Desire2Learn: Enhancing Online Course Delivery
February 15, 2014

Desire2Learn: Enhancing Online Course Delivery

Randi Tucker Barr, MBA, PhD | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

Version 10

Modules Used

  • Discussions, Dropbox, Quizzes, Online Rooms, Calendar, Twitter Feed, News Items

Overall Satisfaction

Desire2Learn is being used in higher education for online course delivery. In additional to online course delivery, this learning management system is used throughout the college to supplement face-to-face courses.

Pros

  • As a proficient user of competitive learning management systems, there was a slight learning curve when moving into Desire2Learn; however, after a few weeks I found this integrated learning platform to be user friendly to both me as the online course facilitator and my students. There are numerous online resources that assist in the learning curve.
  • Modules within Desire2Learn create an organized online course room that enhance delivery of course materials.
  • Revisions are "hassle free" and reorganizing course resources encourage frequent updates that enhance the online course and keep the material current.
  • Students interact easily with online instructor and peers.

Cons

  • Many times it seems that I have to flip back and forth between screens within the Desire2Learn course room to access information.
  • Grade book functionality is a bit cumbersome.
  • As an online course facilitator, Desire2Learn has provided another learning management system option to connect with students and encourage a passion for knowledge.
Desire2Learn is a strong competitor of Blackboard, Moodle, and Angel learning management systems. As an online course facilitator, I have used other online learning management systems and find that Desire2Learn is user friendly and provides options equal to the competition.
In my position as online course facilitator the decision is not mine to renew use of Desire2Learn; however, if asked I would vote to continue with this integrated learning platform. Course delivery is organized and efficient. Resources promote ease in instructional design.
Key questions to consider during the selection process:
  • Level of support from Desire2Learn?
  • Level of reliability of the integrated learning platform?
  • How does Desire2Learn compare to competitors?
  • Is the format user friendly with a minimal learning curve?
  • Will proper training be available for all users (faculty, staff, students)?
  • Are resources readily available online and through the college?
  • Will help desk employees be trained to assist faculty, staff, and students?

Training

  • Online training
Did not participate in the in-person training due to distance; training was completed online
Online training from the college was excellent. Peers worked in a D2L course room as students. It's always fabulous to be on the "other side" of the classroom and view the online course room from another perspective.

Support

This rating was given to the support team at the college for providing training and immediate response to questions related to Desire2Learn. This high caliber support is provided to both faculty and students. Also available are training videos and e-mail reminders when there are updates within the integrated learning platform.
ProsCons
Quick Resolution
Good followup
Knowledgeable team
Problems get solved
Kept well informed
No escalation required
Immediate help available
Support understands my problem
Support cares about my success
Quick Initial Response
None
Shout out to the college help desk for immediate help with online rooms. This exceptional support did not come directly from Desire2Learn; however, I am certain that training for help desk staff came directly from the Desire2Learn support group.

Usability

After a short learning curve, the functions in Desire2Learn made sense. Usability is consistent throughout this integrated learning platform. After the first week of class students appear confident with the resources; consistency achieves this goal. For some, who are familiar with the competition, Desire2Learn may be a bit cumbersome; however, a little patience goes a long way when working with instructional design, course delivery, and students.
ProsCons
Like to use
Easy to use
Technical support not required
Well integrated
Consistent
Quick to learn
Convenient
Feel confident using
Lots to learn
  • Creating assignment
  • Adding News Items
  • Communication with students via Desire2Learn email
  • Grading discussions
  • Updating the gradebook

Reliability

During my first semester working with Desire2Learn the integrated learning management system was more down than up. This meant reconfiguring assignment due dates, frustration for both the instructor, students, and help desk staff. After an upgrade, Desire2Learn has been reliable.
Both students and instructor enjoy the 24-hoiur access. After, all isn't that the point of online learning. As an instructor located in an Eastern time zone state it is great to connect with students located in a Pacific time zone state. I have gotten comments about the early hours I am in the course room grading assignments . . . 4:00 a.m. PST; 7:00 a.m. EST So, it's sleep time for my students and "first cup of coffee" time for me.
Easy to navigate; little to no delay from one section of the course room to another; actually fun to use after overcoming the learning curve.

Upgrading

Yes - No downtime upgrading to Version 10. This upgrade seemed to eliminate the downtime issues and added ease of use options.
  • No downtime; product reliability
  • New and improved options related to instructional design and course delivery
  • Increased ease of use

Comments

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