What is D2L and what does it do?

D2L (Desire2Learn) is a global education technology company founded in 1999 by John Baker. It develops the Brightspace learning management system (LMS), which is used by K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and corporate training programs around the world. D2L focuses on delivering personalized, scalable digital learning experiences.

How has e-learning changed since the COVID-19 pandemic?

The pandemic forced the rapid adoption of digital learning platforms as over 1.5 billion learners were affected by school closures worldwide, according to the World Economic Forum. This accelerated a shift from e-learning being a supplemental tool to becoming a primary mode of instruction. Platforms like D2L became critical infrastructure for educational continuity during and after the crisis.

What does 'human-centered education' mean in the context of e-learning?

Human-centered education in e-learning refers to designing digital learning experiences that prioritize the needs, engagement, and outcomes of the learner rather than simply digitizing traditional content. For D2L, this means building tools that support personalization, accessibility, and meaningful instructor-learner interaction. The goal is to ensure technology serves pedagogy rather than replacing it.

D2L Powers the E-Learning Transformation by...

D2L Powers the E-Learning Transformation by Delivering Scalable, Human-Centered Education – Episode 1 with Tech Titan John Baker

This episode of DisruptED features D2L founder and CEO John Baker discussing how the company is driving the global e-learning transformation through scalable, human-centered education technology. The conversation explores how platforms like D2L have become essential infrastructure for modern learning, particularly following the pandemic-era acceleration of digital education. Baker shares his vision for making education more accessible, personalized, and effective at scale.

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By Ron Stefanski · June 6, 2025, 11:00 AM UTCAi in EducationD2lDigital EducationDisrupted

Key takeaways

D2L is at the forefront of the e-learning transformation, providing scalable learning management solutions for institutions worldwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to digital-first education, impacting over 1.5 billion learners globally per the World Economic Forum.

John Baker emphasizes a human-centered design philosophy at D2L, prioritizing learner outcomes and accessibility alongside technological innovation.

E-learning has evolved from a fringe innovation to a global necessity. As traditional classroom models struggle to keep pace with the demands of modern learners, platforms like D2L are leading the e-learning transformation. According to the World Economic Forum, over 1.5 billion learners were impacted by pandemic-related school closures, accelerating the shift to digital-first learning models. This transformation continues as institutions seek scalable, engaging, and accessible solutions for learners of all backgrounds.

What does it take to design digital learning that feels personal, human, and deeply impactful, not just digitized?

This episode of DisruptED, hosted by Ron Stefanski, features John Baker, founder and CEO of D2L. Together, they explore how a question John asked in college, “What problem can I solve that has the biggest impact?” sparked a 26-year journey in transforming global education. The conversation covers D2L’s early mission, enduring market success, and how it continues to lead the e-learning transformation by empowering educators and learners around the world.

Key Highlights:

From Idea to Impact: John launched D2L in college with a mission to break barriers in learning. Today, it supports millions worldwide.
Beyond Digitization: The future of e-learning lies not in replication but transformation—through AI, mastery-based learning, and real human connection.
Driving Engagement: D2L’s Creator+ enables student interactivity, instructor feedback, and design rooted in learning science to combat disengagement.

John Baker is the founder and CEO of D2L, a global leader in learning management systems. A University of Waterloo systems engineering graduate, John started D2L in 1999 with a vision to make education more accessible and meaningful. Under his leadership, D2L has become a trusted partner to institutions worldwide. He is also the founder of SkillsWave, a venture focused on upskilling the modern workforce.