D2L

What happens when AI ambition outpaces academic culture? In a special two-part episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford speaks with Laura Zarrow (Wharton Generative AI Labs, University of Pennsylvania) about the growing divide in higher ed. Leaders are setting bold AI-first visions. But in classrooms, faculty are navigating a deeper shift—one that challenges pedagogy, assessment and even professional identity. As Zarrow puts it: “Subject matter expertise has never been more important.” Generative AI isn’t replacing educators—it’s raising the bar. The real challenge isn’t if AI belongs in higher ed, but how institutions align strategy with faculty culture, capacity and day-to-day teaching. 🎧 In this episode: • Why AI strategy often outpaces institutional support • How AI is reshaping expertise and academic identity • What must evolve in assessment for meaningful learning • AI as collaborator, coach and creative partner • Lessons from past tech transformations Real transformation takes more than tools. It takes trust, alignment and the courage to rethink long-standing systems. #HigherEd #AIinEducation #EdTech #TeachingAndLearning #D2L

sBoards don’t invest in learning because it’s interesting. They invest because it’s strategic. “Learning is not a nice to have… it’s our lever for relevance, resilience and renewals.” — Ayça Donaghy, CEO, The Lighting Industry Association. In a climate of declining member loyalty and growing competition, associations are rethinking learning as a driver of member retention, revenue resilience and long-term sustainability. Our new guide explores how leaders are getting their boards on board with strategic learning. Download the whitepaper: Getting your board on board: Securing long-term sustainability through strategic learning. https://ow.ly/9w5c50YBe9L

What does it take to move from AI literacy to true AI leadership in education? Join D2L’s upcoming session, From AI Literacy to AI Leadership: Equipping Educators for Responsible Innovation. Featuring Dr. Dr. Carmalita N Seitz (ISTE+ASCD) and Robyn Hammontree, this session explores how institutions can move beyond experimentation toward more intentional, responsible, and scalable AI adoption. The focus goes beyond understanding AI—it’s about leading with it: building effective strategies, supporting educators, and aligning innovation with institutional goals and learner needs. If you're looking to embed AI thoughtfully across teaching and learning, this is a conversation worth joining. https://ow.ly/XbiV50YxFUM

April is Celebrate Diversity Month. We're using it to honor the institutions that don't just talk about inclusion, they build it. 🌍 Otis College of Art and Design used D2L Brightspace not just as a learning platform, but as a bridge — connecting students to the cultural celebrations and student-led initiatives that make their campus community what it is. When technology is designed with belonging in mind, it doesn't just deliver content. It amplifies voices, builds connection, and makes sure no one misses the moments that matter. Thank you, Otis College, for showing us what inclusive design looks like in action. We're proud to be part of your community. 💙 #CelebrateDiversityMonth #HigherEd #InclusiveDesign #BelongingMatters #D2L

Introducing some exciting updates to D2L Lumi Feedback! Built to reflect how educators actually evaluate student work, the latest enhancements make feedback faster, clearer and easier to trust: 🔹 Draft feedback is prepared before you generate 🔹 Submissions are reviewed section by section for greater accuracy 🔹 Grades are assessed against each rubric criterion 🔹 Set your preferred tone and style once and it will be applied consistently 🔹 Full visibility into how D2L Lumi determined every score 🔹 Now supports video and multi‑file submissions The result: more consistent, more explainable and more efficient feedback, without sacrificing instructor control. Learn more: https://www.d2l.com/lumi/

The D2L Southern Innovation Roundtable brought together higher education leaders for a focused, conversation on the future of teaching and learning. Through a highly interactive, peer-driven format, the event created space to explore key priorities like AI, assessment, accessibility and student engagement across modalities. With participation intentionally limited, discussions were candid, collaborative and grounded in real institutional challenges. A strong reminder of the value of bringing leaders together to share perspectives, exchange ideas and shape what’s next in higher education.

We’re proud to share that D2L Lumi has been named an Award-Winning Education Product in the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards presented by the Business Intelligence Group. This is the second year in a row D2L Lumi has received this recognition — and the ninth award for D2L Lumi since launching in 2024. Integrated directly within D2L Brightspace, D2L Lumi helps educators and instructional designers save time, create more engaging content, and deliver personalized support that helps learners succeed. We’re proud to be recognized for building AI that helps make learning more personal, more engaging, and more impactful. Read the full press release: https://ow.ly/KBlG50YAHVe John Baker

Distance. Work schedules. Social anxiety. For many learners, these aren’t minor hurdles — they’re the difference between accessing education and feeling like they truly belong. HyFlex (hybrid) learning is helping close that gap. And for smaller institutions like West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC), its impact is even more significant. Without the enrollment or resources to run separate online and in-person sections, HyFlex empowers a single instructor to reach every type of learner — all within one course, on their own terms. Educators like Jeremy Doolin, associate professor at WVNCC, are using D2L Brightspace to bring that flexibility to life. And sometimes, it’s a small moment of human connection that makes the biggest difference — reminding a learner they’re seen, supported, and not alone. At D2L, we’re proud to celebrate the moments that show why digital learning matters — and why access to education should never depend on where you are, what you do, or how you show up.

90% of college students are already using AI—so the question isn’t if AI belongs in higher ed, but how we use it responsibly. This #AILiteracyDay, we’re sharing resources to help institutions navigate the big questions around trust, data privacy, and meaningful impact: 📊 A new report from Tyton Partners - Strategy Consulting & D2L (3,000+ respondents) on AI’s role in higher ed 🎥 Practical strategies for designing and assessing with AI: https://lnkd.in/e8xUCyum 📘 A hands-on AI literacy playbook for higher education AI fluency doesn’t just happen—it’s built through education. Explore the resources and join the conversation around what responsible AI adoption looks like in your institution. Join us today for National AI Literacy Day and discover how the Global AI Literacies Community is advancing AI understanding worldwide. Register here: https://lnkd.in/euM3kpMk

D2L is honored to be recognized by Texas Digital Learning Association (TxDLA) with the Outstanding Commitment to Excellence and Innovation in Digital Learning by a Corporation award. TxDLA’s awards celebrate the educators, institutions, and partners advancing digital learning across Texas and beyond—and we’re proud to be part of that community. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, accessibility, and supporting institutions in delivering impactful learning experiences. Thank you to TxDLA for this honor—and to the partners and educators who inspire this work every day. Sebastian Jimenez Mark Lopez #DigitalLearning #EdTech #Innovation