Portland State University Converts to Desire2Learn Learning
Environment
Desire2Learn online learning management system selected for ability to meet technical and
functional requirements while also being the preference of faculty and staff
Kitchener-Waterloo, ON – May 24, 2010 – Desire2Learn Incorporated and its subsidiary, D2L Ltd.
(Desire2Learn), leading providers of mission-critical enterprise eLearning solutions, today announced
that Portland State University (PSU), known nation-wide for its innovative approach to education, has
converted to Desire2Learn® Learning Environment.
Portland State University conducted an in-depth evaluation process of several learning management
systems (LMSs) earlier this year. The process, which involved the entire university community, also
included open demonstrations for faculty and students as well as sandboxes in which end users could
actively engage with the prospective platforms.
Desire2Learn Learning Environment was selected based on its ability to meet the PSU technical and
functional requirements, a learning repository that is tightly integrated with the Learning Environment
and built on the same platform, while also being the preferred platform of faculty and staff participating
in the evaluation process.
"We are very excited to enter into a partnership with a company so committed to research and
development," says Sharon Blanton, Chief Information Officer, Portland State University. "The new tools
in Desire2Learn Learning Suite, including Course Builder and Instructional Design Wizard, will save
valuable time, enable broader adoption of the platform and increase the quality of our online course
experience for our students."
Desire2Learn is working in close partnership with PSU to facilitate a rapid conversion of their 800 courses
for the more than 15,000 students who use the LMS.
"Our partnership with Portland State University will provide the University with the necessary technology
and services to supply both a reliable system that meets all of their functional requirements, as well as
one that will enhance student educational experiences and help transform teaching and learning," states
John Baker, President of D2L Ltd. "We are thrilled to be assisting them as they continue on their
innovation path for their students and programs."
About Portland State University
Portland State University (PSU) serves as a center of opportunity for over 28,000 undergraduate and
graduate students. Located in Portland, Oregon, one of the nation's most livable cities, the University's
innovative approach to education combines academic rigor in the classroom with field-based experience
through internships and classroom projects with community partners. The University's 49-acre
downtown campus exhibits Portland State's commitment to sustainability with green buildings, while
many of the 125 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees incorporate sustainability into the curriculum.
PSU's motto, "Let Knowledge Serve the City," inspires the teaching and research of an accomplished
faculty whose work and students span the globe.
About Desire2Learn Incorporated
Desire2Learn Incorporated is a world-leading provider of enterprise eLearning solutions that enable
institutions and other organizations to create teaching and learning environments that reflect their
vision, values, goals, pedagogical approaches and branding. Desire2Learn and its subsidiaries support
more than five million learners worldwide and clients include higher education, K-12, as well as
associations, government and other leading organizations. Founded in 1999, Desire2Learn is
headquartered in Kitchener, ON, Canada with personnel located in North America, the U.K. and Australia.
For more information, visit: www.Desire2Learn.com, call 1.519.772.0325 or toll-free 1.888.772.0325
(within North America), 0808.234.6744 (U.K.) and +61 412 067 308 (Australia).
Contact
John McLeod
Director of Marketing
Desire2Learn Incorporated
519.772.0325 ext. 378
PR@Desire2Learn.com