Desire2Learn Frequently Asked Questions for Students

What is Desire2Learn (D2L)?

Desire2Learn is a Learning Management System (LMS) that is created and owned by a company called Desire2Learn. This application has replaced Pirate’s View Vista.

When will Armstrong migrate to Desire2Learn (D2L)?

Armstrong students began using Desire2Learn Spring 2013 for fully online, partially online and hybrid courses at Armstrong.

Why are we moving to D2L?

Blackboard (who owns Vista) is discontinuing the Vista product line. Since the software will no longer be available the University System of Georgia had to move to alternate product.

As a student, what does this mean to me?

Beginning January 2013 you will be using the D2L System to access your online class content.

When you say migrate to D2L, what does this mean?

The Vista system is being taken offline for instructional purposes in January 2013. All online instruction will be done inside D2L starting in January 2013. Vista will be taken offline permanently in December 2013 so all course work will occur in Desire2Learn.

Will student information (grades, discussion posts, assessment scores) be moved to D2L?

No student coursework will be migrated into the D2L system.

Will there be training for students on how to use D2L?

Yes, IT Services and Office of Online & Blended Learning will offer training opportunties.
Training Schedule 2013

When will I be able to access registered classes in Desire2Learn?

Students will have access to courses beginning at 12:00 a.m. on January 7, 2013. Students will have access to registered classes for Session III on March 5, 2013.

What are the preferred browsers for D2L?

 Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari are preferred browsers for Desire2Learn. Internet Explorer is not recommended.

• For fewer problems during the semester, disable automatic updates on your computer and do not update your browser or Java until the semester is over.
• Mac Users: D2L supports Intel-based Macs. If you are using Safari, you should disable its pop-up blocker when using D2L. To disable the pop-up blocker, click Safari in the menu bar and uncheck Block Pop-Up Windows. Failing to disable the pop-up blocker may prevent you from completing some tasks in D2L, such as compose discussion board messages.
• System Check

How do I get support for D2L?

IT Services Helpdesk and GeorgiaVIEW D2L Help Center are available to support faculty and students.

IT Services Helpdesk
Tech Center - http://techcenter.armstrong.edu
Use Port username and password information to access.
Email: helpdesk@armstrong.edu
Phone: 912.344.2518
Fax: 912.344.3434

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday - 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.,
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The IT Services Helpdesk is closed during all observed University holidays.

USG Support
GeorgiaView D2L Help Center: http://D2Lhelp.view.usg.edu
This D2L Help Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.