# D2L

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{{Short description|Global software company}}
{{Promotional|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Desire2Learn [D2L]
| logo = D2L Logo.png
| logo_size = 150px
| type = [Public](/source/Public_company)
| traded_as = {{TSX|DTOL}}
| industry = {{Unbulleted list|Educational Technology|Learning Management Systems|Content Authoring Systems|Educational Cloud Software}}
| founded = 1999
| founder = John Baker
| hq_location_city = [Kitchener, Ontario](/source/Kitchener%2C_Ontario)
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{ubl
 | John Baker ([CEO](/source/Chief_Executive_Officer))
 | Anna Forgione ([Chief Legal Officer](/source/Chief_Legal_Officer))
 | Josh Huff ([CFO](/source/Chief_Financial_Officer))
 | Lee Poteck ([CRO](/source/Chief_Revenue_Officer))
 | Brian Finnerty ([CMO](/source/Chief_Marketing_Officer))
}}
| products = Brightspace, Creator+, Performance+, D2L Lumi, Achievement+, Course Merchant, Services, Cloud, Support
| brands = Brightspace, Open Courses
| num_employees = 1,200+ (2024)
| website = {{URL|https://www.D2L.com/}}
| hq_location_country = Canada
}}

'''D2L''' (or '''Desire2Learn''') is a [Canada](/source/Canada)-based global software company with offices in [Australia](/source/Australia), [Brazil](/source/Brazil), [Europe](/source/Europe), [India](/source/India), [Singapore](/source/Singapore), and the [United States](/source/United_States). 

D2L is the developer of the Brightspace [learning management system](/source/learning_management_system), a [cloud-based software](/source/Cloud_computing) suite used by [school](/source/school)s, [higher education](/source/higher_education)al institutions, and [business](/source/business)es for [online](/source/Distance_education) and [blended](/source/Blended_learning) classroom learning.<ref name="edsurge">{{cite web | url=https://www.edsurge.com/n/2014-07-14-the-sum-of-desire2learn-s-acquisitions-brightspace| title=The Sum of Desire2Learn's Acquisitions: Brightspace| date= July 14, 2014| author= Tony Wan| work=Edsurge News }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.betakit.com/desire2learn-launches-new-integrated-learning-platform-called-brightspace/| title=Desire2Learn Launches New Integrated Platform Called Brightspace| date=July 15, 2014| author=Joseph Czikk|work=BetaKit}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://thejournal.com/articles/2014/07/14/d2l-intros-revamped-platform-brightspace-with-adaptive-learning.aspx| title=D2L Unveils Revamped Platform 'Brightspace' with Adaptive Learning|author=Dian Schaffhauser| date=2014-07-14| work=THE Journal}}</ref> The company is also the developer of Open Courses, a [Massive Open Online Course](/source/Massive_open_online_course) platform.<ref>{{Cite web|title=D2L Open Courses|url=https://www.d2l.com/open-courses/|access-date=2022-01-06|website=D2L|language=en}}</ref>

==History==
{{anchor|John Baker (entrepreneur)}}
[[File:John_Baker.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1|John Baker, president and CEO of [Desire2Learn](/source/Desire2Learn) speaking at the [University of Guelph](/source/University_of_Guelph)<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.d2l.com/about/leadership/| title=Leadership Team &#124; About D2L| website=D2L| date=7 October 2022}}</ref>]]

