PNW Brightspace Documentation

The resources below support Purdue faculty, staff and students in navigating our Brightspace environment. Developed for the PWL campus, these guides are used at PNW as part of centralized support through Purdue IT.

The steps are nearly identical for PWL as they are for PNW. There are minor differences in menu bar locations in the first step; all other steps remain the same. Any differences will be noted in the resource descriptions, though not within the guides themselves. For assistance, contact the Customer Service Center at csc@pnw.edu.

Purdue Brightspace Documentation

How do I check to see if my content on Brightspace is accessible?
This article includes information on use of the accessibility checker, headers, alt text, lists, links, and tables.


How do I allow students extra time on assignments in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to setup extended date and time accommodations for assignments.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I allow students extra time on quizzes in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to grant students extra time on quizzes in Brightspace.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I set a students time accommodation for quizzes in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to setup time accommodations for students with letters from the DRC.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Classlist” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Communication and then Classlist.”

How do I create assignments in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create an assignment, establish availability, and add it to a course module.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I award extra credit for assignments?
This article overviews how to create an extra credit assignment and modifying the gradebook to reflect the extra points.


How do I create release conditions for an assignment in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to establish conditions a student must meet before they can access an assignment.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I allow students extra time on assignments in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to setup extended date and time accommodations for assignments.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I create course announcements in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create a course announcement and email it to the class.


How do I create a course module and add content in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create a course module and add new or existing content to the module.


How do I create calendar events in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create calendar events for additional course events.


How do I create release conditions for a content module in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to establish conditions a student must meet before they can access a content module.


How do I create release conditions for a content item in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to establish conditions a student must meet before they can access a content item.


How do I add start, due, and end dates to course modules and content?
This article overviews how to add dates to course modules and content.


How do I email my class from within Brightspace?
This article overviews how to email your class from within Brightspace.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Classlist” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Communication and then Classlist.”

How do I add an instructor, TA, or grader to my course?
This article overviews how to add instructors, TAs, or graders to your Brightspace course.


How do I copy content from one course to another?
This article overviews how to copy an entire course or select materials from one course to another.


How do I create a sandbox/development (DEV) course?
This article overviews how to create a sandbox/DEV course where you can build your live course in advance.


How do I merge my courses in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to merge multiple course sections into one Brightspace course.


How do I add sections to an existing course merge in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to add additional sections into an existing course merge.


How do I revert a merged course in Brightspace?
This article overview how to undo a course merge.


How do I create groups in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create groups within your Brightspace course.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Classlist” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Communication and then Groups.”

How do I create a demo student for my course in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create a demo student for you to impersonate and see what your students see.


How do I download group memberships from Brightspace?
This article overviews how to download group enrollments from your Brightspace course.


How do I download my classlist from Brightspace?
This article overviews how to download your classlist as an Excel file.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Classlist” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Communication and then Classlist.”

How do I record attendance in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to record attendance in Brightspace.


How do I obtain data on student withdrawals in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to access grade data for students who have withdrawn from your course.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Classlist” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Communication and then Classlist.”

How do I activate/make my course visible to students in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to activate your Brightspace course and modify the Start and Ends Dates.


How do I view and modify class and learner progress in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to modify the views for Class and Learner Progress.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Class Progress” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Course Tools and then Class Progress.”

How do I add the Single Profile Widget to my course homepage?
This article overviews how to add the single profile widget to the course homepage to introduce yourself to learners.


How do I migrate course content from Canvas to Brightspace?
This article overviews how to export your Canvas course content and import it to Brightspace via the Course Migrator tool.

How do I create a discussion in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create a discussion forum, topic, and add the discussion to a content module.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I create a group discussion in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create a group discussion.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Classlist” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Communication and then Groups.”

How do I create release conditions for a discussion in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to establish conditions a student must meet before they can access a discussion.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I grade a discussion in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to grade a discussion from the Course Tools menu and the gradebook.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I view deleted discussion posts in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to view discussion posts that have been deleted.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I adjust final grades in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to adjust final grades enabling you to apply curves.


How do I calculate the gradebook as a running total in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to adjust gradebook settings to display as a running total.


How do I create a grade item in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create a grade item.


How do I create a gradebook category in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create a category in the gradebook to group similar grade items.


How do I delete a grade item from the gradebook in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to delete a grade item from the gradebook.


How do I drop the lowest grade item(s) in gradebook categories in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to drop the lowest grade item(s) from a category in the gradebook.


How do I modify grade calculation options in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to change gradebook settings and modify how the gradebook calculates.


