Unizin and D2L expand the digital learning ecosystem

Published March 18, 2021

Partnership Expands Base of Learner Data to Support Academic Research

Austin, TX, and Toronto, ON, Canada — March 17, 2021 — Unizin, the member consortium of leading academic and research institutions, and D2L, a leading global provider of learning management systems (LMS), today announced that Unizin will add D2L to its digital learning ecosystem. The addition of D2L as an LMS partner furthers Unizin’s mission to enable digital transformation at scale. 

LMSs are the major enterprise systems at the heart of digital education. D2L has established its credentials as the leading open standards-based vendor, committed to supporting the needs of the academic community. The addition of D2L to the Unizin LMS partner community expands learning platform options for members and will grow the base of learner data to support academic research through the Unizin Data Platform (UDP). 

“Having a partner like D2L that is firmly aligned with the Unizin data, research and innovation agenda will greatly benefit the Unizin community and higher education as a whole,” said Cathy O’Bryan, chief executive officer of Unizin. “D2L brings expertise in delivering learning environments that support continuing education, professional development and advance delivery models such as competency-based education, outcome-driven laddering and proven micro-credential frameworks. Unizin’s commercial agreement with D2L provides significant cost incentives, research funding and data integrations with the UDP.”

Together, D2L and Unizin offer members a greater choice and flexibility in learning platforms as they scale and diversify their academic missions. Product package options are available for Unizin members that allow for individual departments, programs or grant initiatives to implement D2L’s Brightspace platform quickly and seamlessly. 

“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Unizin to help deliver exceptional student experiences for its member schools — some of the leading universities in the U.S. and the world,” said John Baker, president and CEO of D2L. “Those schools have risen to the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and the widespread move to fully-online and hybrid learning. We’re excited to offer D2L’s Brightspace platform as an alternative to Unizin members’ current platform to fill existing gaps and enrich and expand their educational offerings.”

The Unizin consortium model supports the development of technology solutions, services and partnerships that empower member institutions to scale the use of data, analytics and digital content in a unified, standards-based technology ecosystem. Through strategic collaborations between partners such as D2L and institutional members, the consortium develops products, services and communities that drive the present and future states of digital education. 

Recent full adoptions of D2L’s Brightspace platform at Binghamton University, University of New England, Northcentral University, University of Indianapolis and others underscore D2L’s growing popularity. D2L’s Brightspace is a cloud-based (AWS) platform that boasts 99.9% reliability, a redesigned user experience with a modern focus on faculty/student interactions, and an exceptional mobile experience, and it is a leader in both integrated management system (IMS) standards and accessibility. 

ABOUT UNIZIN

Unizin provides institutions with technology solutions and partnerships that enable them to scale their use of data, analytics, digital content and learning tools to improve outcomes. Unizin is membership-based and governed by its Founding Member institutions as a nonprofit 501(c)(3). It is currently composed of 14 institutions and 915,000+ learners, making it one of the largest educational organizations in the country.

ABOUT D2L’s BRIGHTSPACE 

D2L’s Brightspace is a cloud-based learning platform built for people who care deeply about student success and helping to prepare them for what comes next.

It gives faculty across your institution tools they’re going to love and makes it easy to support exceptional student experiences in the classroom or fully online. D2L’s Brightspace is designed in close collaboration with clients around the world — building a pedagogically rich set of features to improve engagement, retention and learning outcomes. It also makes it easier to do assessment and give feedback.

D2L’s Brightspace is worry-free with 99.99% reliability. It’s fully accessible and looks beautiful on any mobile device, making it easier for educators to reach every learner.

D2L’s Brightspace has won multiple industry awards, including the #1 LMS Technology for next-generation online teaching and learning. To learn more, visit D2L for Higher Education.

ABOUT D2L

D2L is transforming the way the world learns — helping learners of all ages achieve more than they dreamed possible. Working closely with clients all over the world, D2L is supporting millions of people learning online and in person. Our more than 900 global employees are dedicated to making the best learning products to leave the world better than they found it. Learn more about D2L for K-12, higher education and businesses at www.D2L.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tony Labriola for Unizin
tony@thinkinsideout.com
978-815-8640

Christine D’Angela for D2L Corporation
pr@D2L.com