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Purdue University Renews Partnership with D2L Brightspace: Enhancing Learning with New Interactive Content and AI Features

September 25, 2024| Ryan M Olson

Purdue is excited to announce the renewal of its contract for Brightspace by D2L, reaffirming our dedication to delivering a premier learning management system (LMS) for our vibrant community of students and faculty. The decision to renew stems from a comprehensive process across all Purdue institutions. In addition to this system-focused work, a portfolio review survey was conducted for West Lafayette instructors, revealing that 75% were satisfied with Brightspace as Purdue’s LMS.

The survey feedback not only underscored the platform’s strengths but also highlighted a strong desire for enhanced content creation features with 45% of instructors wanting to see an expansion of robust content creation tools. This valuable input has been instrumental in our decision to not only continue but also expand our collaboration with Brightspace.

“We are excited to renew our partnership with Brightspace, to continue providing world class education.  We heard the feedback loud and clear to continue with our current solution, but to also find ways to add advanced capabilities to Brightspace,” said Jenna Rickus, Purdue’s senior vice provost for teaching and learning.

“These new features aim to provide a more personalized and effective learning environment. Purdue is committed to providing the best possible resources and tools to support our instructors.” 

As part of this renewed collaboration, Purdue will be introducing an array of new and innovative features within Brightspace, called Creator+. These enhancements are designed to enrich the teaching and learning experience, aligning with the needs and aspirations of our instructors and students. These features are available for West Lafayette and Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Northwest instructors; access to these features at Purdue Global could happen later (much of what creator plus can do is already employed at PG with the learning activities and content built by their curriculum and innovations team). Connect with members of your teaching and learning campus support representatives if you have further questions.  Please check the upcoming training and workshops listed by each campus below.

Creator+ Features

Brightspace’s Creator+ is a content creation tool that makes it easier to create engaging learning experiences. It offers tools that fit into existing workflows, allowing instructors to build content seamlessly. Key features include:

  • AI Generator: This feature scans the provided content and automatically generates a variety of practice questions.
  • Elements: These help create dynamic content following instructional design best practices and make it easier to organize concepts for better learning experiences.
  • Formative Practice Questions: These questions, which are not used for grading, enhance comprehension and reinforce concepts through practice integrated into the course content.

Upcoming Training and Workshops

The following sessions will demonstrate the features of Creator+ and how they can be integrated into your courses. Sessions are open to all campuses

Purdue West Lafayette and Indianapolis Fall Sessions

  • Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 1-2 p.m. ET | Register Here
  • Monday, Oct. 7, at 10-11 a.m. ET | Register Here
  • For additional support, instructors are welcome to attend a daily, virtual drop-in session hosted by Teaching and Learning Technologies by following the link.

Purdue Northwest

  • Northwest faculty can attend sessions provided at other campuses. Please look for additional communication on available support.  

Purdue Fort Wayne Fall Sessions

Purdue’s commitment to enhancing the educational experience continues with this renewed partnership with Brightspace. We look forward to seeing how these new tools will empower our instructors and support our students in achieving their academic goals.