D2L Launches Next Generation of Learning Platform Brightspace

D2L this week announced the next generation of its learning platform, Brightspace, designed to develop smarter learners and help eliminate the attainment gap.

By featuring a new faculty user experience and bringing adaptive learning to the masses, D2L says that Brightspace is more flexible, smarter, and easier to use.

Meanwhile, CEO John Baker is rallying the world leaders at the Milken Institute Global Conference 2015 to create innovative strategies designed to eliminate the attainment gap and boost overall economic competitiveness.

“The current trajectory puts us just over 50% attainment for 25-34 year olds by 2020, millions of graduates short of achieving the 60% attainment goal set out by the Administration,” said John Baker, CEO of D2L. “That means we need more innovative services, approaches and technologies implemented today for first year students. We have a lot to accomplish as an industry and D2L wants to work with customers, partners, and anyone that cares about education, to reach the goal.”

Named one of Canada’s most innovative companies, D2L aims to change the ed tech landscape by enabling students to learn more with Brightspace LeaP adaptive learning technology. The National Scientific Research Council of Canada produced a recent unpublished study that states: “After collating and processing the results, the results were very favourable for LeaP; the study demonstrates, with statistical significance, a 24% absolute gain and a 34% relative gain in final test scores over a traditional LMS while shortening the time on task by 30% all while maintaining a high subjective score on perceived usefulness.”

“To date, adaptive learning has only been used in a few elite schools. Just like early computers, it’s been difficult and rigid to operate—namely because it has traditionally been built for large publishers, not learners or instructors,” said Baker. “We’re going to go from a small group of clients using adaptive learning to the masses, with the aim of achieving better learner performance, higher graduation rates, and smarter learners.”

According to Gartner, “Adaptive learning is a concept that traces its roots back to at least the 1950s, but the ability to capture learner data through online learning has provided a breakthrough.”

“With this next generation of Brightspace, we’re making it easier than ever for faculty to create exciting and engaging courses while leveraging the best content out there to help students reach their goals and graduate,” added Baker. “Clients now have the ability to help faculty nurture their students in new ways and help keep them on track for success with adaptive learning, thus supporting the goal of increasing graduation rates.”