Fresh Start with Brightspace!

A Fresh Start with a new LMS, Brightspace!

The LMS transition team has created this One-Stop spot for sharing information and resources.   Please bookmark this site for any updates as they become available. We have created a special form to gather questions and to create FAQs. We will be adding additional resources, information, webinar links, and dates for special workshops and anything related to the transition.

Ask Questions >

D2L FAQs >

Location: Library, 3rd Floor Suite, 138 W. Main St.
Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Phone: 614-823-1064
Email: ctl@otterbein.edu

As we transition to Brightspace, we will use this section to keep track of items and actions that instructors will need to complete. Some of the items can be worked on now and others in the upcoming months. We’ll add items to the instructor checklist as they are developed. Please use this form to ask questions: Ask Question form

The Instructor Checklist goes into detail what we can be working on now and items to be preparing in the upcoming months. We will be adding  a section of Webinars and Workshops which will have links and availability dates. Listed below is a link to join the Brightspace Community so you can explore on your own.

WEBINARS/WORKSHOPS:

Brightspace Essentials 101 on Wednesday, April 3, 3:00 pm-4:00 pm.  It will be recorded. 

    1. Description: This one-hour introductory webinar-style training engagement will provide essential coverage of the Brightspace Learning Environment.

       Please click this URL to join. 

Instructor Checklist

March

  • Export any ePortfolios you have on Digication (or student portfolios that you need copies of for accreditation purposes). Digication will end on 6/30/24, so you need to export before then. You can find directions for exporting here: Export Content from Digication.docx​
  • Download any Collaborate recordings you need for future courses from Blackboard. If you used Collaborate to record lectures or anything else that you may need to reuse in other platforms, export them as MP4s using these directions: Download Recordings from Collaborate.docx
  • Bookmark Fresh Start with Brightspace website for any updates.

Looking forward, the following is a quick tentative checklist to give you a sense of what to expect in the coming months. We will be sending out more details and directions soon and updating the CTL website.

April/May/June

  • Download any content you may need from courses that you have taught within the past 3 years. Keeping in mind any accreditation needs. Download your course content video
  • We will be archiving all courses and student data in Blackboard.  That way, if there are grade appeals in the future, or if you later need us to migrate an older course that wasn’t part of the initial migration, we will be able to access old data.  However, these archives won’t be directly accessible to everyone, so if there are course materials or student records that you need easy access to, your best option is to download your own local copies. Downloads can also provide backup for important materials you want to make sure don’t get lost in the transition. This video will walk you through the process.  Downloading Course Content from Blackboard.m4v
  • Continue checking the Fresh Start with Brightspace website for any new shared information.

July/August

  • Review your new Brightspace courses and make sure all content is there and remove and delete any content you will not be using. This is a great opportunity to have a fresh start with your new courses.
  • Please note that any student data from previous courses will not migrate.
  • Frequently check the Fresh Start with Brightspace website for current information regarding upcoming instructional workshops and webinars.

Join the Brightspace Community

Exploring on my own!

D2L Brightspace has a community that you can join so you can learn and explore more on your own.  There is a section specific to higher education.  Please keep in mind that some of the information you are learning about may not be available on the Otterbein platform. There are training modules you can work through as you learn how Brightspace is designed. Brightspace Community

At this point, if  you join the Brightspace Community, it will not be aligned to your Otterbein account and courses.

 

Introduction to D2L Brightspace

Getting Started with Brightspace, 4-part video series

Training materials from institutions who recently transitioned from Blackboard to Brightspace 

Communication Archive
(links to email communications regarding the transition)

Drop by the CTL whenever you need a quick break, a hot beverage, or a few minutes of conversation.