Students and faculty share experiences with D2L during unexpected online transition

By Ana McGriff | Staff Editor

Echoing the sudden shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Augusta University students were forced to switch to virtual instruction from Jan. 20-25 due to unexpected snow and ice—a rare occurrence in Augusta that disrupted the start of the semester.

After returning to campus, students expressed a variety of reactions, with many voicing frustration over D2L, the university's online learning platform. This prompted me to ask: How do AU faculty feel about D2L? And if students are struggling, what can be done to improve the experience?

To explore these questions, I spoke with Dr. Candis Bond, interim department chair of the English and World Languages Department. Despite not having taught a course in two years, Bond shared her insights on the platform’s usefulness and challenges.

“It does take extra time up front, but that's a good investment since it means I can focus solely on delivering content and mentoring students the rest of the semester,” Bond said.

She highlighted the platform’s customization options, which give instructors control over course design. However, she acknowledged the learning curve involved.

“Start small and add from there,” she advised faculty. “Uploading readings and your syllabus can be a start. Then use the gradebook, and so on.”

Bond also acknowledged student frustrations, particularly when due dates are unclear or instructors are hesitant to fully utilize D2L.

“I think students rely heavily on due dates attached to submission folders instead of making the course syllabus their primary reference,” Bond said. “Not all faculty use due dates on submission folders, so this can lead to missed or late work.”

Seeking a student perspective, I spoke with graduate student and Center for Writing Excellence colleague Alison O’Keefe. She offered a more positive view of D2L.

“No, not particularly,” O’Keefe said when asked if she found the platform difficult. “When I first started at AU back in 2016, D2L was much the same as it is now, and it took some getting used to. That said, the platform is designed in an intuitive way, so it didn’t take me long.”

O’Keefe noted the importance of consistent instructor usage.

“When different professors use different platforms, that makes staying on top of deadlines more challenging,” she said, echoing Bond’s concerns about course management and the risk of missed work.

As technology continues to evolve, instructors may feel pressured to keep up or avoid new tools altogether. Yet the potential benefits of D2L for both professors and students are significant, Bond noted.

“We as faculty can learn a lot by asking our students what is and isn’t helpful about D2L,” she said. “That can save us from wasting time using the platform in ways that aren’t serving them well.”

Contact Ana McGriff at amcgriff@augusta.edu