Top 3 Challenges Students Face Using D2L Overview

Top 3 Challenges Students Face Using D2L

In Fall 2024, the eLearning Department surveyed LCC students and asked one question: What is your biggest challenge using D2L?

Over 2,600 students responded and the top 3 D2L challenges identified were:

  • Inconsistency of course organization
  • Inconsistency of due dates on course assessments
  • Inconsistency of grades in courses

Throughout the month of February, eLearning will be highlighting the top 3 D2L challenges identified by students, and providing instructors with resources to help minimize or remove these challenges in D2L course(s).

Select a student challenge below to see more:

Student Challenge #1: Course Organization in D2L

Student challenge #1- course organization in D2L. Quote from student from Fall 2024 stating that D2L itself is wonderful! My biggest challenge using D2L is adapting to each instructors preferences and course setups. Some are organized and some are not, including instructors not organizing class files in a sensible way, messed up due dates, discussion boards not open when they should be, etc.

Top 3 Challenges Students Face Using D2L: Challenge #1: Course Organization in D2L

In Fall 2024, the eLearning Department surveyed LCC students, asking their biggest challenge using D2L. Over 2,600 students responded and identified Course Organization within a D2L course, and course-to-course as the most common challenge. Feedback around course organization included inconsistent or unorganized course setups, and extensive time spent searching for materials, assignments, and due dates.

Well-organized courses foster student success by allowing students to focus on learning, comprehension, and skill-building. To help minimize or remove inconsistent course organization in D2L courses, consider the following best practices:

  • Choose a single module structure (e.g., Weeks, Units, Modules).
  • Include all materials for each module in one module folder.
  • Ensure a logical flow of content between module folders.
  • Provide clear instructions for assignments and submission methods.
  • Maintain consistency in assignment titles and due dates.

eLearning Resources to Support Course Organization in D2L

Student Challenge #2: Due Dates in D2L Courses

Student challenge #2- Due Dates in D2L. Student quote from Fall 2024 stating Some teachers don't put the due dates directly on the assignments so they don't pop up in what is due. It makes it hard for students to keep up and not miss deadlines.

Top 3 Challenges Students Face Using D2L: Challenge #2: Due Dates in D2L Courses

In Fall 2024, the eLearning Department surveyed LCC students, asking their biggest challenge using D2L. Over 2,600 students responded and identified Due Dates in D2L Courses, including inaccurate, outdated, or missing due dates as the second most common challenge.

Using start, end and due dates on course assignments fosters student success by providing a consistent experience and location for viewing dates. Additionally, dates added to course assignments will automatically populate into the Student Work To Do widget, a highly utilized tool available to all students. To help minimize or remove inconsistent usage of due dates in courses, consider the following best practices:

  • Be consistent: set start, end, or due dates on all assignments/activities.
    • Start Dates: When students can access the assignment.
    • End Dates: When assignment access is restricted.
    • Due Dates: When assignments are due; late submissions are flagged but still accepted.
  • Be accurate: Ensure dates are correct and align with the current semester.
  • Be aware: Avoid adding due dates at the module level within Content, or items that students do not submit.

eLearning Resources to Support Due Dates in D2L Courses