Cengage Learning and Desire2Learn Deliver Interoperability of Digital Content and Solutions

Made possible through Cengage Learning's standards-based, Web-services architecture – MindLinks – via a Desire2Learn extension, the integration provides Desire2Learn users with direct access to Cengage Learning's digital content and core curriculum solutions.   Institutions utilizing the Desire2Learn teaching and learning platform will immediately see a welcomed extension of their existing investment in their LMS platform.  The most recent launch of the platform, Desire2Learn Learning Suite 10, focuses on providing users with a simple and intuitive user experience while providing deep feature richness. This enhanced integration with Cengage fits with this approach and continues to enhance the system's usability with streamlined access, automatic sign-on and Gradebook exchange for Cengage Learning's MindTap platform, as well as the placement of embedded links at the activity level for CourseMate products within the Desire2Learn platform. For all CourseMate titles, the integration includes the ability to directly link through Desire2Learn to individual assets, including student activities and the eBook.

The new integration provides drag and drop functionality and an enhanced user experience via the Desire2Learn Course Builder.  A new content selector provides a "tree" structure which allows instructors to efficiently select content instead of manually placing multiple links within a course. In addition, while building or developing a course, instructors will be able to see in real-time a representation of exactly how the selected content will appear.

Based on a "LTI plus" model, implementation allows the system to layer the additional functionality over and above the original LTI specification.  It aligns with both organizations' focus on improving the user experience with robust, easy-to-use tools. The integration will enhance future improvements in Desire2Learn's open Valence developer platform. 

"Our deep integration with Desire2Learn allows institutions to realize the full power and potential of the Desire2Learn Learning Suite while leveraging their existing technology investments," said William Rieders, Executive Vice President, Global Strategy and Business Development, Cengage Learning. "The integration provides direct access to Cengage Learning's digital solutions and instructors will now enjoy a simpler, easier to navigate interface when adding content to a course."

"The Desire2Learn platform is based on continual innovation and a commitment to provide our users with the most intuitive and engaging learning experience possible," remarks John Baker, President & CEO, Desire2Learn. "The enhanced interoperability of our integration with Cengage Learning enables Desire2Learn users to more quickly and easily access Cengage Learning's digital content. Desire2Learn remains committed to building out the most extensible platform possible, delivering integrations that further improve the teaching and learning experience."

Desire2Learn is part of the Cengage Learning MindShare Alliance Partner Program. For more information about Desire2Learn, please visit www.Desire2Learn.com.   For more information about Cengage, please visit www.cengage.com.   Cengage Learning is a Select Member of Desire2Learn's Partner Network.  For more information on the Partner Network please visit www.desire2learn.com/partners

About Cengage Learning
Cengage Learning is a leading provider of innovative teaching, learning and research solutions for the academic, professional and library markets worldwide. The company's products and services are designed to foster academic excellence and professional development, increase student engagement, improve learning outcomes and deliver authoritative information to people whenever and wherever they need it. Through the company's unique position within both the library and academic markets, Cengage Learning is providing integrated learning solutions that bridge from the library to the classroom.  Cengage Learning's brands include Brooks/Cole, Course Technology, Delmar, Gale, Heinle, South-Western and Wadsworth, among others. Cengage Learning is headquartered in Stamford, CT.  For more information on Cengage Learning please visit www.cengage.com.

About Desire2Learn Incorporated

Desire2Learn Incorporated delivers industry-leading learning solutions that enable organizations to create learning environments that reflect their vision and goals. As one of the world's largest providers of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) eLearning solutions for education, Desire2Learn supports more than 8 million learners worldwide in higher education, K-12, healthcare, government and the corporate space.  Founded in 1999, Desire2Learn has personnel in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore. For more information, visit: www.Desire2Learn.com, call 1.519.772.0325 or toll-free 1.888.772.0325 (within North America), +44 808.234.4235 (U.K. and Europe), 0.800.452.069 (New Zealand) and 1.800.656.210 (Australia).

SOURCE Cengage Learning