Quick start guide to teaching online

The Minibar (Figure 4) can be found on the top of your Brightspace homepage.

Figure 4: Minibar

Messages, Figure 5

Subscriptions, Figure 6

Notifications, Figure 7

Next to the messages, subscription and notification tools in Brightspace, you will see a waffle icon (Figure 8). Selecting this enables you to toggle between your Brightspace Professional Development Module, your sandbox area, and the modules/units/courses you are enrolled on

Figure 8: Minibar with Waffle icon

Locate and select the waffle icon (Figure 9). This will provide a list of all your courses you have access to.

Figure 9: Minibar with Waffle icon

Select the ‘pin’ icon next to any given module/unit/course to pin the module/unit/course (Figure 10).

Figure 10: List of courses with pins

A solid pin indicates that the module/unit/course is already pinned. Clicking on the pin again will unpin the course, and you will see an “empty” pin (Figure 11).
This feature can help you prioritise which modules/units you would like to see highest up on the list of courses in the waffle icon drop-down or on your homepage. If you want to completely change the order in which your courses are displayed, unpin all of them and then pin them in reverse order as the most recently pinned course will always appear in the first (top) position.

Figure 11: Solid and "empty" pin

When you first enter a module/unit/course homepage, you will see something similar to Figure 16 on the right. This is the module/unit/course homepage which has the following elements:

1. UHI logo (click on the logo to go back to the My Courses area)
2. Module/unit/course title (click on the title to return to this module/unit/course homepage no matter where you are in the module/unit/course)
3. Minibar
4. Navbar (here, you will find a number of useful shortcuts for day to day teaching)
5. Module/unit/course banner (note: This can only be changed by the module leader)
6. Slim Announcements tool
7. Visual Table of Contents/Visual TOC
8. Teaching Staff widget
9. Calendar

Figure 16: Module/unit/course homepage

As mentioned above, the Navbar can be found in any of your module/unit spaces just above the banner (Figure 17). It allows you to navigate to the various module tools available to you in each of your modules/units in Brightspace. It provides quick access to

1. the content area
2. the communication and collaboration tools:
   announcements, blog, classlist, discussions, ePortfolio, groups, virtual classroom and wiki
3. other course tools:
   course admin, awards, assignments, checklist, class progress, grades, intelligent agents, LOR, quizzes, surveys, video assignments
4. library resources:
   module reading lists, library homepage, LibGuides, referencing guides, eResources
5. help resources:
   Brightspace community, Brightspace help, Brightspace apps, Essential Student Skills, student support, HISA, system check, UHI Servicedesk

You can do so, by clicking on one of the tiles in the Visual TOC (1), or by clicking on the link to content in your Navbar (2). (Figure 33)

Figure 33: Module/unit/course homepage with Visual TOC and Content link in the Navbar

This will take you to your content area in Brightspace. To add a new content folder, simply navigate to the bottom of your list of existing folders on the left-hand side to the ‘Add a module’ text box. (Figure 34)

Figure 34: Table of contents with option to add folder (Brightspace language: module) at the bottom of the TOC

Click into this box, type in the name of your new folder and hit ‘Enter’. You will now see that your new folder was added on the bottom of the list. (Figure 35) This folder will now also be added to the Visual TOC on the module/unit/course homepage.

Figure 35: Newly added folder in the TOC

To delete a folder from the table of contents, navigate to the folder you want to delete by selecting it from the table of contents on the left-hand side (Figure 36).

Figure 36: Content folder in the TOC

Next, navigate to the drop-down menu next to the folder title and select ‘Delete Module’ (Figure 37).

Figure 37: Drop-down menu of a content folder with the option to delete the folder (Brightspace language: module)

A pop-up window will open asking you if you want to delete the module, nested modules (submodules) and topics but keep the associated files and activities. If you have content items, or activities such as a link to a quiz or discussion topic in this folder which you would like to keep, select this first option. If you don’t want to keep the files and activities from this folder, select the second option which will permanently delete all submodules, topics and associated files and activities from the course. Click ‘Delete’. (Figure 38)

Figure 38: Delete Module pop-up window

To do this, click the waffle icon next to the folder you want to drag into another folder and drag the folder into the folder you want to move it to (Figure 39). 

Figure 39: Moveable folders in the TOC

The original folder called ‘New folder’ is now a subfolder of the ‘Learning Resources’ folder (Figure 40).

Figure 40: Newly added subfolder in the TOC

To do this, navigate to the folder you want to create a new subfolder for, and locate the ‘Add a sub-module’ text box at the bottom of the folder. Click on the box, enter the name of your subfolder and hit ‘Enter’. (Figure 41)

Figure 41: Option to add a subfolder within a folder

Your new subfolder has now been added to the folder (Figure 42).

