28 Mar Opened Culture Partners with D2L to Transform Digital Learning Environments with Brightspace
March 29, 2025—Opened Culture is excited to announce an innovative alliance with D2L, the creators of the learning management system, Brightspace, to provide impactful and engaging online learning experiences for the global education community. Leveraging Brightspace, Opened Culture will deliver dynamic courses, workshops, and learning solutions emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and deep connection among learners.
Dr. Angela Gunder, CEO and Founder of Opened Culture, described this collaboration as a natural evolution rooted deeply in her extensive experience with digital learning and instructional design.
“I’ve always been passionate about visual communications and thoughtful design in digital spaces,” Dr. Gunder explained. “My early career as a webmaster for several institutions of higher education informed my belief that online environments can and should foster genuine engagement, wonder, and empowerment. When I transitioned from web design to online learning leadership, I recognized Brightspace as a platform uniquely positioned to bring these values into digital learning environments. It allows us to design experiences that feel personalized, inclusive, and authentically aligned with the communities we serve.”
Dr. Cristi Ford, Chief Learning Officer at D2L, shared her excitement about the joint effort, saying, “ I’m incredibly grateful that at a time when AI is becoming a powerful force in our learning ecosystems, we have this opportunity—through our partnership and with Brightspace—to deepen awareness and understanding of AI’s multifaceted impact. It’s this kind of intentional work that allows us to build inclusive, innovative learning environments that truly reflect and respond to the diverse needs of all learners.”
At a time when AI is becoming a powerful force in our learning ecosystems, we have this opportunity to deepen awareness and understanding of AI’s multifaceted impact.
Dr. Cristi Ford, Chief Learning Officer, D2L
The initiative kicks off with the launch of an open course called AI Literacies Unlocked, which is being released for free as part of the celebration of National AI Literacy Day on March 28th. This offering, which introduces the eight dimensions of AI literacies, draws on research commissioned by UNESCO IITE and Shanghai Open University and will be freely available to educators around the globe.
Following this initial launch, Opened Culture will host a series of workshops for educators at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), along with their allies in higher education. Funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and led by Tennessee State University, MERLOT, and SkillsCommons, these free workshops and their accompanying playbooks focus on open education, remix practices, culturally-affirming curriculum, and sustainable open initiatives, particularly highlighting the leadership and community-building strengths of HBCUs as pivotal to the reimagining of the future of learning..
Future projects include advanced courses on AI’s impact on research methodologies, as well as specialized training to support instructional designers in effectively using generative AI for professional storytelling and career growth.
Looking ahead, Dr. Gunder emphasized the strong alignment between Opened Culture and D2L’s shared commitment to innovation and authentic, learner-centered experiences.
“This joint effort allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital learning,” Dr. Gunder said. “We aim to showcase how technology can amplify human connection and creativity rather than replace it. D2L’s dedication to thoughtful innovation and our eagerness to pilot and experiment make this a genuinely synergistic endeavor.”
Ultimately, Dr. Gunder hopes the alliance inspires educators and institutions worldwide to reimagine what’s possible within digital learning spaces. “Opened Culture is built around the idea that we are better together, like aligned heroes on a journey,” Dr. Gunder concluded. “Find your allies, your collaborators—your fellow superheroes—because together, we can bring ambitious educational visions to life. If you have big questions or ideas, we’re here to support you on your path to transformative learning.”
To learn more about this initial collaboration and to sign up for the open course, AI Literacies Unlocked, hosted on D2L Brightspace, please visit the Opened Culture website.
