Desire2Learn and the University of Surrey Unveil Compelling Data on Increased Student Satisfaction with Virtual Learning

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ONTARIO and GUILDFORD, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwired - June 18, 2014) -

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The University of Surrey, one of the UK's leading universities, and Desire2Learn (D2L), the EdTech company that created the world's first truly integrated learning platform (ILP), today announced the latest scores for student satisfaction with Surrey's virtual learning experience from the i-graduate Student Barometer surveys. These surveys are produced by the independent survey organization International Graduate Insight Group Limited. The data shows a consistently rising level of satisfaction with the online learning offering at Surrey, lifting the university to one of the highest ranked in the UK.

Since installing the D2L Integrated Learning Platform in 2010, the University of Surrey and D2L have partnered to improve the student experience by using the advanced capabilities provided by the D2L platform. During this time, the student satisfaction rate with virtual learning has risen and i-graduate's latest survey now records it at 95%, placing the University of Surrey as 2^nd globally out of 45 participating institutions.

Commenting on today's announcement, Professor Gill Nicholls, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at the University of Surrey, said "We are delighted that this independent survey confirms Surrey's popularity and our sustained progress in student satisfaction and, in particular, the high approval for Surrey's virtual learning offer. Surrey has given high emphasis to making full use of the D2L integrated learning platform, and we are now seeing how well this strategy has paid off."

Responding to the news, John Baker, D2L President and CEO, said "D2L is passionate about enabling a great experience for all learners globally. We commend Surrey for achieving four successive years of continuous improvement by leveraging all the features in the D2L platform, creating a virtual learning experience that ranks highly both nationally and internationally. We are thrilled to have been part of their success."

The i-graduate Student Barometer survey assesses the opinions of over one million students worldwide at hundreds of different universities. 80 different aspects of the student's institution are investigated. It is the largest and most authoritative international data on student views. These results are based on research carried out by i-graduate during 2013.

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About the University of Surrey

The University of Surrey has recently risen in the Guardian University League table to number six. The table is part of the Guardian Good University Guide, which is published annually as a guide to all UK universities ranked according to teaching excellence.

The University of Surrey is one of the UK's leading professional, scientific and technological universities with a world class research profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Ground-breaking research at the University is bringing direct benefit to all spheres of life - helping industry to maintain its competitive edge and creating improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space science, the environment, communications, defence and social policy. Programmes in science and technology have gained widespread recognition and it also boasts flourishing programmes in dance and music, social sciences, management and languages and law. In addition to the campus on 150 hectares just outside Guildford, Surrey, the University also owns and runs the Surrey Research Park, which provides facilities for 110 companies employing 2,750 staff. For more information, visit www.surrey.ac.uk.

About Desire2Learn

Desire2Learn (D2L) is the pioneer of the Integrated Learning Platform, delivering an engaging and personalized learning experience for every individual. With a focus on improving the learning experience, the company partners with thought-leading institutions and organizations to accelerate learning and improve results. D2L strives for accessibility in all of its applications, ensuring that learning is available to everyone regardless of geography or ability. A global leader in EdTech, D2L provides an open and extensible platform for more than 1,100 clients and 13 million learners in higher education, K12, healthcare, government and the enterprise sector, including Fortune 1000 companies. D2L has operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Brazil and Singapore. For more information, visit: www.Desire2Learn.com.