Denison University Replaces Learning Management System with Notebowl, a Social Learning Platform.
GRANVILLE, OH, October 24, 2016 - Denison University announced today that it has selected social learning platform Notebowl as the replacement for the university’s learning management system (LMS). Utilizing feedback from students, faculty and administrators, Denison’s IT governance committee led a collaborative and extensive year-long campus-wide process to gather requirements and assess new solutions to replace the university’s legacy LMS.
“Notebowl’s vision for the future and their agile, scalable platform is a perfect match for the strategic direction of Denison’s technology ecosystem,” said Dena Speranza, chief information officer at Denison. “Their vision for improving student engagement and deepening student learning by leveraging the social styles of today’s student body brings an innovative approach that we expect will enhance the liberal arts experience here at Denison in a cost-effective and responsive manner.'
The university is rolling out Notebowl in three phases. The first phase is well underway and early feedback from faculty and students is very positive. “Notebowl is much more user-friendly. I find myself not dreading using it,” said Bill Kirkpatrick, associate professor of communications. “The user friendliness of the platform makes me more willing to try new things in the classroom.” Denison students have said the new social learning platform has allowed them to “communicate with anybody and everybody in the class, making sharing information, such as questions, really easy and user friendly.” Other students have stated Notebowl is “way better,” “easy to navigate,” and “less confusing” than the university’s old LMS.
Speranza goes on to state, “Notebowl has embraced the needs of Denison University and our small student-to-faculty ratio. Unlike large institutions running huge online courses, our distinctive approach stems from the rich, personal relationships that are developed throughout a student’s time at Denison. We expect our technology platforms to enhance the learning experience, and ideally, lessen administrative burdens.” In the near future university leadership will explore the possibility of expanding use of the platform to areas such as campus groups, extra-curricular activities and career exploration.
“We are excited,” says Notebowl founder & CEO Andrew Chaifetz, “to collaborate with Denison University to showcase the power of a social, student-centric learning experience. We’ll be working alongside Denison to not only enhance the learning experience and increase engagement in the classroom but also to better connect the campus experience outside the classroom. Ultimately, we’ll be helping Denison University to set the standard for student-centric learning environments in higher education.”
The new social learning platform will be fully implemented, replacing Denison’s legacy LMS, by the beginning of the 2017-2018 academic year.
About Denison University
Denison University is a leading national college of liberal arts and sciences where students from around the world come to pursue academic inquiry and research, to analyze and solve problems, and to forge the skills needed to succeed. On a beautiful, fully residential campus, located minutes from Forbes-rated #1 Opportunity City, Columbus, Ohio, students build enduring relationships and pathways to the professions, supported by faculty mentorship in classrooms, laboratories and studios; through a wealth of career-launch programs and internships; and in partnership with a thriving, far-reaching alumni network. Denison’s place at the forefront of higher education is recognized by “Colleges That Change Lives,” U.S. News, and Forbes, among others.
About Notebowl
Notebowl (www.notebowl.com) is a next generation social learning platform that simplifies classroom management and communication. Created with the student experience in mind, Notebowl blends social media with learning management to create an easy, engaging teaching and learning environment for faculty and students. This social environment can also extend beyond courses into student life — clubs, organizations, events, athletics — to open the door for opportunities and help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Notebowl Media Contact
Alec Stapp, COO
alecs@Notebowl.com