Learning Management Systems Are Getting Smarter
A Q&A with John Baker
CT asks D2L CEO John Baker how today's LMS is getting smarter, and about the opportunities AI, machine learning, predictive analytics, and related technologies are presenting in the LMS marketplace.
"We have shifted from cobbling together tools that digitize experiences, to optimizing for better outcomes and ultimately transforming the learning experience." —John Baker
Mary Grush: Over time, the LMS has moved from simply digitizing the classroom and the administration of classes, to sophisticated use of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other new and emerging technologies. How would you characterize the evolution of the LMS from earlier times into what we have today?
John Baker: We've come a long way from the early days. Our D2L customers typically go through three stages of technology adoption:
First, they start by digitizing everything they'd normally support in the classroom when transitioning courses online or adopting a blended model. They digitize assignments, learning activities, quizzes, grades, portfolios, and everything else needed to support a better experience in the classroom.
Then, they enter a more exciting stage, where they start to optimize for better outcomes, both for the institution and for the student. It's at this stage where clients use intelligent agents to give students a nudge at the right time to stay on track… or artificial intelligence to spot risk… or better methods of feedback to drive the engagement that helps with retention.
And now, we see a few clients entering the ultimate next stage, which is a true transformation of the learning experience. Using methods like competency-based education, learning is personalized — to make it more human and to build better connections between the learner and the discipline as well as with their peers and professors. It's at this stage where you can free up time to encourage, inspire, and engage students with research and study.
At D2L, we feel we're unique in our ability to meet the needs of our clients as they go through these three stages of technology adoption.
Grush: At that third stage of adoption, how does technology support smarter Learning Management Systems? Can you give a few examples?
Baker: Ultimately, learning environments should leverage tools that personalize learning. That does not mean making learning a solo activity — personalization is about building better connections and providing effective feedback.
Personalization is about building better connections and providing effective feedback.
Examples from this third stage might include: a tool we built to automate video captioning in multiple languages; machine learning used to streamline workflows and provide nudges at the right time; and beautiful design templates that make it easy for educators to create engaging courses.
These are great technologies, but the important part is how they free up time for faculty to build one-on-one connections and lead groups or collaborative activities that inspire students to achieve more.
These are great technologies, but the important part is how they free up time for faculty to build one-on-one connections and lead groups or collaborative activities that inspire students to achieve more.
Grush: Do LMS vendors tend to create all their own tools? Or can they incorporate existing technologies to make their LMSes "smarter"?
Baker: While it's critical for an LMS vendor to have smart features in its platform, partnerships with other education technology providers can help leverage more capabilities for better learner outcomes. At D2L, our partner ecosystem consists of a collection of 1,800-plus D2L Brightspace integrated technologies that help make our educators' and learners' lives easier. For example, our partner Bongo is tightly integrated into Brightspace, to give users access to Video Assignments and Virtual Classroom technology, all within the platform. Another great example is Integrity Advocate, which uses AI that makes it easier to proctor assessments with privacy by design — helping to answer a big concern for students.