Device Requirements

Brightspace is supported on Apple MacOS, Microsoft Windows desktops and laptops, Apple iOS for iPhone and iPad, and Android OS for Android phones and tablets that can run the latest version of the supported browsers listed below. A strong and fast internet connection is encouraged for best results.

Can I complete coursework using a smartphone or tablet?

While smartphones and tablets can provide access to various tools in Brightspace, a laptop or desktop computer is recommended for the best experience, especially when completing exams and using interactive resources. Some required course components may not display or function properly on mobile devices. In these instances, students will need to ensure they have access to a laptop or desktop computer.

What are the hardware or software requirements for specific courses?

Some courses may require additional hardware, such as a microphone, webcam, or headset, for Zoom video conferencing, online test proctoring, or coursework. Many courses use third-party software or textbook integrations that have additional system requirements. Students should review the Course Notes in the online bookstore and their course syllabi to ensure their hardware meets course or program-specific needs. Students may be responsible for creating accounts on these platforms, and some platforms may require installing plug-ins, extensions, or applications on their personal devices. If a student has any questions, they may reach out to their instructor for more information.

D2L Brightspace Supported Browsers 

Brightspace is supported on the latest version of the following desktop browsers:

• Apple Safari

• Google Chrome

• Microsoft Edge

• Mozilla Firefox

Please note that mobile browsers and other desktop browsers, such as Chromium-based browsers, may support accessing Brightspace, however, Brightspace or its tools may not display or function properly. When possible, students should use the desktop version of the supported browsers listed above.

D2L Brightspace System Check

Your computer's web browser is a very important tool in the online experience. Complete a D2L Brightspace System Check - it is quick, easy and free and will ensure that your web browser is optimized for your online courses. This only takes a minute and will save you time and trouble later.

Disable Pop-up Blockers

D2L Brightspace courses may contain items that rely on Pop-up windows (a new window that appears in addition to the one you are viewing) when displaying certain items or features.

Pop-up blockers can be part of the web browser or a separate, third-party utility designed only to block pop-up windows. This is typically a program that someone has downloaded and installed on to the computer. Also, firewall software (designed to protect your computer from unauthorized users from accessing your computer through your internet connection) and anti-virus software frequently have a pop-up blocker options built in. Disable or turn off any form of pop-up blocker on your machine when accessing D2L Brightspace courses or add the NICC D2L Brightspace site as an allowed site.

Enable Third-Party Cookies

D2L Brightspace courses may contain integrations and tools that rely on cookies to pass information to another platform. It is recommended that students have third-party cookies enabled for their selected browsers to ensure these integrations and tools work as expected.

Need Further Technical Assistance?

Contact Helpdesk@nicc.edu

Things to include in your email correspondence:

• Your name

• Your phone number

• Your email address

• A detailed description of the kind of issues you are having with D2L Brightspace.

We will reply to your questions through e-mail within 24 hours Monday through Friday and on Mondays for those questions that come in over weekends.

A great first step with any Brightspace issue or error message is to try an alternate browser and clear your browser's cache. 

Here are instructions on clearing the cache in your browser: https://kb.iu.edu/d/ahic   

Complete a D2L Brightspace System Check

Try an alternate web browser and ensure your browser is up to date. Generally, you can check for updates in your browser's help menu and choose 'About'. 

If all else fails, trying on a different computer or phone is another step you can take. 

Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari and Microsoft Edge are all supported browsers. Microsoft Internet Explorer is no longer supported. 

If you do not see the solution to your question here, please 

Newest versions of Google Chrome or Firefox, and Microsoft Edge are the recommended browsers if you are using a Windows computer, with Google Chrome preferred for maximum utilization of Brightspace. Google Chrome or Safari is recommended for Mac OS x computers. For a complete list of supported browsers and other computer requirements, see D2L Brightspace Supported Browsers below.

** Your NICC User Login and password are your D2L Brightspace login credentials as well. You can login to Brightspace through MyCampus or through Brightspace itself at https://nicc.brightspace.com .

After a successful login, you will see your "My Home" page. Locate the "My Courses" widget on the left side of the page. Look for the current courses listed beneath the term, click the linked course title to open your course. See the example image below. If you do not see any courses listed, use the "View All Courses" at the bottom of the widget link to search for current semester courses.

Click the Course Name to access and view course content, assignments, quizzes, discussions, grades, etc.

If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the NICC Google login page to access the Self Service page allow you to set a new password. If you continue to have problems, please contact the Helpdesk.

Student access to courses is based on the course start date in Brightspace. By default, that information is received from Colleague. The instructor can open the course up earlier by altering the course start date, if they choose to. 

The Class Progress tool is what you're looking for! Class Progress is available in the navigation bar in your course. When entering that, you will see a summary with clickable links to more details on everything you have completed in a course. 

If you see that an attached file is not displaying correctly, this could be due to the built-in Brightspace document reader. To fix this issue, you will need to scroll to the bottom of the webpage and select View as Page. This will allow you to see the file in its original format and should fix any display problems you experienced.

