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Technical Information


Brightspace Information & Support Hub 📚

Welcome to the Brightspace Information Hub! Here you'll find details on technical requirements, specialized walk-throughs, and other frequently asked questions to ensure you have the best experience with Brightspace by D2L.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Guides❓

What are the Brightspace Technical Requirements? 🖥️ ▼

Brightspace by D2L is a cloud-based learning management system (LMS) with specific technical requirements for optimal performance. Generally, it's recommended to use the latest version of a supported web browser and ensure your operating system is up-to-date.

Hardware 💻

  • Processor: 2 GHz or higher
  • RAM: Minimum of 4 GB RAM (8 GB or greater is often recommended for better performance)
  • Video Processor: Any external or internal GPU required by the operating system.
  • Hard Drive: Sufficient space required by the operating system (20 GB or more recommended).
  • Monitor Resolution: Minimum of 1024x768.

Software 💿

Operating System:

  • Windows: Windows 10 or higher.
  • macOS: macOS 10.9 (OS X) or later, with later versions generally recommended.
  • ChromeOS: Chrome OS version 80 or higher (with Google Chrome as the default browser).
  • Mobile Devices (for Brightspace Pulse app):
    • Android: Android 6.0 (2015 release) or later.
    • iOS: iOS 13.0 or later for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Web Browsers:

D2L recommends using the latest version of a supported browser for optimal performance, accessibility, and security. Most browsers auto-update by default. Brightspace requires your browser to enable both JavaScript and cookies.

Desktop Computers:
  • Google Chrome™: Supported on Mac OS®, Microsoft® Windows®, and Android™ OS.
  • Mozilla® Firefox®: Supported on Mac OS® and Microsoft® Windows®.
  • Microsoft® Edge: Supported on Mac OS® and Microsoft® Windows®.
  • Apple® Safari®: Supported on Apple® Mac OS® and Apple® iOS® for iPhone® and iPad®. (*Note: While Safari is supported, some users report issues, and Chrome or Firefox are often recommended for better stability. Safari users might also experience improved performance if the "Prevent cross-site tracking" setting is not selected.)
Tablets and Mobile Devices:
  • Apple® Safari®: Supported on Apple® iOS® for iPhone® and iPad®.
  • Google® Chrome™: Supported on Android™ OS for Android phones and tablets.

Internet Connection 🌐

A high-speed Internet connection is recommended (50 Mbps or greater is often cited). While Brightspace can function with slower connections (e.g., 56K modem), a faster and more reliable connection (like hardwired Cable or DSL) significantly improves the experience, especially for submitting assignments and quizzes.

Optional Accessories (May be required for some courses) 🎙️📸

  • Microphone: Any integrated or external headset with a microphone (for teacher-led online sessions or student collaboration).
  • Speakers: Any integrated or external speakers.

Important Considerations 🤔

  • Auto-Updates: Keep your operating system and web browsers set to auto-update to ensure you always have the latest versions and security patches.
  • Third-Party Tools: Some courses may require additional third-party software or tools that have their own specific requirements.
  • Mobile Devices: While the Brightspace Pulse app offers some core features, mobile devices are generally not suitable for all courses or coursework and may have limited functionality. A desktop or laptop computer is usually required for full functionality, especially for exams.
  • JavaScript and Cookies: Ensure both JavaScript and cookies are enabled in your browser settings for Brightspace to function correctly.
  • Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): Many institutions using Brightspace require MFA for access, so be prepared to set this up.

It's always a good idea to check with your specific institution or course instructor, as they may have additional or more precise requirements based on their particular Brightspace setup and course content. Many institutions also provide a "System Check" tool within Brightspace to verify your setup.

What if I don't have Microsoft Office 365? 📝 ▼

Many courses may utilize Microsoft Office 365 for assignments and collaboration. If you do not have Office 365, here are some common options:

  • Free Access through Institution: Many educational institutions provide free access to Microsoft Office 365 for their active students. Check your institution's IT support or student portal for details on how to activate your free license.
  • Web-based Office Apps: You can often use the free web-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint directly through your web browser. These offer core functionality and are accessible from any device with an internet connection.
  • Alternative Office Suites: Consider using free, open-source office suites like LibreOffice or Google Docs/Sheets/Slides. While they might have slightly different interfaces, they are generally compatible with Microsoft Office file formats.

For students of the VSB (Vancouver School Board), you can also find support and resources for Office 365 by visiting the VSB Office 365 Support Portal.

Always check with your course instructor for specific software requirements for your assignments.

