The 2025 D2L Fusion Conference brought together over 1,000 in-person attendees and more than 2,000 total registrants. With hundreds of institutions represented and a packed agenda of sessions, panels, and networking events, the conference offered a comprehensive look at how D2L is evolving to meet the needs of educators and learners.
One of the most compelling aspects of the conference was D2L’s emphasis on academic research. The company’s Academic Affairs Division is not just a support function; it is a driver of innovation. This team supports research in the scholarship of teaching and learning and fosters a community of scholars focused on removing barriers for students.
D2L’s commitment to research was evident in the dedicated Research Track at Fusion. This track created space for educators and researchers to share findings and explore how research informs product development. A notable example was the Educators in Residence program, which supports practitioner-led research across institutions. One study, published in the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, examined student perceptions of written versus video feedback in online English composition courses. Insights like these are directly shaping how D2L enhances its tools.
Another highlight was the Researcher-Practitioner Partnership focused on Lumi, D2L’s AI-powered teaching assistant. This initiative brings together instructors from multiple institutions to test Lumi’s capabilities in real-world settings. The goal is to gather actionable insights into how Lumi can support course design and assessment, especially in diverse institutional contexts. This research will guide future development and ensure Lumi remains both innovative and practical.
D2L used Fusion 2025 as a platform to introduce several new products that reflect its learner-first philosophy and research-informed development process. These include:
In partnership with LearnWise AI, these tools are designed to integrate seamlessly with Brightspace and reflect D2L’s broader vision of a scalable, learner-centered digital ecosystem.
D2L also highlighted its continued investment in customer support and services. The company has deployed AI-powered chatbots that have already deflected over 700,000 support cases. It has also launched a Brightspace Certified Administrator Program and introduced change management capabilities for large or complex clients.
The company’s service model is designed to be flexible and responsive. With a focus on operational excellence, D2L has improved service quality and efficiency without increasing headcount. This approach has led to improved satisfaction at every stage of the customer journey.
D2L’s international footprint continues to grow. The company has secured major wins in regions such as EMEA, APAC, and LATAM, often replacing legacy platforms like Moodle, Blackboard, and Docebo. Some implementations now serve over 800,000 learners. These transitions are driven by D2L’s ability to deliver a modern, stable, and accessible learning experience at scale.
Fusion also highlighted D2L’s strategic growth pillars, including expanding its international customer base, growing the platform through innovation and acquisitions, and deepening engagement in corporate learning markets. The company’s scalable cloud platform, mobile-first design, and flexible implementation options position it well to support both higher education and workforce development.
D2L Fusion 2025 offered a clear view into a company that is evolving thoughtfully and strategically. Its commitment to research, product innovation, and customer success was evident throughout the event. While the tone of the conference was optimistic, it was also grounded in the realities of today’s educational landscape. D2L appears to be listening closely to its users and responding with tools and services that are both practical and forward-looking.
Originally posted by Matthew Winn on LinkedIn. Be sure to follow him there to catch all his great industry insights.
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