D2L was founded in 1999 by Canadian John Baker, who became [president](/source/President_(corporate_title)) and [CEO](/source/Chief_executive_officer).<ref>{{cite web |title=John Baker's Desire2Learn Is Leading Education Transformation |website=[Forbes](/source/Forbes) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409094914/https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucerogers/2014/04/23/john-bakers-desire2learn-is-leading-education-transformation/?sh=68b4211e3ff0 |archive-date=2023-04-09 |url-status=live |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucerogers/2014/04/23/john-bakers-desire2learn-is-leading-education-transformation/?sh=68b4211e3ff0}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.txdla.org/documents/EPCspotlight/desire2learn.htm/ |title=EPC Spotlight-Desire2Learn |access-date=2010-10-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828054609/http://txdla.org/documents/EPCspotlight/desire2learn.htm |archive-date=August 28, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/srch/nvgt.do?lang=eng&prtl=1&estblmntNo=234567068917&profile=cmpltPrfl&profileId=501&app=sold| title=D2L - Complete profile - Canadian Company Capabilities - Industries and Business - Industry Canada| website=www.ic.gc.ca| access-date=2016-04-05| archive-date=2016-04-19| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419135714/http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/srch/nvgt.do?lang=eng&prtl=1&estblmntNo=234567068917&profile=cmpltPrfl&profileId=501&app=sold| url-status=dead}}</ref> He founded D2L while studying [systems design engineering](/source/Systems_engineering) during his third year at the [University of Waterloo](/source/University_of_Waterloo).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://greentreegazette.com/newsletters/080311_newsletter.html| title=From the President: It began in Waterloo| work=The Greentree Gazette| access-date=2008-03-11| date=March 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315002154/http://greentreegazette.com/newsletters/080311_newsletter.html| archive-date=2008-03-15}}</ref> He was awarded the [Meritorious Service Cross](/source/Meritorious_Service_Cross) in 2017, for his work at the company to advance learning across the country and around the world.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2017/2017-07-01/html/gh-rg-eng.html| title=Canada Gazette – Government House| last=Gazette| first=Government of Canada, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Integrated Services Branch, Canada| website=www.gazette.gc.ca| date=July 2017| language=en |access-date=2018-10-21}}</ref> D2L raised $80 million in Series A funding, one of the largest tech funding rounds in Canada at the time, to expand its product offerings and grow internationally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lardinois |first=Frederic |date=2012-09-04 |title=Online Education Platform Desire2Learn Raises Massive $80M Round From NEA & OMERS Ventures |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/09/04/online-education-platform-desire2learn-raises-massive-80m-round-from-nea-omers-ventures/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> The company went public with an [initial public offering](/source/initial_public_offering) in November 2021, on the [Toronto Stock Exchange](/source/Toronto_Stock_Exchange).<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-e-automotive-set-to-start-trading-wednesday-after-raising-ipo-price/ |title=D2L and E Automotive fail to ignite in TSX debuts, continuing humdrum streak for new Canadian tech issues |date= November 3, 2021 |first=Sean |last=Silcoff |publisher=The Globe and Mail}}</ref> D2L named Stephen Laster as D2L, President in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rhea |first=Kelly |date= |title=D2L Names Stephen Laster President - |url=https://campustechnology.com/articles/2022/12/13/d2l-names-stephen-laster-president.aspx?s=ct_in_060123 |website=Campus Technology |language=en-US}}</ref> D2L acquired Connected Shopping Ltd., makers of Course Merchant in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Armitage |first=Craig |date=May 10, 2023 |title=D2L Acquires Connected Shopping Ltd., makers of Course Merchant |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/d2l-acquires-connected-shopping-ltd-makers-of-course-merchant-806119919.html |website=www.newswire.ca |language=en}}</ref>