How do I submit assignments in Brightspace? 📤 ▼

Submitting assignments in Brightspace is typically a straightforward process, though the exact steps might vary slightly depending on how your instructor has set up the assignment. Here are the general steps:

  1. Navigate to the Assignment:
    • Look for the "Assignments" or "Dropbox" link in your course navigation bar.
    • Click on the specific assignment you wish to submit.
  2. Review Assignment Details:
    • Read the assignment instructions, due date, and any specific submission requirements carefully.
  3. Upload Your File(s):
    • Look for an "Add a File" or "Upload" button.
    • Browse your computer to select the file(s) you want to submit. You may be able to drag and drop files as well.
    • Ensure you are uploading the correct file format as specified by your instructor (e.g., .docx, .pdf).
  4. Add Comments (Optional):
    • There is usually a text box where you can add comments for your instructor, such as explaining your submission or noting any issues.
  5. Submit the Assignment:
    • After attaching your file(s) and adding any comments, click the "Submit" or "Save" button.
    • You should receive a confirmation message or email that your submission was successful. It's a good practice to keep this confirmation.
  6. Verify Submission:
    • Often, you can go back to the assignment page to see your submitted files listed, confirming the submission.

If you encounter any issues or have questions about a specific assignment, always reach out to your instructor or your institution's IT support.

How do I convert Apple Pages files to DOCX? 🔄 ▼

If you create documents using Apple Pages on a Mac, iPad, or iPhone, you may need to convert them to Microsoft Word's DOCX format for submission to Brightspace, as this is a widely accepted format. Here's how:

  1. Open Your Pages Document:
    • Open the Pages document you wish to convert.
  2. Export to Word:
    • Go to File (or the three-dot menu on iPad/iPhone).
    • Select Export To.
    • Choose Word.
  3. Select Format and Save:
    • In the export options, ensure "Docx" is selected as the format.
    • Click Next (or "Export" on mobile).
    • Choose a location to save your new DOCX file and click Export (or "Save").
  4. Verify the Converted File:
    • It's a good practice to open the newly created DOCX file in Microsoft Word (if you have it) or a compatible viewer to ensure the formatting is preserved as expected.

By converting your Pages files to DOCX, you can avoid potential compatibility issues and ensure your assignments are properly reviewed by your instructors in Brightspace.

I forgot my username and password for my online course in Brightspace. 🔑 ▼

If you have forgotten your username or password for your online course in Brightspace, especially for VSB (Vancouver School Board) online courses, please follow these instructions:

  1. Send an Email:
  2. Include Required Information:
    • In the email, include your full name and your PEN (Personal Education Number).
  3. Important Note:
    • Please DO NOT create another user account. The support team will assist you with your existing account.

The VSB support team will help you regain access to your online course. Thank you for your patience!

How to Take a Screenshot (Including the URL) 📸 ▼

Before taking the screenshot, ensure the browser's address bar (showing the URL) is fully visible on your screen.

For Windows:

  1. Print Screen Key: Press the `Print Screen` (or `PrtSc`) key to copy the entire screen to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an image editor (like Paint) and save it.
  2. Windows Key + Shift + S: Press `Windows key + Shift + S` to open the Snipping Tool. You can then drag a box around the area you want to capture (including the address bar) and save it.

For macOS:

  1. Cmd + Shift + 3: Captures the entire screen.
  2. Cmd + Shift + 4: Allows you to select a specific portion of the screen to capture. Drag the crosshair to include the address bar and any relevant content.

For ChromeOS (Chromebook):

  1. Ctrl + Show windows key (the key above 6 on the top row): Takes a full-screen screenshot.
  2. Ctrl + Shift + Show windows key: Allows you to select a specific area to screenshot.

Thank you for helping us capture all the important information!

How to Combine Multiple Images into a Single Document 📄 ▼

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to merge multiple image files (like photos of your homework) into a single PDF document using your phone or computer.

💻 Windows

Important: Windows sorts files alphabetically. Before starting, make sure your files are named sequentially in order (e.g., 1.jpg, 2.jpg, 3.jpg) so your pages don't get scrambled.
  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing your images.
  2. Select all the images you want to combine (hold Ctrl and click each image, or press Ctrl + A).
  3. Right-click on Page 1 (if you right-click any other page, Windows will make that specific page first).
  4. Select Print from the menu.
  5. Set the "Printer" selection dropdown to Microsoft Print to PDF.
  6. Ensure "Fit picture to frame" is checked if you want uniform pages, then click Print.
  7. Name your file and save it.

🍏 macOS

  1. Open Finder and locate your images.
  2. Make sure your files are sorted by name so they are in the correct order.
  3. Select all the images you want to combine (hold Command (⌘) and click each image).
  4. Right-click (or Control-click) the selected images, hover over Quick Actions, and select Create PDF.
  5. A single PDF file will be created instantly in the same folder.

🌐 ChromeOS (Chromebook)

  1. Open the Files app.
  2. Select the images you wish to merge (hold Ctrl to select multiple files).
  3. Double-click to open them in the default Gallery app.
  4. Click the Print icon (or press Ctrl + P).
  5. In the print destination dropdown, select Save as PDF.
  6. Click Save to choose your file name and destination.

