Laurier to implement new learning management system with Desire2Learn

Waterloo - As one of the cornerstones of Laurier’s ICT renewal plan, the university is implementing a new learning management system to support teaching and learning. Effective August 1, 2010, Laurier will begin a five-year contract with local company Desire2Learn (D2L).

“The contemporary university environment needs solutions that allow learning to take place both inside and outside the classroom,” says Tom Buckley, assistant vice-president: academic services. “We believe that D2L provides a solution that will support our faculty and students in this regard.”

With more than 94 per cent of Laurier’s classes incorporating an online component, the university’s teaching, learning and technology steering committee explored alternatives that would best meet Laurier’s needs, both now and into the future.

"We will take advantage of D2L's hosted solutions offering,” says Buckley. “This arrangement will allow us to focus on content development, delivery and pedagogy and not the technical management of servers and availability."

Spring/Summer 2010 courses will be completed on WebCT, the system Laurier has been using since 1998, during the transition to D2L. Teaching support services will make numerous training opportunities available to faculty and students.

John Baker, president and CEO of Desire2Learn, says the company is thrilled to be working with Laurier.

"We look forward to working collaboratively with the university to help transform the teaching and learning experience,” says Baker. “Desire2Learn is committed to ensuring a smooth transition, and we will help the university to leverage technology in support of improved student outcomes and strategic objectives."