Sparking Joy in Learning: A Year of Progress Together 

As 2024 ends, I’ve been thinking about the incredible journey we’ve had this year—not just the one we’ve taken a company, but our progress as leaders, educators and innovators—all of us working together to transform the way the world learns.  

The invaluable feedback, encouraging support and innovative solutions we’ve heard from you have helped us navigate an exciting year. And looking back on 2024, I think three major themes have characterized our year together:  

1. Transforming Learning With Better Learning Science  

One of the most exciting milestones in 2024 the D2L team was our acquisition of H5P and the subsequent launch of a new Creator+ with H5P’s interactive learning experiences integrated—helping us accelerate our strategy to leverage learning science to build stronger engagement and to improve learning outcomes.  

H5P’s innovative features—supported by a vibrant open-source community that empowers everyone to create, share and reuse interactive content—are crucial to reaching even more learners around the world and helping them achieve more than they dreamed possible. These tools are making it easier to create learning activities that grab attention and make learning more delightful. And the response so far to Creator+ has been incredible.  

And what excites me most is the impact we’re having. We’re already seeing how Creator+ can improve outcomes. This isn’t just about new innovations. These products help spark those crucial learning moments where learning builds confidence, motivation and inspires.  

2. AI that Makes Learning More Human 

Everywhere I went this year, people wanted to talk about AI. That’s understandable. AI is already having a profound impact on our world and reshaping education faster than anyone imagined. But I have to say: At D2L, we always knew this day would come. 

This summer we launched D2L Lumi, our AI-driven tool that is already helping to power more exciting and engaging learning activities and assessments for many clients. And we’re thrilled by its initial adoption—clients have been quick to embrace the value our AI brings, and each month we have been adding new capabilities to workflows across Brightspace.  

I remember a specific conversation I had about fifteen years ago with some colleagues here at D2L. We joked about the advances in technology, and I suggested that we would one day be forced to pick between “Team Human” and “Team Robot.” That might be an oversimplification of the situation we find ourselves in today, but some conversations make it feel like we’re getting close to that point. 

I’m proud to say our choice then, now, and always will be Team Human. 

This is, in fact, very important to understanding how we think about things like AI. Our focus is to harness AI and prioritize the human learning experience—something AI can enhance with the right design. As we’ve developed AI and generative AI tools, we’ve asked ourselves important questions like: How can we apply the right learning science and responsible applications of AI to build confidence with educators? How is this driving learner success? How do we keep the human in the loop? How can this save time while also improving learning experiences, tutoring and assessment?  

These questions, and many more, are vital to how we’ve designed and built solutions—like Creator+ and D2L Lumi—that enhance access to quality education and improve outcomes. And we’re committed to never losing this crucial perspective, because we owe it to learners, educators, business leaders, and countless others to stay focused on making the human learning experience better, easier and more delightful. 

3. Fusion and Connections Around the World 

People are at the center of everything we do. As I look back on 2024, what stands out most of all are the great people I had the pleasure to meet.  

Fusion, our annual conference, was a highlight of the year, as it always is. This year, we hosted Fusion in Toronto, close to where this all started. I was also fortunate enough to be inspired by conversations with customers in Singapore, Mexico, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Cape Town, New York and many other cities around the world.  

The conversations I had at all these events once again showcased the passion and creativity you bring to your work every day as co-creators of the future of learning. I was inspired by the examples I saw and the stories I heard, and it reinforced for me that the work we’re doing together has never mattered more. 

Thank You 

The end of the year is typically a time when many of us focus on joy, but I’ll admit that I’ve found myself thinking about that emotion for most of 2024.  

Joy is so important to learning. As a defining human emotion, joy not only motivates us to learn; it also keeps us learning. And joy isn’t just for the young—we can find joy in learning at any age, and it’s important throughout our learning journey. When learning is joyful, what we learn becomes embedded forever in who we are.  

With that in mind, I want to thank you. Meeting you, hearing about your ideas and exploring how D2L can help you achieve more than you dreamed possible, has truly brought me immense joy this year. 

Here’s to a restful and joyful season. As we head into 2025, I’ve never been more excited about the journey ahead, as we continue to transform the way the world learns—together.  

All the best, 

John

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