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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:
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.
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, as well as "modules" that may contain important documents and links for completing coursework.
- Assignments bring you to a list of all of your assignments for your entire course in D2L, both past and present. Here is where you can submit assignments such as papers or activities.
- Discussions bring you to a list of all of your discussions for your entire course in D2L, where you can select a specific discussion board to view, create, and respond to. Here you can participate in online discussions with classmates and your professors.
- Quizzes bring you to a list of all of your quizzes for your entire course in D2L, where you can select a specific quiz to view and take. Here is where you can participate in online quizzes.
- Grades bring you to a list of all of your grades for your entire course in D2L, where you can see your current grades. Here is where you can view the current grades you have earned in the course, if available. NOTE: Your final grade will be entered into the separate e-Services system at the end of the semester.
- Other Tools drop-down displays additional tools like Classlist, where you can see your classmates and professor's contact info, Groups, where you can see any assigned group depending on the course, and e-Portfolio, where you can organize and share files with your professor related to your course, depending on your course.
- Resources dropdown has links to useful academic resources, such as links to Zoom and MediaSpace, Technology Support, and more.
How to D2L - YouTube Video Playlist
Student Common Tasks in D2L - YouTube Video Playlist