Getting Started with D2L Brightspace

Overview

D2L Brightspace is the primary online tool for accessing course materials, and providing a virtual space for learning.

  • As a Normandale student, you may be using D2L frequently to complete coursework, and communicate with your instructor and classmates.
  • This type of online tool is referred to as a Learning Management System, or LMS. 
  • Other LMS's you may be familiar with are Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle.

How is D2L Brightspace used for classes at Normandale?

  • D2L Brightspace is used to support online, hybrid, and face to face courses.
  • Students can access content wherever they have a computer with an internet connection.
  • Most features are also available on mobile devices.
  • Read through this page, and watch the video playlist below for more great information about D2L.

Accessing D2L Brightspace

There are multiple ways to access D2L Brightspace:

OPTION 1: Through the Normandale D2L site.

This link will take you directly to D2L Brightspace. If you are using the direct link, we recommend that you bookmark this web address to access it more easily in the future.

OPTION 2: Through the Normandale homepage

This link will take you to the Normandale homepage, where you can find the D2L link.

  • Select the Login menu in the upper right corner
  • Select D2L
    Login menu > D2L
  • Click on the Sign on with Star ID button
    sign on with StarID
OPTION 3: Through the Minnesota State website.
  • Select your institution’s specific D2L Brightspace login.

Accessing Your Courses with D2L Brightspace

Once you have logged in to D2L Brightspace, there are two main places where you can access your course that allow you to switch between courses more easily:
 

Option 1: Course Selector / “Waffle”

While in D2L Brightspace, at the top of the page you will see the Course Selector or “Waffle” as it is often referred to. Clicking on this icon will show you a list of your active courses. You can click the thumbtack icon next to any course in this list to pin it to the top for quicker access. Use the waffle to quickly jump between courses without going back to the homepage.

Option 2: My Courses

The My Courses widget on the D2L Brightspace homepage will show you images of all your courses. Click on an image to access the course. Small icons also appear on the course tiles when you have assignments to submit, unread discussion posts, and quizzes you have yet to take.

Navigating Your Courses within D2L Brightspace

Within your courses in D2L Brightspace, you will use the navigation bar towards the top of the page to navigate to different tools (discussion, assignment upload) that may be used in your course. This navigation bar also includes links for other support services if you need them.

  • Content brings you to course materials like the syllabus and course schedule.
  • Communication dropdown allows you to access tools to communicate with others in your course, such as viewing other’s emails in Classlist, or participate in online Discussions.
  • Assessments dropdown displays tools like Assignments where you can submit papers, Quizzes where you can take online tests, and Grades where you can view the grades you have earned in the course (if available.)
  • Resources dropdown has links to useful academic resources such as Academic Services, Technology Support, and more.

How to D2L - YouTube Video Playlist

Student Common Tasks in D2L - YouTube Video Playlist

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