October 26, 2005

by Christian Bosse, Sophomore, Biophysics major

Wouldn’t it be nice to check grades, schedules, and even chat with a fellow classmate about a homework problem, all on one seamless computer interface? When La Sierra University learned of a program that would facilitate such wonderful learning tools it jumped at the opportunity.

D2L stands for “Desire 2 Learn,” a Canadian based company that caters to the technological needs of colleges and universities (both Adventist and non-Adventist) nationwide.  Originally, D2L was presented to enhance distance learning, but La Sierra University quickly realized its full potential as a powerful course management system.

Ideally, a student could check their grades, manage their class scheduling, and download course notes or a syllabus with just the click of a button.  Marilyn Eggers, Ph.D., associate professor of curriculum and instruction, LSU School of Education, who is involved with instituting the program campus wide, described the ultimate goals for D2L, “It will be centered around student learning.  Students can get their materials from wherever they are, for class.” 

Lawrence McCloskey, Ph.D., LSU chair and professor of biology, also gave similar goals for D2L, “It will enhance my ability to communicate with my class, and they with me.”  La Sierra University recognized that the implementation of such a program could drastically change the way learning transpired on, or off campus. 

In spite of the wonderful goals many people on campus have for this revolutionary interface, many hurdles must still be overcome.  In an interview with Sam Young, LSU Information Technology director, he explained the primary difficulty with D2L at the moment, “The problem is with interfaces, that’s about it.”  Apparently the information from the old system of course management has not been able to port over to D2L as seamlessly as some would have liked. 

The provost of La Sierra, Warren Trenchard, Ph.D., was also asked if he was satisfied with how the program has worked thus far, “No.  I won’t be until all the features work properly, and the links are properly installed.”  He remains optimistic about the system, however, as do many others. McCloskey also expressed his disappointment, but added that he has great expectations for D2L, “It has not lived up to my expectations, but I’m optimistic that it will in the future.”

If everything goes as planned, D2L will be working by early Spring Quarter, maybe even late Fall Quarter. Young also commented that the system should be functioning without the problems it currently faces “by the end of the quarter.”  All in all, most seem to be willing to deal with the current setbacks in order to achieve the full potential of the D2L program.