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D2L Connection: Cape Town

In the world of learning, connection is key. It’s all about building relationships and creating a community of like-minded individuals who can learn from each other. D2L Connection: Cape Town is an annual gathering exclusively for people like you. You’ll explore emerging trends in learning and hear from leading thinkers on the future of education and work. Don’t miss the chance to connect with fellow leaders to learn from each other and grow your network.

Learn more

Date

View Agenda
Duration

1.5 Days

Four pe
A group of people standing under a tree for a group photo
Stewart Watts presenting to a panel at a D2L Connection event
People attending corporate event sitting at tables listening to a presenter

Innovation in Education and Technology

Our D2L Connection theme this year for Cape Town is “Innovation in Education and Technology.” In a rapidly evolving landscape, this event serves as a dynamic platform for visionaries and trailblazers in the field of education and technology to come together and explore the transformative power of innovation.

Engaging discussions will revolve around key topics impacting the world of education. Join us as we navigate the intersection of education and technology, paving the way for a brighter future!

With keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking, D2L Connection: Cape Town is a chance for you to gain fresh perspectives on how to navigate the evolving technology landscape, drive innovation, and ensure strategic growth. 

  • Explore how your institution or business can embrace the future of learning

  • Hear from experts on emerging trends in hybrid, personalised, and corporate learning

  • Build lasting connections with like-minded peers, partners, and experts

  • Enjoy VIP networking opportunities with fellow education leaders

Why Attend?

  • Explore how technology enhanced learning is evolving to meet the demands of today’ learners
  • Discover the latest trends, product updates and best practices
  • Ask questions and give feedback directly to D2L team members

All of the topics presented were so thought provoking. I specifically liked the chat with John Baker and Role of AI in Education presentation.

– Attendee, D2L Connection: Cape Town 2023

Was good to chat to people across different universities.

– Attendee, D2L Connection: Cape Town 2023

Presenters

John Baker

CEO, D2L Read John Baker's bio

Dr Cristi Ford

VP of Academic Affairs, D2L Read Dr Cristi Ford's bio

Rob Telfer

Director Higher Education EMEA, D2L Read Rob Telfer's bio

Andrew Brunsden

Regional Sales Director South Africa, D2L

Louise Plunkett

Senior Manager, Solution Engineer, D2L

Stephen Marquard

Deputy Director & Learning Technologies Coordinator Read Stephen Marquard's bio

Sukaina Walji

Director of the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching, University of Cape Town Read Sukaina Walji's bio

Dr Mario Landman

Head Educational Technology and Innovation, The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) Read Dr Mario Landman's bio

Tiana Van Der Merwe

Director: Blended Learning and Staff Development Centre for Teaching and Learning, University of the Free State Read Tiana Van Der Merwe's bio

Prof Herman Van Der Merwe

Deputy Dean: Teaching & Learning, North-West University Read Prof Herman Van Der Merwe's bio

Mike Swanepoel

Director: Digital Learning Experience Design & Innovation (LXD), Nelson Mandela University Read Mike Swanepoel's bio

Prof Lis Lange

Special Advisor: Deputy Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Stellenbosch University Read Prof Lis Lange's bio

A/Prof Glenda Cox

UNESCO Chair in Open Education and Social Justice, Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching, University of Cape Town

Agenda

Oct 15, 2024

Day 1

7:00 pm Oct 15, 2024

The Morii Restaurant

Registration Opens

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Oct 15, 2024

The Morii Restaurant

Networking Reception

Join your fellow attendees and speakers for an informal night of networking. This is a chance to say hello to old friends, meet new peers, and connect over your curiosities and questions before D2L Connection: Cape Town.

Hosts:

  • Rob Telfer, Senior Manager, EMEA Higher Education, D2L
  • Andrew Brunsden, Director of Learning South Africa, D2L
Oct 16, 2024

Day 2

8:30 am - 9:00 am Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 1 & 3, Level 2

Registration Opens + Welcome Breakfast

9:00 am - 9:10 am Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 2, Level 2

Welcome + Opening Remarks

Hosts:

  • Rob Telfer, Director Higher Education EMEA, D2L
  • Andrew Brunsden, Regional Sales Director South Africa, D2L
Fireside Chat with John Baker, CEO, D2L
9:10 am - 9:40 am Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 2, Level 2

The Evolution of Education: Reflections on 25 years of D2L

Speaker: John Baker, CEO, D2L

Moderator: Dr Cristi Ford, VP of Academic Affairs, D2L

9:40 am - 10:30 am Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 2, Level 2

UCT Presentation: How AI is shaping teaching and learning at the University of Cape Town

Learn about the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in South Africa’s higher education sector and how the University of Cape Town is evolving policy and assessment practices and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and student success.

