The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) and D2L, global leaders in educational innovation and excellence, are excited to announce a strategic collaboration to explore how generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping student engagement in higher education. This collaboration brings together OLC’s extensive expertise in quality online and digital learning with D2L’s cutting-edge technology and commitment to improving the student learning experience.
This collaborative study will focus on how AI tools are influencing student engagement in higher education. As AI becomes an increasingly integral part of the educational experience, understanding its effects on students’ learning processes, perceptions, and outcomes is critical. The study will focus on several key areas:
- Usage of AI Tools: Examining how students are utilizing generative AI tools in their academic work and daily learning activities.
- Perceptions of AI in Education: Understanding students’ views on the role of AI in their educational experiences, including its benefits and potential challenges.
- Impact on Student Engagement: Analyzing the effects of AI use on student engagement across emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions.
- Supporting Effective AI Use: Developing strategies to help higher education institutions (HEIs) better support students in using AI to enhance their educational experiences.
Dr. Dylan Barth, Vice President of Innovation and Programs for the OLC, says: “We are very excited to be partnering with D2L on this critical research focused on student engagement and AI. To better prepare students for a future workforce in which proficiency with AI will be necessary, we must first understand the diverse ways that students are using AI in their studies and beyond. Our hope is that this study will reveal significant new findings that will benefit the OLC community in how they support their students.”
Dr. Cristi Ford, Vice President of Academic Affairs at D2L, underscores the importance of this collaboration: “At D2L, we are deeply committed to exploring how learning can be a transformative force in people’s lives. This research is pivotal in uncovering how AI can shape the student experience, providing educators with the insights needed to better meet students where they are. By leveraging AI to inform course design, content, and personalization, we can create more meaningful and impactful learning journeys that drive better outcomes for all learners.”
Context and Research Framework
In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is more than just a set of tools—it’s becoming a pivotal part of the student experience. While concerns about cheating and academic integrity persist, there is also significant potential for AI to transform students’ educational experiences and workforce preparedness. Studies have shown that students generally have positive perceptions of AI, recognizing its ability to support learning, improve skill development, and enhance engagement. In this context, it is our responsibility as educators to lead by example, helping students leverage these tools ethically and effectively.
The OLC-D2L study draws from an adapted student engagement framework that examines affective, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions. By integrating technology as a core influencing factor, the study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how AI tools affect learning processes, participation, and student outcomes.
Next Steps and Expected Outcomes
The findings from this research will be shared with the broader educational community through publications, presentations, and resources aimed at helping institutions navigate the evolving role of AI in education. The study’s results will also offer practical recommendations for faculty and administrators seeking to enhance student engagement through thoughtful integration of AI tools.
For more information about the research collaboration or to stay updated on future developments, please visit onlinelearningconsortium.org or d2l.com.
About OLC
The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) is a global community of education and learning professionals, dedicated to providing resources to leaders, teachers, faculty, staff, and other learning professionals in higher education, K-12, and corporate organizations. OLC inspires innovation and quality through an extensive set of resources, including best-practice publications, quality benchmarking, leading-edge professional development, community-driven conferences, practitioner-based and empirical research, and expert guidance.
About D2L
D2L is transforming the way the world learns, helping learners of all ages achieve more than they dreamed possible. Working closely with customers all over the world, D2L supports millions of people in K12, higher education, and business with products that improve outcomes by making learning more powerful, engaging and human.