The D2L Fusion 2024 conference in Toronto was a standout event for us at PebblePad. With our North America team and Claire joining us from the UK, we had the opportunity to showcase our integrated ePortfolio, Workbook and Assessment platform and connect with a vibrant community of educators, technologists, and thought leaders. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights and key insights from the event.
Showcasing PebblePad’s Expertise
Over the course of three bustling days, we had the pleasure of engaging with a diverse audience from around the globe, showcasing PebblePad’s powerful features that support learning, teaching, and assessment at scale. It was especially rewarding to reconnect with our valued friends from institutions like the University of Waterloo and Langara College. Their ongoing support and collaboration continue to inspire us. We also enjoyed forging new connections with attendees, which we believe will lead to exciting future collaborations.
Key Themes and PebblePad’s Alignment
The conference highlighted several key themes that resonate deeply with our mission at PebblePad. These include:
Competency-Based Education (CBE):
We were excited to see CBE take center stage, as it aligns with our commitment to supporting personalized learning journeys and recognizing individual learner achievements. Our solutions are designed to enhance CBE by providing robust tools for tracking and showcasing competencies.
Microcredentials:
The focus on microcredentials was particularly relevant, as these digital badges and certifications are becoming crucial for recognizing and validating specific skills. PebblePad’s features support the creation and management of microcredentials, helping learners and institutions highlight and validate skills effectively.
Supporting General Education Transformation:
We were pleased to see discussions around transforming general education to better meet the needs of today’s learners. PebblePad’s flexible learning design and authentic assessment tools are tailored to support these transformative efforts.
Engaging and Supporting Faculty:
The emphasis on faculty engagement and support is vital for successful educational outcomes. PebblePad is so much for than an ePortfolio platform, the Workbook and Assessment tools help educators manage assessments, provide meaningful feedback, and foster professional development. Beyond that our team of experts provide onboarding, adoptions and communication plans to support the advance of ePortfolio pedagogy to support our customers.
Innovative Solutions in the Spotlight
Our booth was a hub of activity, with many visitors intrigued by PebblePad’s unique features, such as our capability elements in templates and workbooks. Key conversations underscored several core aspects of our platform:
- Lifelong, Life-Wide Learning: Many attendees appreciated the way our platform enables students to retain and reflect on their learning achievements beyond their formal education. Our free alumni accounts, which provide continued access to their personal learning spaces, were highlighted as a valuable feature for fostering ongoing personal and professional development.
- Private and Personal Learning Spaces: Attendees were particularly impressed by the fully private and personal spaces we offer. PebblePad’s ability to create a secure environment where students can document and manage their learning evidence privately was a major point of interest.
- Professional Identity and Competency-Based Education: Our innovative capability elements in templates and workbooks were noted for their role in building professional identity and supporting competency-based education (CBE).
These interactions not only reinforced our commitment to advancing educational practices but also highlighted the unique aspects of PebblePad that address current and emerging trends in education.
Insights from Keynotes and Sessions
The conference featured compelling keynote addresses that offered valuable perspectives on the future of education. John Baker, CEO of D2L, focused on pressing issues such as learner engagement, which he identified as the #1 challenge in K-20 education. He also highlighted the transformative potential of AI tools and the growing significance of Competency Based Education (CBE) in recognizing and harnessing students’ unique skills.
Elatia Abate, founder of The Future of Now, offered a thought-provoking perspective on shifting from problem-solving to solution-seeking. Her emphasis on kindness and the concept of regenerative resilience—highlighting that “resilience is exhausting”—resonated deeply with us. This aligns closely with PebblePad’s mission to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment where learners feel empowered and valued.
These keynotes not only provided a deep dive into pressing educational issues but also reinforced the alignment of our values with the broader trends shaping the future of education.
Memorable Moments and Looking Ahead
Beyond the insightful sessions, the conference was also marked by memorable social events, from a delightful ice cream social to a night at the Hockey Hall of Fame. These moments of camaraderie and celebration added a special touch to the experience.
As we look ahead to D2L Fusion 2025 in Savannah, we are excited about the opportunity to continue contributing to the evolution of education. At PebblePad, we remain committed to empowering learners and supporting institutions with our innovative solutions.
To learn more about how PebblePad can enhance your educational initiatives, contact us today. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to drive innovation and support the future of learning.
Warm regards,
The PebblePad Team –Gail, Vanessa and Claire
