University of Guelph to Leverage Desire2Learn's Integrated Learning Platform for $6 Million Pedagogy Research Initiative
April 17 2014 - 9:30AM
Marketwired
University of Guelph to Leverage Desire2Learn's Integrated Learning
Platform for $6 Million Pedagogy Research Initiative
Desire2Learn's Predictive Analytics Capabilities Enable
Researchers to Track, Measure and Report Learning Outcomes
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Apr 17, 2014) -
Desire2Learn (D2L), the EdTech company that created the world's
first truly integrated learning platform (ILP), today announced
that it is partnering with the University of Guelph (U of G) to
spearhead a multi-institutional initiative to enhance their
learning outcomes assessment and tracking practices. The U of G is
leading a consortium with the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid
Laurier University, McMaster University and Mohawk College to
demonstrate and coordinate information about student skills and
achievement. The advanced reporting capabilities within the
Desire2Learn platform make the ILP a natural fit for this type of
cutting-edge pedagogy research.
The pedagogy research project strives to help schools track and
report on learning outcomes across programs over time. Researchers
will use D2L's predictive analytics capabilities to document and
discover the effectiveness of assessment tools on specific subjects
while working with educators to develop a curriculum that results
in greater student success. In 2012, the U of G became the first
Canadian university to establish across-the-board learning outcomes
for all degree programs and specializations and is currently
looking to further its research in this area. Funding for the
project was secured via a $6 million grant from the Productivity
and Innovation Fund (PIF) within the Ministry of Training, Colleges
and Universities.
"Gaining a better understanding of the student learning
experience through empirical data is now an important and even
necessary area of research," said Dr. Maureen Mancuso, Provost and
Vice-President (Academic), University of Guelph. "We hope to shed
light on what pedagogy and assessment tools educators can use to
help students understand key learning concepts and guide them
towards better outcomes. D2L is a key partner in this study because
its integrated learning platform provides researchers with the
quantifiable data necessary for evaluation."
The U of G was D2L's first customer and has been integral to its
emergence as one of the top EdTech companies in the world. D2L's
platform was initially used for the institution's MBA program and
the two organizations have worked together over the last ten years
to establish U of G as one of the premiere providers of distance
education. This symbiotic relationship has helped evolve the D2L
ILP and tools, such as D2L ePortfolio, which has helped support U
of G's integrative learning by facilitating critical reflection and
quicker, more consistent assessments.
"We are proud to support our longtime customer in its pursuit of
improving learning outcomes and assessment," said John Baker, D2L
President and CEO. "This research is important because it has the
potential to shift the very fundamentals of modern pedagogy. Using
our integrated learning platform, researchers will be able to
evaluate a wide range of teaching techniques and tools to determine
how to best engage students on critical concepts and lessons."
About Desire2Learn
Desire2Learn (D2L) is the pioneer of the integrated learning
platform, delivering an engaging and personalized learning
experience for every individual. With a focus on improving the
learning experience, the company partners with thought-leading
institutions and organizations to accelerate learning and improve
results. D2L's solutions are fully accessible to all, ensuring that
learning is available to everyone regardless of geography or
ability. A global leader in EdTech, D2L provides an open and
extensible platform for more than 1,100 clients and 13 million
learners in higher education, K12, healthcare, government and the
enterprise sector, including Fortune 1000 companies. D2L has
operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Brazil
and Singapore. For more information, visit:
http://www.Desire2Learn.com.
Press Contacts:D2L Ltd.Virginia Jamieson, Head of Global
Communications650-279-8619virginia.jamieson@desire2learn.comTwitter:
@Desire2Learn, @D2LNewsJeff Drewfama PR for
Desire2Learn617-986-5004desire2learn@famapr.com