Speakers:

  • Stephen Marquard, Deputy Director & Learning Technologies Coordinator, University of Cape Town
  • Sukaina Walji, Director of the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching, University of Cape Town
10:30 am - 11:00 am Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 1 & 3, Level 2

Coffee + Networking Break

Keynote Presentation
11:00 am - 11:45 am Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 2, Level 2

Igniting Innovation: A Call to Action for South African Education

Imagine a world where education transcends all limits, where technology dissolves barriers of time and circumstance, and collective creativity reshapes what it means to connect, dream, and succeed. As we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, South Africa is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation, leveraging digital tools to create new opportunities, and overcome challenges. Let’s explore the vast potential of digital learning, celebrate the innovative work already happening, and join a movement that reimagines education for future generations.

Speaker: Dr. Cristi Ford, VP of Academic Affairs, D2L

11:45 am - 12:30 pm Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 2, Level 2

Boosting Efficiency, Engagement, and Expansion with Brightspace

This session will cover the pressing challenges global higher education is facing and how D2L Brightspace is solving these challenges through our technology. We’ll uncover how Creator+, D2L Lumi and H5P help reduce educator burnout, provide educators more time to create content to engage learners as well as how to cater to the lifelong learner through short courses or creating professional development opportunities with Course Merchant.

Speaker: Louise Plunkett, Senior Manager, Solution Engineer, D2L

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 1 & 3, Level 2

Lunch & Networking

Panel Discussion with The University of Cape Town
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 2, Level 2

Beyond The Classroom: Impacts of Digitisation and the Importance of Collaboration

As South African universities navigate the transition in digital learning, the role of universities and technology partners has become increasingly pivotal. This panel discussion will explore the relationship between digitally enabled universities and technology partners and how this impacts digitisation pedagogical and technological advancements as well as equity and access.

Facilitator: Stephen Marquard, Deputy Director & Learning Technologies Coordinator, University of Cape Town

Panelists:

  • Professor Lis Lange, Special Advisor: Deputy Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Stellenbosch University
  • Dr. Cristi Ford, VP of Academic Affairs, D2L
  • A/Prof Glenda Cox, UNESCO Chair in Open Education and Social Justice, Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching, University of Cape Town
  • Dr Mario Landman, Head Educational Technology and Innovation, The Independent Institute of Education (IIE)
Panel Discussion
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 2, Level 2

The Future of Education: Unlocking Student Success in South Africa

A discussion exploring what meeting the needs of the modern learner looks like through the lens of short courses, lifelong learning and micro-credentials. Panel members will explore how they tackle access and equity challenges and ways to prepare graduates with the skills needed to meet workforce demands.

Facilitator: Rob Telfer, Director Higher Education EMEA, D2L

Panelists:

  • Mike Swanepoel, Director: Digital Learning Experience Design & Innovation (LXD), Nelson Mandela University
  • Tiana van der Merwe, Director: Blended Learning and Staff Development Centre for Teaching and Learning, University of the Free State
  • Professor Herman J Van der Merwe, Deputy Dean: Teaching & Learning, North-West University
3:15 pm - 3:45 pm Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 1 & 3, Level 2

Coffee + Networking Break

3:45 pm - 4:15 pm Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 2, Level 2

In pursuit of adaptive instruction: the IIE’s 5-phase journey

In this session, Dr Mario Landman will explore the transformative potential of adaptive instruction through the lens of Cybernetics and Systems Thinking. Drawing on the Independent Institute of Education’s pioneering efforts, this presentation will highlight the key principles driving effective adaptive learning strategies, with a focus on personalisation and flexibility in educational delivery. Dr Landman will also discuss the IIE’s adaptive learning journey, illustrating how the strategic integration of a Learning Management System (LMS) enhances learner outcomes and engagement, ultimately shaping a more responsive and dynamic learning environment.

Speaker:

  • Dr Mario Landman, Head Educational Technology and Innovation, The Independent Institute of Education (IIE)
4:15 pm - 4:30 pm Oct 16, 2024

Terrace Room 2, Level 2

Closing Address

Hosts:

  • Rob Telfer, Director Higher Education EMEA, D2L
  • Andrew Brunsden, Regional Sales Director South Africa, D2L
This event occurs in the past

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