Brightspace Tutorials

Frequently Asked Questions

General Setup & Info:

What is the difference between D2L and Brightspace? 

D2L is an acronym for Desire To Learn and is the company that owns the Learning Management System (LMS), Brightspace.  

How do I navigate my Brightspace Homepage? 

The minibar allows is connected to your Brightspace profile and displays notifications and important alerts, as well as personal settings. You also have access to search for and pin courses. Below is a more detailed list of the capabilities for navigating your settings and notifications: 

• Search your courses  

• Review messages (Instant Messages and Email) 

• Receive “Subscription "alerts (i.e. discussion board and assignment alerts) 

• Receive “Update” alerts (i.e. notification of upcoming assignments and due dates) 

Navigate Brightspace and find your course 

I am employed by more than one CUNY institution. Once logged into Brightspace, how can I access a specific institution's homepage? 

You will need to log into your Brightspace account. On your homepage you will see a dropdown menu (underneath the CUNY Brightspace banner) titled “CUNY Colleges”. Select a college/university from the drop down menu to access your homepage for that specific institution.  

Note: You will notice you are on the correct homepage when the CUNY logo and Banner reflects that of the selected institution.  

How do I set up my profile and account settings? 

To update your settings, click on your name (top-right corner) to update notifications, access/update your account settings, and log out. 

Change your personal settings in Brightspace 

What is a practice site and do I have access to create one? 

Those who are listed as instructors will have the ability to create a “practice site”. A practice site can be used to test new features you hope to implement, prepare a course materials that could be copied in “active course shells”, etc.  

Creating a Practice Site (NYU Law Documentation. Retrieved [Dec. 21, 2023]) 

What is the Course Administration area? 

The Course Administration section of your course(s) contains tools and  features that you can implement/leverage in your individual course shells. Some of the functions and features of this area include:  

• Rubrics 

• Import and Export 

• Attendance 

• Upload Files 

For additional features: Course administration tasks 

Is there a mobile version of D2L, “Brightspace”? 

Yes, D2L has a mobile application, Pulse. You can learn more about Pulse here.

How long is Blackboard available?  

Blackboard is available through Fall of 2025. Consider downloading your course from Blackboard and saving so you don’t lose access. 

Course Design & Features:

What are the different features of my Course homepage? 

You may have the ability to update how the homepage for your course looks. Some of the features are highlighted below:  

• Table of content widget (student view) 

• Work to do, 2-week timeframe (Student view) 

• Calendar (all course opening/closing dates and due dates list) 

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with all of the features, as well as the terminology so that you can make the changes you wish to make.  

Best practices for creating a Course Homepage 

What is the difference between a Module and a Topic? 

A module is the framework that holds specific topics (materials) that comprise a module. Think of modules as the folder to hold the topics. You can view modules/topics in an outline format, or, once a topic is selected you can select the ‘Next’ button to navigate the module’s topics (materials). 

Note: Select the link to learn more about creating and editing modules and topics, as well as some of the features associated with both.  

Add and organize learning materials in the Classic Content experience 

How can I make my course visible to students after I've completed course setup?

You will notice your course listed as "Inactive" on the homepage. This is the default setting until you are ready to make it available to students. Once you've finished designing your course, you will have to make it active. Make a Course Active

What are the differences I'll need to be aware of, between Blackboard and Brightspace?

Access this webinar recording and helpful resources designed to help Hunter SOE faculty gain practical insights and actionable tips to ensure a smooth transition. Explore the Simplifying Brightspace Migration webinar and print the 1 page guide for faculty

Student Communication & Evaluation:

Do I have access to view the course as a student would? 

Yes, Brightspace has the ability for you to view the course and/or materials in a student view mode. To change the view, select your profile name and then click “View as Learner”. View your course using a different role 

What is the “Quick Eval” widget and how can I use it? 

The quick eval widget will appear on the homepage (only visible by instructors) and creates a central place to notify you of assignments that needs to be graded. Additional information on the Quick Eval feature 

What is the Class Progress feature? 

The Class Progress feature provides an overview of the overall class progress, as well as individual student progress. About Class Progress 

How do I set up my Gradebook and what are some of the features? 

If a gradebook has not been copied into your course shell, you will be asked to set up the gradebook on your end. Please review the documentation on how to set up the gradebook and an overview of some of the features/tools available. Set up you Grade book 

How can I set up a Quiz in Brightspace? 

As an instructor you have the ability to create quizzes in Brightspace. Review the documentation to learn how to create a quiz and then configure the settings. Create and configure a quiz 

Do I have the ability to provide accommodations for tests/assignments in Brightspace? 

Yes, you can provide additional time and/or release conditions to specific users under the “Special Access” options, when creating and/or editing a test or assignment. Set release conditions or special access in Assignments