What are D2L Intelligent Agents?

D2L Intelligent Agents are automated tools within the Desire2Learn (D2L) learning management system that help instructors manage and communicate with students based on predefined criteria or rules. These agents function similarly to automated assistants, allowing instructors to set up rules that trigger specific actions or notifications when certain conditions are met.

Intelligent Agents in D2L are designed to streamline administrative tasks, enhance communication, and support student engagement by providing timely feedback and support. By automating routine processes, instructors can focus more on teaching and providing personalized assistance to students who may need extra attention.

1. Attendance Monitoring: Instructors can utilize Intelligent Agents to monitor student attendance by setting up rules based on login activity. By configuring agents to track students who miss a certain number of class sessions, instructors can send personalized notifications encouraging regular participation and engagement with course materials. This proactive approach helps foster a sense of accountability and ensures that students stay informed about their attendance status.

2. Assignment Reminders: Intelligent Agents can be employed to send automated reminders to students who have not submitted assignments by the due date. Instructors can customize these messages to provide guidance on submission procedures or offer assistance if needed. By sending timely reminders, instructors can help students stay organized and on track with their coursework, reducing the likelihood of missed deadlines and improving overall academic performance.

3. Engagement Assessment: Instructors can assess student engagement using Intelligent Agents to monitor participation in discussion forums. By setting criteria to identify students who have not contributed to discussions within a specified timeframe, instructors can send targeted messages encouraging active participation. This approach reinforces the importance of engagement in the learning process and encourages students to interact with their peers and course content.

4. Grading Support: Intelligent Agents can assist with grading-related tasks by notifying instructors when specific grading milestones are reached. For instance, agents can alert instructors when a certain percentage of assignments have been graded or when grading for a particular assessment is overdue. By automating these notifications, instructors can streamline their grading workflows and ensure timely feedback to students, facilitating their learning progress.

5. Progress Tracking: Instructors can implement Intelligent Agents to track student progress on learning objectives or milestones within the course. By configuring agents to monitor completion of specific modules, quizzes, or activities, instructors can provide feedback to students based on their progress. This allows instructors to intervene if students are falling behind or struggling to meet course expectations, ultimately supporting student success and retention.