Web accessibility refers to how easily people with disabilities can navigate and interact with websites. Disabilities may be physical (such as blindness, low vision, deafness, or fine motor skills difficulty), or cognitive (such as dyslexia or attention deficit disorder). People with disabilities often use assistive technologies to help them navigate the web. An assistive technology is any device that helps a person with a disability. Common web assistive technologies include modified mice and keyboards, screen readers and screen magnifiers.

Web accessibility occurs when websites support web accessibility standards, are compatible with assistive technologies, and are easy for people to navigate and understand.

Desire2Learn (Brightspace) follows web accessibility standards closely and works with interested clients to test the usability of their products for people with disabilities. They believe that instructional practices should focus on helping people learn, and should not be limited by the learning management system in which the material is delivered in.

ReadSpeaker requires a Quiz Setting (Disable Right Click) to NOT be selected for ReadSpeaker to work - it stops students from highlighting text, which ReadSpeaker requires. 

For information on using the ReadSpeaker Text-Aid screen-reader, please visit our ReadSpeaker resource page.

By linking your NICC Google Account to Brightspace, you can quickly launch into your Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Drive. Additionally, students can easily upload files from their Google Drive to Assignment folders in Brightspace.

Note: This functionality only works for @NICC accounts. It will not work for @gmail accounts.

1. Visit a Brightspace course homepage and locate the 'NICC Google Account' widget.

2. Select the link in the widget to 'Link to your Google Workspace account'.

3. A 'Link to Existing Account' screen will appear. Your username should automatically fill in the box. Select the 'Link Account' button.

4. An authorize button will appear in the NICC Google Account widget. Select 'Authorize'.

5. A pop-up window may appear and you may have to log in to your NICC account at this time. Proceed to follow the on-screen instructions.

6. Links to your NICC Gmail, Calendar and Google Drive will now appear.

Some courses require the use of online textbooks or other supplemental textbook materials.

If you have purchased an access code and still do not see it listed in your bookstore account, please reach out to Akademos support. They have customer service agents available to help from 9am to 5pm , Monday through Friday, with 24/7 coverage during the back-to-school season.

866-569-1628
https://www.nicc.edu/textbooks

Some courses require the use of McGraw Hill Connect. 

Having Trouble with McGraw Hill Connect Key Codes? 

If you are having an issue with key codes, please call 800-331-5094.

Need Technical Help?

Reach out to McGraw Hill Tech Support by visiting this site: https://mhedu.force.com/CXG/s/ContactUs 

Looking for Training and How-To Videos?

Visit the McGraw Hill Connect Success Academy! 

How do I Pair a Brightspace Course with a Connect Course?

Please follow these instructions or reach out to McGraw Hill Tech Support by visiting this site: https://mhedu.force.com/CXG/s/ContactUs 

Student McGraw Hill Getting Started Guide

Students - Click here to browse a guide to help you get started with McGraw Hill. 

Some courses require the use of Pearson MyLabs. 

Having Trouble with Pearson Key Codes? 

If you are having an issue with key codes, please fill out the information on this page: https://pearsoncommunity.force.com/getsupport/s/contactsupport 

Need Technical Help?

Reach out to Pearson Tech Support by visiting this site: https://support.pearson.com/getsupport/s/ 

Contact the NICC Helpdesk.

Phone: (800) 728-2256, ext. 555

Email: helpdesk@nicc.edu (We will reply to your questions through e-mail within 24 hours Monday through Friday and on Mondays for those questions that come in over weekends.)

Location: Calmar Campus, Wilder Building / Peosta Campus, Conference Center 3

Time: Monday-Friday (7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

A copy of the DIID Service Catalog is stored here for reference. 

If you've made a mistake in your course design or copied in the wrong course, you can remove everything in a course in just a few clicks or feel free to contact us with a help ticket and we will help! 

1. Go into the 'Content' tool and click on 'Table of Contents'

2. Click on the drop-down arrow next to the 'Table of Contents' title at the top of the page.

3. Select 'Delete all Modules'

4. Depending in the setup of your course, you may also need to go into each tool (grades, assignments, quizzes, etc) to clear out data there as well. 

TIP: Be sure to remove Rubrics, extra Attendance registers, grade book categories, discussion forums. Check all tools just in case to avoid duplicates!

1. Click on the 'Quizzes' tool in the Navbar

2. Click the quiz title to edit the quiz

3. Click on the 'Restrictions' tab and scroll down to the bottom of the page

4. Click the 'Add Users to Special Access' button

5. Adjust the Availability and/or Timing parameters necessary for this special access

6. Select the student(s) from the Users list

7. Click the 'Add Special Access' button.

If a student cannot see your syllabus or is having issues with Simple Syllabus, have them go through these steps:

1. Make sure students are using the Google Chrome browser (Safari and other browsers are known to have issues with LTI services)

2. Have them clear their browser's cache and cookies

3. Make sure they are going to the Syllabus link in the blue navigation bar of your course

If the student is still having issues after going through these steps, please contact us so we can see if their account is associated with the Syllabus.