==Developments==
In 2004, D2L first introduced support for [Competency Based Education](/source/Competency-based_learning), and launched an integrated [ePortfolio](/source/Electronic_portfolio) product to allow learners to document their own learning.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Desire2Learn Supports Educators Striving to Enhance Student Learning Outcomes {{!}} D2L|url = http://www.d2l.com/newsroom/releases/desire2learn-supports-educators-striving-to-enhance-student-learning-outcomes/|website = D2L|access-date = 2016-01-14|language = en-US|archive-date = 2016-01-31|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160131231820/http://www.d2l.com/newsroom/releases/desire2learn-supports-educators-striving-to-enhance-student-learning-outcomes/|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Desire2Learn Competencies and Rubrics: Part I|url = http://mfeldstein.com/desire2learn-competencies-and-rubrics-functionality-part-i/|website = e-Literate|date = 18 November 2007|access-date = 2016-01-14|language = en-US}}</ref>  The company became the recipient of the 2012 Platinum Learning Impact Award in the event hosted by IMS Global.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.imsglobal.org/learningimpact2012/lia2012winners.html| title=Learning Impact 2012 Award Winners {{!}} IMS Global Learning Consortium| website=www.imsglobal.org| access-date=2017-11-01}}</ref> In 2013, D2L was recognized by the [National Federation of the Blind](/source/National_Federation_of_the_Blind) for its leadership in Accessibility with the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nfb.org/national-federation-blind-awards-50000?lang=es|title=National Federation of the Blind Awards $50,000 {{!}} National Federation of the Blind|website=nfb.org|access-date=2017-11-07}}</ref> Three years later, the company partnered with the National Federation of the Blind's Strategic Nonvisual Access Partner program to ensure learning systems are fully accessible.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr36/1/fr360112.htm| title=The Question of Blindfolds| website=nfb.org| access-date=2017-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.d2l.com/newsroom/releases/d2l-partners-national-federation-blind-help-make-learning-accessible/| title=D2L Partners With National Federation of the Blind to Help Make Learning Accessible to All {{!}} Press Release {{!}} D2L| work=D2L| access-date=2017-11-07| language=en-US}}</ref> That same year, D2L launched a beta of a redesigned interface using [responsive web design](/source/responsive_web_design) to offer full functionality on mobile devices, which saw general release in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.d2l.com/newsroom/releases/d2l-closes-desktop-mobile-gap-summer16-release-classroom-future-finally-hand/|title=D2L Closes the Desktop-Mobile Gap With Summer16 Release -- The Classroom of the Future Is Finally in Hand {{!}} Press Release {{!}} D2L|work=D2L|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107122502/https://www.d2l.com/newsroom/releases/d2l-closes-desktop-mobile-gap-summer16-release-classroom-future-finally-hand/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2024, announced the acquisition of H5P Group, a developer of [content creation](/source/content_creation) tools to enable educators develop interactive content.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-16 |title=Brightspace owner D2L acquires H5P for latest creation tech |url=https://thetechfactor.ca/brightspace-owner-d2l-acquires-h5p-for-latest-creation-tech/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=thetechfactor.ca |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Products and services ==
[[File:D2L Fusion Registration - Kissimmee 2019.jpg|thumb|D2L Fusion convention in [Kissimmee, Florida](/source/Kissimmee%2C_Florida), 2019]]

===Brightspace===
Brightspace is a cloud-based learning management system (LMS) developed by D2L for use in K-12, higher education, and corporate training environments. Brightspace is a platform for creating, delivering, and managing online and blended learning experiences. Brightspace allows for customization, integrates with third-party tools, and provides mobile and accessibility support.

D2L's first [virtual learning environment](/source/virtual_learning_environment) clients included [University of Guelph](/source/University_of_Guelph), [Virtual High School (Ontario)](/source/Virtual_High_School_(Ontario)), the [University of Waterloo](/source/University_of_Waterloo) and [Fanshawe College](/source/Fanshawe_College).{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}  

Brightspace was built using [microservices](/source/microservices) and operates as a [software as a service](/source/software_as_a_service).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.d2l.com/products/cloud/|title=Brightspace Cloud {{!}} D2L|work=D2L|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en-US}}</ref> It incorporates [Web Components](/source/Web_Components) and [Google Polymer](/source/Polymer_(library)), [HTML5](/source/HTML5), and [responsive web design](/source/responsive_web_design) to provide a user interface that can work on any mobile device.

