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D2L, a global learning technology company transforming the way the world learns, has announced that the HAN University of Applied Sciences (HAN), one of the largest education providers in the Netherlands, selected D2L Brightspace as its new Learning Management System (LMS) in 2023 to help deliver HAN’s personalised, blended learning programmes for their growing student base and its learning goals.
With more than 38,000 students and 4000 staff members spread over two campuses, HAN is focused on educating aspiring students to help meet the continually changing needs of society. It works closely with industry partners in the region to help students become versatile working professionals.
As part of its 2022-2028 Institutional Plan, HAN wants to establish a hybrid learning environment which includes a blend of in-person and online learning as well as work-based or vocational training for all its students. By the end of 2027, students will have the opportunity to choose a student pathway that suits their own personal ambitions and development.
“Our goal has always been to provide robust Lifelong Development (LLD) options for all of our students and to establish ourselves as an LLD leader as a result,” said René Tönissen at HAN University of Applied Sciences. “However, our previous digital learning environment was holding us back, as it couldn’t deliver the flexible and modular education tools that we required. We needed a platform that could support our blended learning goals, allowing us to add certain functionalities or tailor applications depending on the course, across each of our academies.”
Prior to selecting Brightspace, HAN’s digital tools and applications were stored across various systems, which opposed HAN’s desire for uniformity and standardisation. Furthermore, the end-user experience was poor because students and lecturers found it hard to locate information or course content.
“At HAN, we value the end-user experience,” continued René Tönissen at HAN. “Following our extensive tender process, Brightspace came out on top, as it allows our content to be easily shared and accessed to address everyone’s learning or research needs. The fact that the platform integrates easily with so many applications enables us to tailor content for each of our academies. With Brightspace, I am confident that we can achieve our goal of creating the best blended learning experience.”
Lecturers and students at HAN can now access course content through one portal. With the added applications, Brightspace can help support each academy’s specific learning goals.
“We are honoured to work with HAN University of Applied Sciences as it strives to set the standard for blended learning courses in the region,” said Stewart Watts, Managing Director EMEA, D2L. “It’s great to work with a customer that’s looking to create something new, especially when that customer also recognises the role technology can play when it comes to establishing first-class learning experiences. We look forward to supporting HAN on this exciting journey ahead.”
Implementation of D2L Brightspace began in August 2023, and the full rollout is expected by September 2025 across both campuses.
