To deliver best-in-class learning for all students, York Technical College set out to redesign the learner experience by creating an inclusive and compelling educational space. The integration of new tools and professional learning opportunities has enhanced course efficiencies, taking them to the next level. The Institute for Teaching Excellence (ITE) at York Technical College is a recipient of the 2023 D2L Excellence Awards based on their innovations.

Incarcerated individuals face numerous barriers to education, limits to their opportunities for personal growth and future career advancement. APDS is using D2L Brightspace to provide meaningful education for incarcerated learners through “Inside Knowledge” courses co-created by formerly incarcerated teachers. Incorporating engaging digital experiences to educate and motivate justice-impacted learners while equipping them with career skills, APDS’s innovative curriculum acts as a bridge to guide learners through inner reflection and goal setting. APDS is a recipient of the 2023 D2L Excellence Awards based on their innovations.

Preservice teachers at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) were using D2L Brightspace as students, but they weren’t being prepared to use the learning management system to support online teaching and learning as future educators. This sparked the creation of the Technology Integration Project (TIP) in 2016. Researchers designed the project with an emphasis on preservice teachers developing Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and understanding the relationships between and among technology and teaching. As a result, preservice teachers became more prepared to teach in various online formats and became technology leaders in their schools.

The Business Administration Diploma Program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) sought to create a virtual onboarding program to better equip students for success. Using interactive tools in D2L Brightspace, SAIT created a holistic pilot program, evaluated engagement through data and used the insights to iterate. Its efforts resulted in increased student engagement and retention rates.