools within their primary platform. This makes it one of the most insightful good poll questions for developers and administrators aiming to create a more efficient content creation ecosystem.

This question helps to validate the demand for features like in-browser trimming, clipping, or annotating videos without needing to download, edit, and re-upload large files. If a significant number of educators spend hours on basic edits using external tools, it signals a clear opportunity to streamline their workflow with built-in functionalities. For instance, the high adoption rates of simple editors within platforms like Panopto and Vimeo Create demonstrate a strong user preference for convenience over complex features.

Example Poll Question

"When you need to make simple edits to your educational videos (e.g., trimming the start/end), which method do you most often use?"

• A) I use a simple in-browser editor provided by my video platform.

• B) I use professional desktop editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro).

• C) I use free desktop software (e.g., iMovie, DaVinci Resolve).

• D) I ask a technical support team or colleague to edit it for me.

• E) I do not edit my videos; I use them as originally recorded.

Actionable Implementation Tips

• Specify Editing Tasks: Create separate poll questions to gauge interest in specific features. Ask respondents to rank the importance of "trimming dead space," "blurring sensitive information," or "adding on-screen text annotations." This helps prioritise feature development.

• Segment by Technical Comfort: Analyse responses based on self-reported technical skill levels. This can help determine whether there is a need for both basic and advanced in-browser editing tiers to cater to different user groups.

• Quantify Time Spent: Add a follow-up question asking, "On average, how much time do you spend editing a typical one-hour lecture video?" This data provides a powerful metric for justifying investment in time-saving workflow improvements.

7. Video Content Storage and Deployment Preferences

Determining an institution's preference for video storage and deployment is critical for IT strategy, budget allocation, and data governance. A poll on this topic clarifies whether stakeholders favour cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid solutions, weighing factors like security, scalability, and cost. This is one of the most vital good poll questions for IT administrators and financial planners to align technology infrastructure with institutional goals and compliance requirements.

This question helps to reveal the underlying priorities of an organisation. For example, a strong preference for on-premises storage might indicate strict data residency requirements or a desire to leverage existing infrastructure investments. Conversely, a lean towards cloud solutions could signal a priority for scalability, reduced maintenance overhead, and flexible access. Understanding these preferences is key to selecting a video platform, like MEDIAL, that can support both cloud and on-premises deployments effectively.

Example Poll Question

"Which model best describes your institution's preferred strategy for storing and managing educational video content?"

• A) Fully Cloud-Based (all video content is hosted and streamed by a third-party provider)

• B) Fully On-Premises (all video content is stored and streamed from our own servers)

• C) Hybrid Model (a mix of cloud and on-premises solutions to balance security and scalability)

• D) We are currently evaluating our options

• E) I am not involved in these decisions

Actionable Implementation Tips

• Address Compliance and Data Residency: Frame questions around specific needs. For instance, ask, "How important is it that all institutional video data remains within the UK for compliance reasons?" This directly ties the deployment model to governance.

• Inquire About Infrastructure: Before asking about preferences, gauge current capabilities. A simple precursor poll could be, "How would you rate our institution's current on-site server capacity and bandwidth for video streaming?" This provides context for the preference responses.

• Segment by Role: Analyse responses from IT staff, faculty, and senior leadership separately. IT may prioritise control and security (favouring on-premises), while faculty might value ease of access and scalability (favouring cloud), revealing potential points for internal discussion.

8. AI-Assisted Features and Automated Capabilities Desired

Understanding which AI-powered tools educators and trainers find most valuable is essential for developing features that genuinely save time and enhance learning outcomes. A poll focused on desired AI capabilities moves beyond basic automation like captioning to explore interest in more advanced functionalities like content summarisation, intelligent tagging, or automatically generated assessments. This is one of the most forward-looking good poll questions for educational technology developers and learning designers planning their future product roadmaps.

This type of question helps to prioritise development efforts based on direct user feedback, ensuring that new features address real-world challenges. For example, if a significant number of instructors desire AI-generated video highlights, it signals a strong demand for tools that help students review key concepts efficiently. This data can justify investment in complex AI models over other potential enhancements.

Example Poll Question

"Beyond automated captions, which of the following AI-assisted features for video content would be most valuable to your teaching or training workflow?"

• A) Automated video chaptering and summarisation

• B) AI-generated quiz questions based on video content

• C) Intelligent search that finds spoken words or concepts within videos

• D) Automated content tagging and categorisation

• E) I am not interested in using additional AI-assisted features at this time

Actionable Implementation Tips

• Explain the Features: Since some users may be unfamiliar with these concepts, provide a brief, one-sentence explanation for each option either in the poll description or as a tooltip. For example: "Automated Chaptering: AI automatically creates a clickable table of contents for your long videos."

• Gauge Comfort Levels: In a follow-up question, ask about respondents' comfort level with using AI-generated content in their courses. This helps to segment users who are early adopters from those who may be more hesitant.

• Address Privacy Concerns: Consider including a question about the importance of data privacy in relation to AI features. For instance: "How concerned are you about how your video content might be used to train AI models?" This builds trust and provides crucial insights for responsible AI development.

9. Video Analytics and Engagement Measurement Needs

Understanding which data points educators and trainers value most is essential for building effective learning tools. A poll focused on video analytics and engagement needs helps to uncover how instructors measure student interaction and comprehension, moving beyond simple view counts. This is one of the most insightful good poll questions for platform developers and institutional leaders aiming to provide meaningful, data-driven feedback on video-based learning content.

This type of question reveals what metrics are genuinely used to inform teaching strategies. For instance, if most educators prioritise viewer completion rates and engagement heatmaps over raw view counts, it indicates a demand for tools that visualise where students are paying attention, rewinding, or dropping off. This data can directly influence decisions on content length, structure, and the placement of key concepts.

