The ever-increasing development of information technologies has led to the adoption of advanced learning techniques. In this regard, e-learning and machine learning are two of the emerging instructional means for educational institutes. The current study investigates the role of the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital educational platforms (DEPs) in the adoption of machine learning. The present research additionally investigated the function of DEPs as mediators between IoT and machine learning adoption. The department chairs or heads of 310 departments at 91 Chinese institutions provided the information. In order to analyze the data, we used SPSS 25.0 and SEM (structural equation modeling). The results demonstrated how crucial an impact IoT has on DEPs and the uptake of machine learning. DEPs directly affect machine learning adoption and also act as mediators. The findings also support the mediating role of DEPs in the IoT and machine learning adoption link. The current study contributes to both theory and practical management by examining how IoT is helpful for achieving machine learning adoption. Based on the responses of 91 educational departments, this is a unique study of the mechanisms to achieve machine learning adoption through IoT and DEPs.