How do I preview a student’s grade in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to view what an individual student sees in their gradebook.


How do I release the Final Calculated Grade column or Final Adjusted Grade column for students to see in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to release the Final Calculated Grade column or Final Adjusted Grade column for students to see.


How do I set up Rubrics in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create a rubric and attach it to an assignment or discussion.


How do I set up weighted grades in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to setup a weighted gradebook.


How do I submit final grades to Banner from Brightspace? (West Lafayette and Indianapolis only)
This article overviews how to submit final grades to Banner.

How do I correct the point value of a quiz in the Brightspace gradebook?
This article overviews how to correct the point value of a quiz.


How do I create a quiz in Brightspace?
This article overviews the steps needed to create a quiz, connect it to the gradebook, and link it in a content module.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I create a quiz question pool for my Brightspace course?
This article overviews how to create a section/folder of quiz questions to create a question pool.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

Why is a graded quiz attempt not appearing in the gradebook in Brightspace?
This article overviews the steps to troubleshoot why quiz grades may not be appearing in the gradebook.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I preview a quiz in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to preview a quiz.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I set quiz restrictions for Academic Integrity in Brightspace?
This article overviews quiz settings that can help prevent instances of academic dishonesty.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I regrade a quiz question in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to correct a quiz answer and regrade.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I release Quiz Answers to students in Brightspace?
This articles overviews how to provide quiz answers to students.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I reset a Quiz Attempt in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to reset a student’s quiz attempt.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I submit a Quiz Attempt in Progress in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to submit a student’s quiz attempt.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I allow students extra time on quizzes in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to grant students extra time on quizzes in Brightspace.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I set a students time accommodation for quizzes in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to setup time accommodations for students with letters from the DRC.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Classlist” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Communication and then Classlist.”

How do I create release conditions for a quiz in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to establish conditions a student must meet before they can access a quiz.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I create a Survey in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create a survey and add it to a content module.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I view and export the data for a Survey in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to view survey data and export it from Brightspace.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

How do I access viewer analytics for a Kaltura video via Brightspace?
This article overviews how to access the viewer analytics for Kaltura videos via Brightspace.


How do I upload a video from my computer to Brightspace?
This article overviews how to upload video content from your computer to your Brightspace course.


How do I add an additional Instructor or TA to a Kaltura video via Brightspace?
This article overviews how to add collaborators to a Kaltura video via Brightspace.


How do I add a Kaltura video to a content module in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to add a Kaltura video to a content module in Brightspace.


How do I create a video using Kaltura Capture in Brightspace?
This article overviews how to create a video using Kaltura Capture via Brightspace.


How do I download a Kaltura video to my computer from Brightspace?
This article overviews how to download a copy of a Kaltura video to your computer via Brightspace.


How do I request Mechanical Captions for my videos?
This article overviews how to submit a request free mechanical captions for a Kaltura video.

Brightspace Learner Resources

As a learner, how do I self-enroll in Brightspace groups?
This article overviews how a learner self-enrolls in Brightspace groups.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Classlist” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Communication and then Groups.”

As a learner, how do I update Brightspace notifications?
This article overviews how a learner modifies their notification preferences in Brightspace.


As a learner, how do I access grade feedback for assignments and discussions in Brightspace?
This article overviews how learners view grade feedback for assignments and discussions.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 2. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 2. is “Click Activities.”

As a learner, how do I access grade feedback for quizzes in Brightspace?
This article overviews how learners view grade feedback for quizzes.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 2. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 2. is “Click Activities.”

As a learner, how do I view the answers to quiz questions in Brightspace?
This article overviews how learners view the answers for quiz questions if the instructor has enabled this feature.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

As a learner, how do I navigate a discussion board in Brightspace?
This article overviews how a learner participates in a discussion.

  • Please note that the guide will show “Step 1. Click Course Tools” , but at PNW Step 1. is “Click Activities.”

As a learner, how do I submit a Kaltura video to an assignment or discussion in Brightspace?
This article overviews how a learner uploads a video to Kaltura and submit it to an assignment or post it in a discussion board.

D2L Brightspace Resources

Get the latest resources directly from D2L!  Resources in this section may not reflect the layout and features available in Purdue’s instance of Brightspace.

Brightspace Community

The Brightspace Community is a space to connect with other users and participate in the Product Idea Exchange (PIE) to suggest and vote on future Brightspace features.  You will need to create a Brightspace Community account to engage in this space.

Brightspace Documentation for Instructors, Learners, and Administrators
The latest documentation directly from D2L.


Brightspace Video Tutorials
The latest video tutorials directly from D2L.