Example Poll Question

"When evaluating student engagement with your video content, which analytic is most important to you?"

• A) Overall view count and unique viewers

• B) Average watch time and viewer completion rates

• C) Engagement heatmaps (showing which parts were re-watched or skipped)

• D) In-video quiz results and interaction data

• E) Correlation with final grades or assessment scores

Actionable Implementation Tips

• Inquire About Current Tools: Start by asking educators what analytics tools they currently use (if any) and their satisfaction levels. This provides a baseline understanding of existing workflows and pain points.

• Focus on Decision-Making: Frame a follow-up question around actionability, such as: "What is one instructional decision you have made based on video analytics data?" For example, an instructor might say, "I saw everyone re-watching the section on cellular mitosis, so I created a supplemental video on it." This uncovers the practical application of the data.

• Explore Data Visualisation: Ask respondents how they prefer to see engagement data. For example, "Would you prefer raw data in a spreadsheet, a visual dashboard, or automated email summaries?" This helps tailor reporting features to user preferences.

10. Technical Support and Professional Development Requirements

Understanding the support and training needs of educators is fundamental to successful technology adoption. A poll focused on technical support and professional development requirements moves beyond assumptions, gathering specific data on how users prefer to learn and receive help with video tools. This makes it one of the most vital good poll questions for customer success teams and training coordinators aiming to build effective support structures.

This type of poll helps educational technology providers and institutions identify which support channels are most valued and what training formats resonate best with staff. For example, if instructors overwhelmingly prefer self-paced video tutorials over live webinars, resources can be reallocated to create a more robust on-demand knowledge base. This data-driven approach ensures that support efforts are efficient, user-centred, and genuinely helpful.

Example Poll Question

"When you need technical help or want to learn a new feature for our video platform, what is your preferred method?"

• A) Searching a written knowledge base or FAQs

• B) Watching short, self-paced video tutorials

• C) Attending a live, scheduled webinar with a trainer

• D) Contacting a support team directly (e.g., email, chat, phone)

• E) Asking a colleague or peer for assistance

Actionable Implementation Tips

• Segment by Role: Differentiate the needs of IT administrators from those of teaching staff. An administrator might prioritise detailed technical documentation for an API integration, whereas an instructor may prefer a 2-minute video guide on embedding a quiz in their lecture.

• Gauge Time Commitment: Ask a follow-up question about how much time staff are willing to dedicate to professional development each month. This helps in designing training sessions (e.g., 30-minute micro-webinars vs. half-day workshops) that fit into busy schedules.

• Explore Support Channels: Inquire specifically about preferred direct support channels. A simple poll can ask users to rank their preference for live chat, email, or phone support, helping you prioritise resources for the most-demanded services.

• Investigate Peer Learning: Include a question about interest in a user community or forum. This can reveal a desire for peer-to-peer support, which can be a highly effective and scalable way to share best practices and solve common problems.

Good Poll Questions: 10-Item Video Features Comparison

Putting Your Poll Data into Action

Gathering feedback is only the first step; the real value lies in translating that data into meaningful, strategic change. The extensive collection of good poll questions detailed in this article provides a robust framework for understanding the intricacies of your educational ecosystem. You've moved beyond simple knowledge checks to probe the deeper operational, pedagogical, and technical preferences that define the user experience for both educators and learners.

The true power of a well-crafted poll is its ability to transform assumptions into actionable evidence. By consistently deploying these targeted questions, you create a continuous feedback loop that drives tangible improvements and fosters a more responsive learning environment.

From Insight to Implementation: Your Next Steps

The data you've gathered is a roadmap. Now, it's time to follow it. The journey from collecting poll responses to implementing real change involves careful analysis and strategic planning.

Here are three actionable steps to take with your poll data:

1. Segment and Synthesise Your Findings: Don't just look at the overall percentages. Drill down into the data. How do responses from first-year university students differ from those of final-year students regarding video assignment preferences? Do corporate trainers in the sales department have different security concerns than those in human resources? Identifying these patterns reveals specific needs within different user groups, allowing you to tailor your solutions instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

2. Prioritise Based on Impact and Feasibility: Your polls likely uncovered multiple areas for improvement. You can't tackle everything at once. Create a priority matrix. For example, if a high percentage of users report difficulties with in-browser video editing workflows (high impact) and your current platform lacks this feature (low feasibility to fix internally), it signals a clear need to explore a new technology partner. Conversely, if users request better scheduling for live sessions (high impact) and it's a simple administrative adjustment (high feasibility), you have a quick win.

3. Communicate and Close the Loop: Share the results and your planned actions with the participants. This crucial step demonstrates that their feedback is valued and is being acted upon. A simple announcement like, "Based on your feedback highlighting the need for better accessibility, we are now ensuring all new video content includes professionally generated closed captions," builds trust and encourages future participation. It validates the process and shows your commitment to a user-centred educational environment.

The Broader Impact of Strategic Polling

Mastering the art of asking good poll questions elevates your role from simply delivering content to architecting a superior learning experience. The insights you gain from polls on LMS integration, AI-assisted features, and analytics directly inform institutional or departmental strategy.

By using the questions provided as a starting point, you can build a culture where decisions are driven by data, not guesswork. You become an advocate for your learners' and colleagues' needs, equipped with the evidence to make a compelling case for the tools and workflows that will empower them to succeed. The journey starts with a simple question, but it leads to a more effective, accessible, and engaging learning ecosystem for everyone involved.

Ready to act on the insights your polls have uncovered? If your data points towards a need for a secure, accessible, and seamlessly integrated video platform, explore how MEDIAL can solve the very challenges you've identified. Discover a unified solution built for education at MEDIAL.