D2L Adds Practice and Quiz Questions to Generative AI Beta Program

Learning technology company D2L has expanded its generative AI program with the ability to generate practice and quiz questions based on current course content. The ongoing beta program is being tested by select D2L Brightspace users.

The beta testing program uses content created in Brightspace and allows teachers to view the AI practice and quiz questions before making them available to students, giving them more safety and control oversight, D2L said. North American testing began in September 2023 and will continue through summer 2024.

The beta program is based on D2L's "Responsible AI Principles" document. It gives guidelines for using AI safely and responsibly to generate course materials, in these areas:

  • Privacy: customers' control of their own personal data and automated decisions based on it;
  • Bias and non-discrimination: AI design, development, and use that is fair and avoids harm to users;
  • Security and robustness: practices that test AI systems for reliability, security, and avoidance of harm;
  • Transparency: easy-to-understand AI outputs and disclosures about when, where, and how AI is used; and
  • Accountability: practices that are answerable to all stakeholders and promote safe and responsible use of AI.

"Over the past decade, D2L has been a leader in successfully integrating authentic AI and machine learning capabilities into our products," said Stephen Laster, D2L president. "This automated question generation capability can make it easier for instructors to assess learners in the moment. It is the initial step in expanding our product roadmap with cutting-edge generative AI to help change the way the world learns."

Those who wish to try the practice questions beta program can find them on the Brightspace Creator+ page.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • sunlit classroom with laptops on every desk, each displaying a glowing AI speech bubble icon above the screen

    Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot to Become Available for Teen Students

    This summer, Microsoft is expanding availability of its Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot products for students aged 13 and older. Administrators will be able to grant access for students based on their institution's plans and preferences, the company announced in a blog post.

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.

  • teenager’s study desk with a laptop displaying an AI symbol, surrounded by books, headphones, a notebook, and a cup of colorful pencils

    Student AI Use on the Rise, Survey Finds

    Ninety-three percent of students across the United States have used AI at least once or twice for school-related purposes, according to the latest AI in Education report from Microsoft.