Innovation in Learning
Dr. Ayanna Howard opened the conversation at the Executive Summit by describing the early days of computing as well as her own work on the Mars Pathfinder mission and demonstrated how bold thinking has always driven progress. Dr. Howard also challenged us to consider how today’s innovations are reshaping what it means to be an expert, and how leaders must evolve to meet a future where technology is a true collaborator in learning.
Clay Shirky, Vice Provost for AI and Technology in Education at NYU, described today’s learners as “omnivorous” – eager to explore, create, and ideate using every tool at their disposal. His message was clear: innovation isn’t optional. It’s already happening, and institutions must build strategies that embrace it. Laura Zarrow of Wharton Generative A.I. Labs offered a powerful metaphor for AI: “It’s not the paintbrush, it’s the paint.” Innovation, she argued, is about more than tools — it’s about how we use them to tell new stories, solve new problems, and unlock new potential.
Purposeful Progress
During an inspiring Solutions Spotlight, we unveiled more innovative tools and features that make Brightspace an even more impactful learning platform and will help educators ignite more joy in learners. Just as importantly, they will give educators more time to build the critical human connections at the heart of the learning journey.
I also spoke about this during my keynote, where I made three key points about innovation and artificial intelligence. First, I believe that AI belongs in every learning environment, and that every learner should benefit from it. Second, when we look past the hype, we can already see how thoughtful AI-enabled learning strategies are working. People are already teaching and learning alongside AI and the results are encouraging. And third, that this approach to learning – where AI helps elevate the human learning journey – will allow us to make the most of the next phase of learning transformation.
Most importantly, learning science with AI can help us spark joy. Because, when we innovate with intention, we make learning more human – and more joyful.
And in his closing keynote, Ryan Leak delivered an inspiring message about continuous self-discovery – to keep igniting the joy in our own lives. He challenged us to reflect on what they would pursue if failure weren’t an option. To be future-ready, he encouraged us all to embrace change rather than resisting it, to see failure as a stepping stone to growth, and to shift our mindset to focus on gratitude.
Humans > Robots
As I reflected on these themes with our customers and D2L community, I thought back to a conversation I had over a decade ago with Jeremy Auger, D2L’s Chief Strategy Officer, who is retiring after 25 years in August. We asked ourselves: when the future arrives, will we be on “team human” or “team robot”? We chose “team human” — and committed to building technology that keeps people at the center of the learning experience. That commitment still guides us today. And it will guide us tomorrow.
If you joined us at Fusion this year — thank you. Your energy, ideas, and passion for learning made it unforgettable. And if you couldn’t make it to Savannah, don’t worry. We’ll be back next year for Fusion 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona, ready to share even more stories of innovation, transformation, and joy.
I hope to see you again soon!
Written by:
