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Introduction
Welcome to the Brightspace guidelines to help you master the Brightspace Learning Management System for effective course management. These guidelines emphasize technical instructions but are also infused with educational frameworks like Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) focused on meaningful student-instructor interaction as well as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) ensuring accessible and inclusive learning. With practical tips, clear step-by-step instructions, and alignment with best practices, these guidelines are your companion in mastering Brightspace for an effective and engaging online teaching experience.
What is D2L Brightspace?
D2L Brightspace is a comprehensive learning management system that is modern and easy to use for faculty, staff, and students. It offers new capabilities to support teaching and learning across different modalities, supports growth in online learning, provides advanced analytics that contribute to student success, and lays a foundation for engaging learning experiences that facilitate Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) in online courses.
Goals
This Professional Development (PD) will help you familiarize yourself with basic functionality in D2L Brightspace manage student engagement & assessment utilize Brightspace Grade Book
Content Overview
You will learn to organize course content, use communication tools for updates, engage students in discussions, and set up assignments and quizzes. They include a detailed walkthrough of the Grade Book, emphasizing RSI and UDL principles for transparent and accessible grading. The guidelines also cover course visibility and the use of multimedia and live meetings to enhance student engagement.
How to Use This Tool
The guidelines are designed for easy navigation through common scenarios found in the digital classroom. Each section is filled with visual aids to illustrate steps and features, making the learning process more intuitive and relatable. The real-life scenarios in the guidelines bridge the gap between instruction and application, demonstrating how Brightspace functions in actual teaching situations and offering practical insights into its use. Use these guidelines as a go-to resource whenever you need clarity or guidance when setting up a course, engaging with students, or managing and grading assessments.
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincere gratitude to the members of the guidelines collaboration group from various CUNY campuses and the Medgar Evers College Academic Technology Center team for their invaluable contributions to the Medgar Evers College Brightspace guidelines. Their expertise and insights have been instrumental in shaping these guidelines to ensure they effectively support and enhance the teaching and learning experience across the CUNY system.
Special thanks to the reviewers:
Sarah Kresh, Faculty Development and Instructional Design Manager at CUNY School of Professional Studies
Loretta Brancaccio-Taras, Director of the Center for e-Learning and Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at CUNY Kingsborough Community College
Rowena Li, Coordinator of Special Projects at the Center for Teaching and Learning, Queens College.
Log into your BrS Course
The first step in your journey with D2L Brightspace is to log in successfully. By the end of this unit, you will be comfortable accessing your courses.
Brightspace Log In – How To Read the instructions in your browser below or print them.
- Navigate to the login page & enter your CUNYfirst credentials. Click on the button to access the Medgar Evers College website.
- Click on the Login To button at the top of the page.
- Select the Brightspace option.
- Enter your CUNYfirst credentials.
John.Doe##@login.cuny.edu
Locate your course(s).
Option A: Once you are logged in, you will be taken to your dashboard where you will find a list of your course icons under the My Courses widget. Click on one to access it.
Option B: You can also access your courses by clicking on the waffle menu icon at the top of the screen.
Log out of Brightspace.
Click on your name (top-right), and a dropdown menu will appear. Then click on the Log Out option.
Troubleshoot
If you encounter any issues logging in, look for a Forgot Password or Forgot Username option on the login page. You will then be guided through the process of resetting your password or solving other login issues.
The Forgot Password/Username links are available in the area below the Username and Password fields on the CUNY Login page.
Take Action Log into D2L Brightspace using your CUNYfirst credentials. Once inside, locate a course you are currently teaching or will be teaching in the near future. References.
Announcements & Emails in BrS
Clear and effective communication is essential for enriching the learning experience and is pivotal in building a student-centered dent-centered environment and fostering a sense of community within your course. Utilizing D2L Brightspace’s Email tool and Announcements widget, you can establish seamless communication channels that align with pedagogical best practices and meet the federally recognized Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) standard in online education, often critical for accreditation. The email tool and Announcements widget can help you maintain consistent, meaningful engagement with your students that contributes positively to their learning journey and overall academic success.
Glossary
Announcements – a communication feature that allows instructors to post important information prominently on the course homepage.
Email – a communication tool in Brightspace used for direct and personal communication.
Quick Tips: Use the Email tool for more personalized, one-on-one communication. Use the Announcements widget for general updates that apply to the entire class. Instructions
Email – How To Read the instructions in your browser below, print the abridged version, or watch a video. Access the email tool.
Enter your course.
- Click on the Classlist link at the top navbar (the link may be nested within the More link; the classlist tool can also be accessed from the Course Admin page).
Click on the Email Classlist button if you wish to send the email to all students.
Enter your course.
- Click on the Classlist link at the top navbar (the link may be nested within the More link).
Mark the checkbox at the top left of the table containing the students’ names to select all students if you wish to email the entire class. Make sure the page displays the entire class list before you mark the checkbox; you can adjust the number displayed at the bottom of the table. Alternatively, you can mark the checkbox next to the individual student(s) to email selected student(s).
- Click on the Email icon at the top of the table. From the course navigation bar, select Grades. Click the Enter Grades tab. Use the checkboxes next to the student names to select the recipients. Select the Email button above the grade table. Click the home icon or Medgar Evers College logo at the top left of the screen to access the college landing page. Click the Email link from the top navbar (it can be nested within the More link based on the width of your window). Compose a new email. Once you access the email tool as described in the previous step, you will land on the Compose New Message page. The BCC field will auto-fill with the recipients you selected in the previous step. To adjust the list, click the Address Book button. Compose your message in the text editor. From the text editor, click on the email preview icon that shows a magnifying glass on top of the file to preview the email before sending it. Send the email if everything is in order. Attach files to email.
Once in the Compose New Message interface, scroll down to the Attachments area.
- Upload – Click on Upload if you wish to attach files from your computer.
- Record – Click on Record if you wish to attach an existing recording from your computer or record a new video and send it with this email.
- Choose Existing – Click on Choose Existing if you wish to attach files from your course’s storage in Brighspace.
Note: The email message, attachments, and the number of recipients in the To, CC, and BCC fields count towards the email message size; messages cannot exceed 20MB. Add and edit email signature.
- Click Your Name at the top-right of the screen.
- Select the Account Settings link.
- On the Email Settings page, in the Email Signature field, type in your signature.
- Click on Save.
- Check email for accessibility.
From the email textbox, select the Accessibility Checker tool (an icon that looks like an eye with a checkmark underneath). You will see the accessibility report in a pop-up window including a list of potential issues and the ways to resolve them.
By making your emails accessible, you ensure that all students, regardless of their learning preferences or abilities, can fully participate in the course. This guide serves as a concise, practical resource for creating content that is accessible to all. The advancement and omnipresence of assistive technology and AI-powered digital assistants help people with and without disabilities interact in… ️
View sent emails – While still in the course, click on the Tools link at the top navbar. Select Email. Click the Sent Email button. View the address book. Once in the Compose New Message page, click on the Address Book button. Every Brightspace user has access to an address book that includes contacts from courses they are enrolled in.
Announcements
How To Read the instructions in your browser below, print the abridged version, or watch the video. Announcements are mandatory for online courses per CUNY LMS Usage Policy for Online Courses.
Access the Announcements tool.
Navigate to your course Homepage by clicking on the course title at the top of the page.
Locate the Announcements widget (location may vary).
Click on the Course Admin link at the top navbar.
Click on the Name tab. Click on the Announcements link.
Create a new announcement.
Click on the course title at the top of the page to enter the course landing page.
Click on the arrow next to the Announcement widget on the left, and select the New Announcement option.
If you accessed the Announcements tool through the Course Admin link on the top navbar, click on the New Announcement button. In this area, you can see the list of announcements that you have published previously.
- Headline. Add a title for the announcement.
- Content. Type in the message in the Content field.
- Availability. Set date and time availability restrictions (optional).
- Attachments. Add attachments (optional).
- Release Conditions. Set additional Release Conditions (optional).
- Publish. Publish, Save as a Draft, or Cancel the announcement. Instruct students to set up announcement email or SMS notifications. Brightspace announcements are not automatically sent to students by email.
If students wish to be notified via email or SMS about any new announcements or changes in the already published announcements, they will need to enable announcement notifications in their Brightspace accounts.
Once on the Announcements page, students should click on the Notifications button. Students should scroll to the Instant Notifications section.
To receive email notifications for new and edited Announcements, respectively, students should check the boxes next to Announcements – new item available and Announcements – item updated. Check announcement for accessibility.
From the announcement textbox, select the Accessibility Checker tool (an icon that looks like an eye with a checkmark underneath). You will see the accessibility report in a pop-up window including a list of potential issues and the ways to resolve them.
By making your announcements accessible, you ensure that all students, regardless of their learning preferences or abilities, can fully participate in the course. This guide serves as a concise, practical resource for creating content that is accessible to all.
The advancement and omnipresence of assistive technology and AI-powered digital assistants help people with and without disabilities interact in… Edit, view, and delete sent announcements.
Click on the chevron next to the announcement you wish to edit. Click on the Edit option. From this menu, you can delete, pin to top, view, copy, or dismiss (remove from the instructor Course home page view only; it can be restored) the announcement.
By making your announcements accessible, you ensure that all students, regardless of their learning preferences or abilities, can fully participate in the course. Reorder announcements. From the Announcements page, click on the More Actions button. Select the Reorder option. By making your announcements accessible, you ensure that all students, regardless of their learning preferences or abilities, can fully participate in the course.
Take Action – create a welcoming message using the Announcements widget. Draft an email to a student using the Email tool.
Course Content
When you first log into your course in BrS, enter one of your courses using one of the two methods described in the Log In to Your BrS Course unit of this guide. CUNY Central will be migrating courses from the last two years into Brightspace (BrS). However, the layout and organization of your course might appear different because Brightspace relies on a modular course structure for navigation.
I want to…
- Upload something –a syllabus, reading, etc.
- Copy a course – move the course content from one course shell to another.
- Explore – see what I can do in the Brightspace Content area. Glossary Module –a large container for organizing course content.
Submodule – a smaller container (folder) that can be nested within the module to organize content.
Topics – individual pieces of content within a module or sub-module (PDFs, videos, assessments, external links, etc.)
Structure Learning modules are independent instructional segments, crafted to lead students on a targeted educational path. Think of them as folders containing scaffolded course material. These segments are versatile, suitable for both digital and face-to-face learning environments, and should be centered on educational goals or themes. Read more
Rather than merely presenting information, each module should be designed to actively involve students through features like interactive dialogues, group tasks, or hands-on activities. Adopting a well-organized modular strategy in BrS sets a predictable course layout and navigation for students, alleviating stress and sharpening their concentration. This also ensures that each module is aligned with the overarching aims of the course, optimizing the learning experience. Based on the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, we have developed a recommended approach for organizing your course in BrS. Quick Tips Organize Top-Level Modules Use these for major course themes.
In a 15-week course, consider four top-level modules to simplify navigation and maintain focus.
- Create Weekly Sub-modules
- Place these within top-level modules for weekly content like lectures and readings.
- Aim for 1-3 weekly sub-modules per top-level module. Populate with Topics
- Add study materials, interactive elements, and assessments within the secondary modules to engage students weekly.
Course Content
How To Read the instructions in your browser below or print them.
- Add a module to create a vertical menu item in the table of contents.
- Click on the Content tab on the top menu.
- Click on Add a module on the left.
- Type in the title of the module reflecting its content, e.g., Syllabus & Schedule.
Press the Enter or Return key on your keyboard. Add submodules within modules.
- Click on the module name from the left menu to enter the module.
- Click on add a sub-module at the centre of the page.
Upload files (e.g., syllabus, presentations, readings) from your computer.
- Click on the name of your module from the left menu. [see the section above ]
- Click on the Upload/Create button below the module’s title.
- Select the Upload Files option. Click on the My Computer option.
- Click on the Upload button and locate a file you wish to attach. Click on the Add button.
Create a web link (e.g., Zoom link for class meetings). Click on the name of your module from the left menu.
- Click on the Upload/Create button below the module’s title.
- Select Create a Link. Give the link a descriptive title for easy identification and accessibility (e.g., Join Zoom).
- Paste the URL in the provided field. Select the “Open as External resource” option to prevent issues with viewing the resource.
Create.
- Type text directly into Brightspace.
- Click on the name of your module from the left menu.
- Click on the Upload/Create button below the module’s title. Click on Create a File.
Note: You can access text editor from other Brightspace tools such as assessments, discussions, or emails.
A text editor box will appear. Add a title of your file in the Enter a Title field. Type in the content in the text box.
Embed YouTube videos into Text Editor.
- Click on the name of your module from the left menu.
- Click on the Upload/Create button below the module’s title.
- Click on Create a File.
Note: You can access text editor from other Brightspace tools such as assessments, discussions, or emails.
- Click on the Insert Stuff icon from the text editor.
- Select YouTube. In the search box, type the key word that will help you find a video you are looking for. You can also paste the URL of the existing YouTube video.
- Click on the Search button.
- Click on the title of the video you wish to embed.
- Click on Next. Scroll down and click on the Insert button.
Embed images into Text Editor.
- Click on the name of your module from the left menu.
- Click on the Upload/Create button below the module’s title.
- Click on Create a File.
Note: You can access text editor from other Brightspace tools such as assessments, discussions, or emails.
Click on the Insert Image icon to embed an image in the text box.
Add special characters (e.g., math symbols) and elements.
- Click on the name of your module from the left menu.
- Click on the Upload/Create button below the module’s title.
Note: You can access text editor from other Brightspace tools such as assessments, discussions, or emails.
Click on the Equation symbol to add math or chemistry symbols.
Click on the Plus icon to insert code, symbols, emojis, and other elements into the text box.
Click on the Link icon to add hyperlinks to your content. Link existing assessments to modules or sub-modules.
Click on the Existing Activities button. Select the appropriate assessment type to add to the module or sub-module.
Create & add new assessments into modules or sub-modules.
Click on Upload/Create button below the module or sub-module’s title. Select either the New Assignment, New Discussion, New Quiz, or any other option that suits your course.
Make course content accessible.
Blackboard Ally tool that automatically checks for accessibility issues and generates alternative accessible formats is integrated into Brightspace.
- Click on the More link from the top navbar. Select Tools.
- Click on Ally Course Report. Evaluate how students see course content.
CUNY Student Demo Tool
This tool enables instructors to impersonate a learner, saving preview data that allows them to submit and grade assignments while in learner preview mode.
Click on the post on the right to learn more. As a demo student, instructors can fully interact with the course as a student would, including completing quizzes, submitting…
Brightspace Native Learner-View Tool
This tool allows you to preview course content and discussions independently from quizzes and assignments.
Enter Learner View
- Click on your name at the top-right of the page.
- Click on the Change link to switch your view from instructor to learner.
Exit Learner View
To exit the preview and return to the instructor view, click on the X icon next to Viewing as Learner.
Note that certain tools such as Quizzes and Assignments will not preview content in the View as Learner mode. Instead, these tools use the Preview mode.
Make modules and sub-modules available to students.
- Make it unavailable to students.
- Click on Content on the menu bar once you are in your course.
- Click on the module or sub-module on the left sidebar.
- Click on the chevron next to the name of module or sub-module at the top of the screen.
- Click on Hide from Users to make the module or sub-module unavailable to students.
Make it available to students.
Click on Show to Users to make the individual topic unavailable to students available to students.
Course Content – Advanced Cengage LTI (Learning Tool Interoperability) lets instructors and students access Cengage content and activities directly from Brightspace and return…
This handout guides you on using Course Copy in Brightspace to transfer materials and settings into your course shells…
- Take Action
- Create a module and a sub-module in your course.
- Make the sub-module hidden from students.
- Visit Hostos Community College EdTech Guide on Learning Modules and review the section on organizing content into modules and sub-modules.
- Reflect in the comment section below on how this structure can enhance your course organization and student engagement.