Desire2Learn looks different than Blackboard; however, the structure of the courses remains the same. If you are familiar with the course structure in Blackboard, you should have no problem with Desire2Learn.

After logging in to an online course, you will be presented with a portal page. On this page is a collection of system news and announcements. On the right of the page is a listing of contacts for technical support including a link to a Desire2Learn overview. There is also a personal calendar tool and a list of all the courses in which you are enrolled.

Clicking on the link for your course will take you to the home page for that course, where you will find updates and reminders from the instructor. Across the top of each page is a navigation bar linking you to course components. The content link will take you to the content area, where you will find syllabus information, the course calendar, description, textbooks, and other general information about the course. The content page also contains documents and assignments for each unit and lesson. You should visit this area at the start of the course.

The navigation bar also includes links to the discussion board, drop box, and grade book.

Feedback on Desire2Learn has been positive. The system is easy to use and results in fewer problems than with Blackboard. Instructors have commented that they like the clean layout and operation.

If you would like to see a sample course in Desire2Learn go to https://uwli.courses.wisconsin.edu. Log in with the username of "guest" and the password of "guest." This will take you to the portal page. To enter the sample course from the portal, click on "UWLIONL101 - Online Education 101" in the My Courses area of the page.

Change is good.