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SYNOPSIS: Attendees able to see, first-hand, how the newly announced Sparks By Desire2Learn™ enables K-12 institutions to help students succeed

Kitchener-Waterloo, ON, and Austin, TX, November 16, 2009 – Desire2Learn Incorporated (Desire2Learn), a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise eLearning solutions, today announced their attendance at the annual iNACOL Virtual School Symposium (VSS), November 15 - 17, 2009 in Austin, TX.

The VSS highlights cutting-edge work in K-12 online education across North America. It is the only national conference focused solely on K-12 online learning and virtual schools in such a comprehensive way. VSS 2009 will bring together more than 1200 practitioners and policymakers from national, state, district, private and other virtual school programs.

"Desire2Learn is excited to once again be participating in this industry leading conference," said John McLeod, Director of Marketing, Desire2Learn. "The VSS conference provides educators and administrators -- with an excellent opportunity to explore ways to connect with students through the use of technology. They will discover how our latest brand, Sparks By Desire2Learn™, can support learning outcomes, enabling teachers to deliver engaging content, guide individual learners and collaborate effectively."

Desire2Learn will be present in booth #16 in the Exhibit Hall. Additionally, Desire2Learn will be presenting three Breakout Sessions during the conference:

Monday, November 16, 1:45 - 2:45 p.m.
What Data Do You Need From Your LMS? – Katie Logan, Administrator, Wyoming eAcademy of Virtual Education and Kristie Clements, K-12 Market Manager, D2L Ltd.

Data is crucial to the success of any online school. What questions does the school need to ask itself about data? What tools can be used to easily derive, analyze and present data? How can programs make data available "just-in-time" to inform instruction and improve outcomes? Presenters will quickly overview two of the many tools available and show the depth and breadth of data and reports that may be produced. Uses for the data to drive continuous improvement will be shared and solicited from the participants.

Monday, November 16, 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Show your Stuff! Using ePortfolios to Reflect Individualism – Kristie Clements, K-12 Market Manager, D2L Ltd.

ePortfolios are becoming central teaching and learning channels which are learner centered and outcome based. See an ePortfolio demonstration and join the discussion of how ePortfolios differ from conventional folders through their design, purpose and criteria for inclusion, knowledge acquisition, reflective elements, assessment, storage capabilities, search functions and retrieval mechanisms. Additionally, current uses by end users, schools, and other organizations will be explored.

Tuesday, November 17, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Interoperability - An Overview of the Landscape – Jill Abbot, Associate Executive Director/COO , SIF Association and Kristie Clements, K-12 Market Manager, D2L Ltd.

Many in the online industry are promoting the benefits of interoperable solutions. In a comprehensive look at interoperability around teaching and learning, this session focuses on pilots using SIF and Common Cartridge. Case studies and the connection with virtual schools shall be shared to illustrate the whys, hows and benefits of implementing solutions that work together to minimize effort and maximum results.

Sparks by Desire2Learn (Sparks) is being unveiled at VSS and is now available for implementation. Sparks brings eLearning opportunities to all sizes of schools, ages of students and any size budget.

Stop by the Desire2Learn booth (#16) at VSS, November 15 - 17 to speak with a Desire2Learn representative and learn more. Staff will be wearing distinctive Sparks t-shirts. Conference attendees have the opportunity to win great prizes, including a Netbook® and a BlackBerry®, by completing the Sparks word search to be found in their VSS conference bag and dropping it off at the Desire2Learn booth (#16).

Visit www.Desire2Learn.com/Sparks, call 1.888.772.0325 or email SparksInfo@Desire2Learn.com for further information.

To register for the conference, or to learn more visit the conference website.

About Desire2Learn

Desire2Learn comprises Desire2Learn Incorporated and its subsidiaries. Desire2Learn is a world-leading provider of enterprise eLearning solutions that enable institutions and other organizations to create teaching and learning environments that reflect their vision, values, goals, pedagogical approaches and branding. Founded in 1999, Desire2Learn has offices and personnel located in North America, the U.K. and Australia. Desire2Learn supports more than five million learners worldwide and clients include higher education, K-12, as well as associations, government and other leading organizations. For more information, visit: www.Desire2Learn.com, call 1.519.772.0325 or toll-free 1.888.772.0325 (within North America), 0808.234.6744 (U.K.) and +61 412 067 308 (Australia).