CORRECTION FROM SOURCE: The University System of Georgia and OVUM Research Validate Desire2Learn's Integrated Learning Platform

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 23, 2014) - A correction from source has been issued for the release disseminated yesterday at 12:12 PM ET. Curtis Carver's title was omitted from the original release. The complete and corrected release follows:

Desire2Learn (D2L), the EdTech company that created the world's first truly integrated learning platform (ILP), today announced that its platform has enabled the University System of Georgia (USG) to innovate in teaching and learning by providing the flexibility to support today's most important education models and technologies. By selecting a solution that goes beyond a traditional learning management system (LMS), USG is successfully supporting innovative delivery models such as flipped classrooms, blended learning, MOOCs, gamification, and advanced tools likes predictive analytics.

Colleges and universities are facing a period of unprecedented change that will call into question existing business models and definitions of quality, ultimately driving the transformation of teaching and learning. Over the last decade, LMS adoption has become widespread, touching institutions large and small-and public and private-across the globe. In its latest research report, "Making the Right Choice for Your Institution's Long-Term Online Learning Needs," Ovum noted that 59.2% of global learning institutions plan to purchase a new LMS over the next two years, primarily as replacements for old systems. Ovum is urging learning institutions to take a more integrated approach to the underlying technology for online learning that will deliver a significantly higher return on investment (ROI) through enhanced institutional flexibility and business agility.

Ovum's latest report also highlights the fact that changes are powering a transformation in teaching and learning that existing LMS implementations will be unable to address. Choosing the right strategy and solution in this environment will require institutions to look beyond discrete LMS applications.

"Data suggests that institutions are looking for different things in their edtech vendors than they might have in the past," said OVUM Analyst and Practice Leader Nicole Engelbert. "Where the primary focus traditionally has been centered on cost, we've found that institutions are first and foremost concerned with innovation and quality. This is a clear demonstration that colleges and universities recognize that the LMS is not a commodity solution, but a key component of how they're going to differentiate their educational experience for students."

USG chose a more personal, perceptive, and pervasive learning experience for its students with D2L's ILP. The institution is comprised of more than 300,000 students across 36 schools and offers more than 160,000 online courses. USG wanted to create an infrastructure that could handle modern education models, including flipped classrooms, predictive analytics, MOOCs, and gamification. "An LMS is no longer an option or a one-time event," said Curtis Carver Jr., Vice Chancellor and CIO, USG, "It is foundational and should serve only as a starting point. As institutions become more sophisticated they need more advanced technology to help support their goals."

D2L's ILP is a cloud-enabled system that represents a shift from the simple course management capabilities of an LMS to a highly pervasive, perceptive, and personal learning experience. The highly flexible platform supports hundreds of partner-developed integrations to allow institutions to decide what tools they want to address key challenges related to learner engagement, retention, and student outcomes. D2L allows learners to think critically, be creative, and easily collaborate with their peers from any device at any time. Learning institutions can make the critical shift from course-based to competency-oriented pedagogy that focuses on individual needs and better engages students.

To learn more about how the integrated learning platform engages learners and offers them the freedom to make their own learning choices, you can download the OVUM white paper or listen to a webinar featuring Engelbert, USG, and D2L that discusses the key market trends and consideration learning institutions are using to select a new platform.

About D2L

D2L is helping to transform the way the world learns. Providing a next generation learning environment and solutions to engage and inspire learners, D2L helps clients break down barriers to access the highest quality learning experiences and is recognized for its leadership in accessibility. A global leader in online learning solutions, D2L provides an open and extensible platform to over 950 clients and 10 million individual learners in higher education, K-12, healthcare, government and the corporate sector, including Fortune 1000 companies. D2L has personnel in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Brazil and Singapore. For more information or to contact us, visit: http://www.Desire2Learn.com.