Brightspace combines a [Learning Environment](/source/Virtual_learning_environment), [ePortfolio](/source/Electronic_portfolio), Learning Repository, Video Recorder, Virtual Classroom, and Mobile apps, in one cloud-based platform.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.d2l.com/products/package/core/|title=Brightspace Core Products & Support {{!}} D2L|work=D2L|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107164910/https://www.d2l.com/products/package/core/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In May 2020, Brightspace signed an agreement with [Stockholm](/source/Stockholm)-based [edtech](/source/edtech) company RepresentEdTech to resell and distribute its cloud-based learning platform in the [Nordic](/source/Nordic_countries) region.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hamdani |first=Zahra |url=https://www.globaleducationtimes.org/news/europe/representedtech-to-provide-d2l-brightspace-across-nordics/1437/ |title=RepresentEdTech to provide D2L Brightspace across Nordics |work=Global Education Times |date=20 May 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020 |archive-date=3 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603111816/https://www.globaleducationtimes.org/news/europe/representedtech-to-provide-d2l-brightspace-across-nordics/1437/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Creator+===
D2L Brightspace Creator+ is a bundle within the Brightspace learning management system (LMS) developed by D2L (Desire2Learn). It is designed for educators and content creators to develop interactive and accessible learning materials. Creator+ has features like multimedia content creation, customizable templates, interactive elements such as practice questions, and accessibility checks.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 8, 2022 |title=D2L Launches Brightspace Creator+ to Help Simplify Course Creation |language=en-US |work=CISION |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/d2l-launches-brightspace-creator-to-help-simplify-course-creation-813015722.html |access-date=2022-11-08}}</ref>

===Performance+===
Performance+ is a bundle [learning analytics](/source/learning_analytics) to help automate tasks and identify risks. An [adaptive learning](/source/adaptive_learning) engine personalizes the content for each learner. [Learning Analytics](/source/Learning_analytics) and [Intelligent Agents](/source/Intelligent_agent) provide early intervention to help learners and a set of data that can be used to make improvements based upon analysis.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.d2l.com/products/package/performance/|title=Performance Plus {{!}} Learner Data & Success Package for Brightspace {{!}} D2L|work=D2L|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107122447/https://www.d2l.com/products/package/performance/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2016, Fast Company recognized D2L as a leader in Data Science.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/company/d2l|title=D2L: Most Innovative Company {{!}} Fast Company|work=Fast Company|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== D2L Achievement+ for Brightspace ===
An add-on package designed for schools, institutions, and organizations offering competency-based education programs. It includes an interface for aligning course activities and assessments with learning outcomes, as well as a data dashboard for reporting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D2L |title=D2L Achievement+ Launches to Help Transform Competency-Based Education |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/d2l-achievement-launches-to-help-transform-competency-based-education-864546459.html |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=www.newswire.ca |language=en}}</ref>

===D2L Lumi===
In 2024, D2L launched D2L Lumi, a set of artificial intelligence-powered features to support building content, assessments, and activities. <ref>{{Cite web |title=D2L Lumi Helps Transform the Learning Platform Experience |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/d2l-lumi-helps-transform-the-learning-platform-experience-803648504.html |website=Cision}}</ref>

===Open Courses===
In 2008, D2L entered the massive open online course (MOOC) market to support MOOC pioneers [Stephen Downes](/source/Stephen_Downes) and [George Siemens](/source/George_Siemens).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://halfanhour.blogspot.ca/2014/12/open-education-moocs-and-opportunities.html|title=Open Education, MOOCs, and Opportunities}}</ref>

The [University of Tasmania](/source/University_of_Tasmania) used D2L's MOOC platform for tens of thousands of learners, with more than 70% of students completing the courses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/understanding-dementia/data|title = Understanding Dementia MOOC Data - Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre}}</ref>

=== Course Merchant ===
Course Merchant is a software as a service e-commerce and course catalog enables institutions and organizations to sell and manage access to online courses and other educational content.

===Services===
D2L's services include onboarding services, end-user help desk support, technical account management, technical data management, advisory consulting, program management, training, course development, customization, and accessibility design support.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.d2l.com/services/|title=eLearning Services {{!}} D2L|work=D2L|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en-US}}</ref>
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==See also==-->

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Classroom management software}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:D2L}}
Category:Virtual learning environments
Category:Educational software companies
Category:Learning management systems
Category:Companies based in Kitchener, Ontario
Category:Classroom management software
Category:Companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
Category:Educational technology companies of Canada

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [D2L](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D2L) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D2L?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.