📱 iPhone & iPad (iOS/iPadOS)

Crucial Tap Order Rule: Your iPhone builds the PDF in the exact order you tap the photos. You must tap Page 1 first, Page 2 second, Page 3 third, etc. If you tap them out of order, your final document will be scrambled!
  1. Open the Photos app.
  2. Tap Select in the top right corner.
  3. Carefully tap your photos in chronological order (Page 1, then Page 2, then Page 3).
  4. Tap the Share icon (the square with an upward arrow).
  5. Scroll down the menu and tap Print.
  6. The Secret Step: On the print preview screen, place two fingers on the page thumbnails and "pinch-to-zoom out" (or press and hold a thumbnail). This expands the images into a hidden PDF file.
  7. Tap the Share icon again at the top right of this new screen.
  8. Select Save to Files, choose your location, and tap Save.

🤖 Android

Crucial Tap Order Rule: Your phone creates the PDF based on the order you select the files. Be sure to tap Page 1 first, Page 2 second, etc., to keep your assignment in the correct order.
  1. Open the Google Photos app (or your device's default Gallery).
  2. Press and hold your first page to enter selection mode.
  3. Tap the rest of your images in order (Page 2, then Page 3, etc.).
  4. Tap the Share icon, then select Print (you may need to look under "More" or "Options").
  5. Tap the printer selection dropdown at the top left and choose Save as PDF.
  6. Tap the circular PDF download icon to save the document to your device.
How to Record Your Screen to Report an Issue 📹 ▼

When you need to report a technical issue, a quick video screen recording is often worth a thousand words. It shows technical support exactly what happens, any error messages that flash on the screen, and the precise steps that led to the problem.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below for your specific platform to capture and save your video.

📱 Mobile Devices

iPhone & iPad (iOS/iPadOS)

  • 1
    Settings
    Verify Screen Recording Tool

    Go to Settings > Control Center. If "Screen Recording" is not listed under your active controls, find it below and tap add to enable it.

  • 2
    Gesture
    Open Control Center

    Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to pull up the Control Center overlay.

  • 3
    Capture
    Start Recording

    Tap the Screen Recording button (represented by a solid dot inside a circular ring). A quick 3-second countdown will tick down, and a pill-shaped recording icon will appear around the clock at the top left to signal that recording is live.

  • 4
    Demonstrate
    Replicate the Issue

    Navigate over to the Brightspace web browser or app platform and step through the exact actions that trigger the technical hurdle or issue.

  • 5
    Finish
    Stop & Save

    Tap the dynamic red/pilled time indicator in the top-left area of your screen and select Stop when prompted. Your video file processes instantly and saves directly into the Photos application library.

Android Devices

*Note: Steps may vary slightly depending on the device manufacturer (Samsung, Google, Motorola), but most modern Android devices use this standard method.*
  • 1
    Gesture
    Access Quick Settings

    Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to fully expand the Quick Settings panel.

  • 2
    Locate Tool
    Find Screen Record

    Look for Screen Record or Screen Recorder. (If it is missing, tap the pencil/edit icon to drag it into your active tiles).

  • 3
    Optional
    Configure Audio

    Tap the icon. A prompt will ask about audio preferences. Select Device Audio if the issue includes sound, or leave it off, then tap Start.

  • 4
    Demonstrate
    Capture the Problem

    A brief countdown will run, or a small floating toolbar will appear. Replicate the issue on the device.

  • 5
    Finish
    Stop & Save

    Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Tap to stop notification, or tap the square stop button on the floating toolbar. The video saves directly to the Gallery or Google Photos app under a "Screen recordings" folder.

💻 Computers

Windows PC

  • 1
    Shortcut
    Open the Tool

    Press Windows Logo Key + Shift + R to open the screen recording interface directly. Alternately, press Windows Key + S, type Snipping Tool, and open it.

  • 2
    Interface
    Select Video Mode

    If opening the tool manually, click the Camcorder/Video icon on the toolbar (instead of the camera icon). Click New.

  • 3
    Select Frame
    Define Recording Area

    Click and drag a box across the screen to select the area to record. To capture everything, drag it across the entire screen.

  • 4
    Capture
    Record the Action

    Click the Start button on the top toolbar. Replicate the issue on the computer.

  • 5
    Finish
    Stop & Save

    Click the red Stop button on the toolbar. A preview window will open; click the Save icon (floppy disk) in the top right to save the file as an MP4 to the Videos or Downloads folder.

Mac (macOS)

  • 1
    Shortcut
    Open Screenshot Toolbar

    Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 on the keyboard. This brings up the recording overlay at the bottom of the screen.

  • 2
    Options
    Choose Recording Scope

    Click either the Record Entire Screen icon (a solid screen outline with a camera) or the Record Selected Portion icon (a dotted frame outline).

  • 3
    Capture
    Start Recording

    Click Record on the right side of the toolbar controls.

  • 4
    Demonstrate
    Show the Issue

    Walk through the steps that show the technical problem or error message.

  • 5
    Finish
    Stop & Save

    Click the Stop button (a circle with a square inside) located in the menu bar at the very top right of the screen. The video file will save directly to the Desktop as a QuickTime movie file (.mov).

💡 Quick Tips for Students

  • Keep it Brief: Only record the 15-30 seconds leading up to the issue and the error itself. Large video files can be difficult to upload or email.
  • Close unrelated browser tabs, hidden windows, or apps that display private personal details before hitting record.
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