Doug Emmerich
Attending the Desire2Learn conference, Fusion 2011, was a great insite into the D2L culture. The presenters were very knowledgeable and presented great insight into using the D2L LMS efficiently to maximize the teaching and learning options of the end users. I picked up a lot of great suggestions to apply to the migration to D2L and contacts for future projects once the university is up and running with the LMS as current D2L users are more than happy to share with others in the community.
Two very interesting topics that will have great impact on Regis in the future is the work that D2L software designers are doing in the area mobile computing. The goal is to make working in D2L for students, faculty, and staff possible from multiple mobile device platforms. The intent is not limited to picking up messages or reviewing information to then work with on laptops or desktops, but rather to fully use the mobile device for development and deployment of assignments, course projects, course content, and other learning tasks and objects.
The second exciting discovery has to do Adobe Connect. D2L used to have a partnership with Elluminate as its featured web conferencing tool. After competitor Blackboard bought Elluminate, D2L has been working with Adobe to create the same partnership for Connect. In development is a widget, similar to a Nugget in WorldClass, which will give anytime access to an instructor’s meeting room to allow students the opportunity to have synchronous meetings and to practice with the software. Since Regis already has a Connect Enterprise license, this partnership will enhance Connect usage.
It was a bit overwhelming to go straight into a conference prior to being up and running. Not knowing exactly what to ask and what would be most helpful made for a few uncertainties, but in the end information gained was immediately applicable.
-Doug
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