Rasmussen University Replaces Blackboard With D2L Brightspace Platform
Rasmussen University has selected D2L Brightspace as its learning platform, moving away from Blackboard. The switch will affect all courses and programs across the institution, part of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI).
A pilot deployment starts in May 2026, with full implementation expected to follow. Nursing education will be the initial focus.
What Rasmussen Gets With the Switch
D2L Brightspace includes several tools designed to streamline how educators work and how students learn:
- D2L Lumi: An AI system that gives students personalized study recommendations and helps instructional designers build content tied to learning outcomes.
- D2L Creator+: A content creation tool with 50+ interactive content types to make lessons more engaging and accessible.
- D2L Performance+: An analytics dashboard showing learner engagement, success, and retention data so educators can make informed decisions.
- D2L Lumi Tutor and D2L Lumi Feedback: Tools that provide tailored study support and automated feedback on assignments.
The platform is designed to reduce administrative work between APEI institutions and improve how educators create course materials.
Why the Change Matters for Educators
Dr. Brooks Doherty, Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer at Rasmussen University, said the partnership reflects "shared commitment to innovation and student success." The university plans to use AI to deliver more personalized learning that meets student needs.
American Public University System (APUS), a sister institution under APEI, adopted D2L Brightspace in 2019 and has already implemented Lumi Tutor and Lumi Feedback. That experience informed Rasmussen's decision.
For educators managing courses, the shift means access to new content creation tools and time-saving features. For students, it means more tailored learning paths and feedback on their work.
Learn more about AI for Education or explore the AI Learning Path for Teachers to understand how these tools fit into broader educational technology trends.
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