Outstanding Canadian Educators Recognized With the 2016 D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning

OTTAWA, ON--(Marketwired - May 19, 2016) - The Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) and D2L, creator of the Brightspace learning platform, are delighted to announce the five outstanding post-secondary educators who will receive the 2016 D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning:

Carol Hulls, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Waterloo:

Professor Carol Hulls strongly believes in the philosophy of do-learn and applies this approach to help her students experience the joys and complexities of engineering design from the moment they arrive on campus.

David Hutchison, Faculty of Education and Faculty of Humanities, Brock University:

David Hutchison's teaching innovation focuses on the intersection of project-based learning (PBL) and project management best practices. Through his approaches, he scaffolds PBL learning by equipping students with the same tools and techniques used by professional project managers.

Jason Pearson, Department of Chemistry, University of Prince Edward Island:

Professor Jason Pearson is a passionate scientist and educator. He has a keen interest in rethinking how science is taught at all levels and inspiring students by enabling them to make self-driven discoveries through research.

Peter Sankoff, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta:

Throughout Professor Peter Sankoff's career, he has demonstrated consistent willingness to explore the use of new techniques and technologies in a continuing effort to augment the learning experience for his students. His innovations have led him to new course ideas, adventurous ways of communicating with students, and entirely new pedagogical philosophies.

Matthew Schnurr, Department of International Development Studies, Dalhousie University:

Professor Matthew Schnurr's interdisciplinary approach to learning enriches students' understanding of how global environmental problems are both natural and social crises which demand interventions that address both spheres simultaneously. Over the past seven years his commitment to innovation in teaching has centered on the use of complex role-play simulations that enable students to connect the intellectual material they encounter in class with real-world activism.

The award celebrates innovative, thought-provoking, and impactful teaching and learning practices by passionate post-secondary educators.

"Education can never stand still -- it must continually evolve to meet the changing needs of modern students," said John Baker, president and CEO of D2L "We created the Brightspace platform to do exactly that -- and these five exceptional educators reflect that spirit by supporting and encouraging the latest techniques in teaching and learning. Their passion is a continuing inspiration to all of us."

"These five educators demonstrate the impact and importance of creativity on learning. Each of these award winners has had a measurable and lasting impact on learners through unique and innovative approaches to teaching and learning," says STLHE president Robert Lapp. "STLHE is proud to partner with D2L to encourage and support student-centered values and approaches to learning."

A diverse group of nine highly experienced post-secondary educators selected the winners, who will be recognized at the 2016 STLHE Annual Conference, June 21-24 in London, Ontario and at FUSION, the Brightspace Global Conference, July 18-19 in Washington, D.C. Each of the five winners will receive a two-year membership in STLHE as well as $2,200 toward travel and registration costs for both STLHE's Annual Conference and FUSION.

For more information about the award and the winners, please visit www.stlhe.ca/awards/desire2learn-innovation-award/2015-recipients.

ABOUT THE SOCIETY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION (STLHE)

STLHE strives to be the pre-eminent national voice and a world leader for enhancing teaching and learning in higher education. STLHE supports research, its dissemination, increased awareness and application of research through scholarly teaching and learning. Visit www.stlhe.ca for more information.

ABOUT D2L

D2L is the software leader that makes learning experiences better. The company's cloud-based platform, Brightspace, is easy to use, flexible, and smart. With Brightspace, organizations can personalize the experience for every learner to deliver real results. The company is a world leader in learning analytics: its platform predicts learner performance so that organizations can take action in real-time to keep learners on track. Brightspace is used by learners in higher education, K-12, and the enterprise sector, including the Fortune 1000. D2L has operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Brazil, and Singapore. www.d2l.com

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