Western Illinois University Selects Desire2Learn(R) Learning Suite to Support Online and Blended Learning Environment

Addressing High Demand for More Online Classes, Western Illinois Enhances Course Offerings With Desire2Learn Solutions


BALTIMORE, MARYLAND--(Marketwire - Aug. 27, 2012) - D2L Ltd. ("Desire2Learn"), a leader in providing innovative learning solutions, today announced that Western Illinois University has chosen Desire2Learn Learning Suite as the primary platform for its next generation learning environment.

Faced with increasing demand from students for online classes and a blended learning environment, Western Illinois University selected Desire2Learn Learning Environment to supplement the on-campus experience with online courses. Launched in Summer 2012, Western offers its online courses through the eLearning platform.

"Providing a variety of options allows individuals who may not have previously had access to higher education opportunities to participate according to their schedules," said Dr. Richard Carter, executive director, School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach, Western Illinois University. "Desire2Learn Learning Suite has the features we need to support online learning. It's incredibly easy for students to use and it provides our faculty with advanced tools and functionality to improve their courses."

The Desire2Learn platform has provided the functionality and flexibility for Western Illinois to create an environment that approaches every learner as unique and personalizes the learning experience accordingly. For learners who do not have access to a college campus, Learning Suite makes the classroom experience available to them regardless of location. For the on-campus population, Learning Suite supplements the classroom experience and provides the tools needed by faculty to strengthen courses. By blending the in-class and online environments, classes become more than just lectures, providing students with multiple points of contact and opportunities for interaction with course material.

"Western Illinois University highlights how technology can break down the barriers to educational opportunity," said John Baker, President, Desire2Learn. "They have created a unique environment that blends the online, mobile, and classroom experiences and provides access to a high quality educational experience regardless of geography. Western Illinois is demonstrating the flexibility of Desire2Learn's solutions and how they can serve as the foundation of an enriched learning experience."

About Western Illinois University

Central to Western's history and tradition is the commitment to teaching, to the individual learner, and to active involvement in the teaching-learning process. WIU's highly qualified, diverse faculty promotes critical thinking, engaged learning, research, and creativity in a challenging, supportive learning community. Western is committed to an academic environment that encourages lifelong development as learners, scholars, teachers, and mentors.

About Desire2Learn

The Desire2Learn family of companies, including D2L Ltd. in the United States, is helping to transform the way the world learns. We provide the next generation learning environment and solutions to engage and inspire learners lifelong. We help our clients break down barriers to accessing the highest quality learning experiences, including being recognized for our leadership on accessibility. Desire2Learn is a global leader in Cloud (SaaS) based learning solutions and provides an open and extensible platform to over 700 clients and over 8 million learners in higher education, K-12, healthcare, government and the corporate sector (including the Fortune 100). Desire2Learn has personnel in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore. For more information or to contact us, visit: www.Desire2Learn.com, call 1.519.772.0325 or toll-free 1.888.772.0325 (within North America), +44 808.234.4235 (U.K. and Europe), 0.800.452.069 (New Zealand) and 1.800.656.210 (Australia).

Contact Information:

Desire2Learn Incorporated
John McLeod
Vice President, Marketing
519.772.0325 ext. 378
PR@Desire2Learn.com
Twitter: @Desire2Learn

fama PR
Tim Morin
617.986.5010
Desire2Learn@famapr.com