“Getting Started” with Brightspace

Dr. Bill Joyce, Bemidji State University

wjoyce@bemidjistate.edu

(218) 755-2858

Minnesota Brightspace (D2L) Ignite 2015 Conference

April 24, 2015

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Abstract

This session provides a few quick and easy D2L tools to enhance teaching and learning both in the face-to-face and online learning environments.

“Getting Started” Activities

1. Welcome: News Section

2. Introduction: Discussion Application

3. Group Members: Drop-Box Application

4. Syllabus Plus Quiz: Quiz Application

5. Email Instructor

1. Welcome

1. Welcome: Content

Dear Class:

Welcome to Accounting 1102-04, Principles of Accounting II! While I have taught this course a number of times, both on-line and face-to-face, this is my first time team-teaching a course. After a brief review of chapter 1 on the first day, we will cover once chapter a week for five weeks: chapters 13-17. This represents 1/3 of the course, and you will earn 1/3 of your grade in this course.

In class each week, we will have a lecture/problem solving session followed by a chapter test and rework activity. There will also be weekly Wiley-Plus assignment that you will need to complete each week. At the end of the five weeks, we will have a comprehensive test covering chapters 13-17. This comprehensive final will be taken on-line. You will need to complete the test within the given time period. For those of you new to the Desire-2-Learn (D2L) environment, please not that you will have 120 minutes to completed the test once you begin. There are no breaks! The questions will be in random order, and each question cannot be reviewed after completion.

Please be sure to complete the "Getting Started" activities found in the content area (found under the "Materials" tab). These activities will help you acclimate to the D2L system and also provide you the opportunity to earn "bonus" points. These "Getting Started" activities and bonus points are only available through this Friday, so please do not delay in completing these activities.

We start out very fast, and we continue this pace throughout my portion of the course. There is a great deal of good information to be learned, and this learning will likely be used by you in one form or another for your entire career! I look forward to working and learning with you.

Please check this "News" section daily for any class updates and/or changes

Respectfully,

Dr. Joyce

Finding the “Getting Started” Activities

“Getting Started” Activities: Content Area

The “Getting Started” Activities Header

“Getting Started” Activities: Content

1. After reading the “Brevity is the Soul of Wit” handout found in the “Syllabus Plus” content area, please post your introduction in the “Introductions” discussion.

2. After you have determined your group members found under the “Communications” tab, please submit to the “Group Members” drop-box, the names of your group members, including yourself, listed in alphabetical order by last name.

3. After you have successfully registered in the Wiley-Plus web site. Please send me an email telling me of your successful start. Please be sure to follow the email guidelines provided in the “Syllabus Plus” content area (including having “Principles” in the subject area of your email).

4. After you have reviewed all of the material in the “Syllabus Plus” content area, you should be prepared to take the “Getting Started” quiz and begin learning the course material.

2. Introductions

2. Introductions: Discussion Application

2: Introductions: Example

3. Groups

3. Groups: Manage Groups

3. Groups: Enroll Users

3. Groups: Members

3. Groups:Finding the Drop-Boxes

3. Groups: Member Drop-Box

4. Finding the Syllabus Quiz

4. Syllabus Quiz

4. Syllabus Quiz Question 1

1. Submitted items will be graded based upon _____.

A. content

B. form

*C. both A and B

D. either A or B, but not both

E. neither A nor B

4. Syllabus Quiz Question 2

2. Course-related questions and comments should be submitted to Dr. Joyce _____.

A. as a private email

B. as a private phone call

*C. as part of the course-content discussionD. all of the above

E. A and/or B, only

4. Syllabus Quiz Question 3

3. Matters of a personal nature should be submitted to Dr. Joyce _____.

A. as a private email

B. as a private phone call

C. as part of the course-content discussion

D. all of the above

*E. A and/or B, only

4. Syllabus Quiz Question 4

4. Emails to Dr. Joyce need to follow the guidelines provided in the content area of “Syllabus Plus” and should include “Principles of Accounting” in the subject area of the email.

*A. trueB. false: communication by email is not used in professional

practiced, so it is not important to practice the email guidelinesC. false: emails need not follow the guidelines provided in the

content areaD. false: no one is ever judged in a professional setting based on

the form and content of an emailE. none of the above

4. Syllabus Quiz Question 5

5. Students should check the “News” section of D2L _____ to be sure to be informed of important information related to the course.

A. constantly

*B. daily

C. weekly

D. monthly

E. none of the above

5. Email Instructor

Benefits of emailing the instructor include:

* providing a record that student can communicate with the instructor;

* providing students the opportunity practice written communication in a professional format; and

* documenting the student has been able to access the

web- based homework system.