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past spring the University of Wisconsin System made the decision to support
only one course management system, instead of the three that were being
supported. After an extensive evaluation process, a decision was made to
switch from Blackboard to Desire2Learn (D2L) because Desire2Learn
ensures a more usable platform for our online courses.
As of this writing, the new
servers are being put into place. By the fall semester, several courses
will be converted to D2L and all summer 2004 courses should be hosted in
the new platform. This means that if you enroll in two online courses this
fall, you may find yourself using two different systems.
What should you expect with
the new system? The look will be different, but the structure of the courses
will remain the same. D2L has more features and is more intuitive in its
approach to navigating through a course. In general, the courses will be
easier to use.
One difference is the main
navigation. D2L is more user-friendly, with the "Forward" and "Back" buttons
in web browsers. When taking online tests your answers are saved, allowing
you to go back and change answers. It's also easier to print content from
the course.
The course email system and
discussion boards are easier to use. When you send email and submit files
to the drop box, you will get a confirmation that the task was completed.
Other communication tools include chat and pager/instant messenger functions.
An improved search function
on D2L allows you to search content, discussions, and the resources of
the course. Other tools include notes, favorite URLs, personal file storage,
system check, checklist, glossary, and journals.
I will be describing the
new courseware in more detail in a future issue of PLEXUS.
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