Figure 42: Newly added subfolder

If you click on the blue Upload/Create button in any of your content folders, you will get a list of options. You can choose to upload files, videos or audios, or you can create new files and links in Brightspace as well as use other tools in Brightspace to create new learning activities such as discussions or assignments. (Figure 45)

Figure 45: Content folder with the Upload/Creat drop-down menu

You can also upload files, such was Word or PDF documents, or PowerPoint presentations by dragging and dropping them into a folder or subfolder. Simply select one or more files on your computer (Figure 46), and drag them over into Brightspace (Figure 47).

Figure 36: Selected files in a folder on your computer

Figure 47: Brightspace content folder with the Drag and drop files box

You will now see that your file(s) has been added to the content fodler in Brightspace. (Figure 48)

Figure 48: Brightspace content folder with the newly added files

If you click on the grey Existing Activities button in any of your content folders, you will get a list of options for existing activities that you can link into the table of contents, such as assignments, discussion topics, or links to external learning tools, such as BB Collaborate (one of the options for virtual classroom). (Figure 49)

This is useful for signposting activities you might have created within a certain tool prior to adding it to the content area.

Figure 49: Brightspace content folder with the Existing Activities drop-down menu

You can move around content items by using the waffle icon next to the content item (Figure 50). This way you can reorder items within a (sub) folder, as well as move items between folders.

Figure 50: Brightspace waffle icon for moving around content

To add a description to a (sub) folder, simply click on the ‘Add a description…’ text below the (sub) folder title (Figure 51), enter your description and click ‘Update’ (Figure 52).

Figure 51: Add a description option for a Brightspace content folder

Figure 52: Description editor

Just as you can add descriptions to content (sub) folders, you can do the same for all types of content topics. You can either select an individual content item to edit by clicking on the drop-down menu next to the content topic and then selecting ‘Edit Properties In-place’ (Figure 53), or you can bulk edit descriptions, start/end dates and the draft/published status for all content topics in any given (sub) folder by selecting the ‘Bulk edit’ function below the (sub) folder description area (Figure 54).

Figure 53: Content item drop-down menu with option to Edit Properties In-place

Figure 54: Bulk Edit option in the content folder

You will now be able to add a description of individual or multiple content topics. Editing descriptions of content items works the same way as it did for content (sub) folders (refer to information above). Once you are done, click on Update button for the descriptions you are changing, and if you are in ‘Bulk Edit’ mode, also select ‘Done Editing’ at the top of your screen once you are done.  (Figure 55; screenshot of bulk editing function)

Figure 55: Description editor

Adding a video note to a content (sub) folder or item is done via the description function. To open the description editor, for a conten (sub) folder, click on the Add a description field below the folder title. (Figure 56) To open the description editor for a content item, click on the Edit Properties In-place link in the drop-down menu next to the content item (Figure 57), and then the Add a description field.

Figure 56: Add a description option for a Brightspace content folder

Figure 57: Content item drop-down menu with option to Edit Properties In-place

Once the description editor opens, click on the Insert Stuff button in the far left-hand side corner. (Figure 58)

Figure 58: Insert Stuff button in the Brightspace description editor

A pop-up window will open. From the menu, select Add Video Note. (Figure 59)

Figure 59: Insert Stuff menu with Add Video Note option

You can now either record a video of yourself using your webcan, or you can upload a short video clip.

To start the recording, click on the blue New Recording button.

The maximum length of a Brightspace video note is 3 minutes. (Figure 60)

Figure 60: Video Note recording window

When you are done recording, click on the blue Next button at the bottom of the pop-up window. (Figure 61)

Figure 61: Next button at the bottom of the pop-up window

You will now be able to give your Video Note a title and provide a description.

You should also select the Audio Language and check teh box next to Automatically generate captions from audio. This will mean that when students watch your Video Note, they will see it with captions.

When you are done, click on Next again. (Figure 62)

Figure 62: Screen where you can add tite, description and captions

You will now be able to see a preview of your Video Note.

Initially, you will see a screen informing you that the video note is currently being transformed. (Figure 63)

Figure 63: Video Note Preview window

Click the Refresh Preview button at the top of the screen after a while and you will be able to see a preview of your video.

When you are happy with your video, click Insert. (Figure 64)

Figure 64: Video Note Preview window with transformed video

You will now see your Video Note inserted into the description editor.

If you would like, you can now also add some text to the description.

Click on the blue Update button to save your changes. (Figure 65)

Figure 65: Video Note in the description editor

You will now see your Video Note (and any other content of the description) under the content folder title. (Figure 66)

If you had done this for a content item, you would now see the Video Note (and any other content of the description) under the content item name.

Figure 66: Video Note under the folder title

You can also add a video note to a file you create in Brightspace.

To do so, click on the blue Upload/Create button, and select Create a File from the drop-down menu. (Figure 67)

Next, a text editor will open which looks exactly the same as the description editor. Continue by selecting the Instert Stuff button and follow the instructions above.

Figure 67: Upload/Create button with Create a File option

Figure 78: Upload/Create button with Create a Link option

A pop-up window will open where you will need to enter a title for teh link/video as well as the URL of the YouTube video.

We would also recommend that you check the box next to Open External Resource. This way, the video will open in a new tab for students.

When you are done, click on the blue Create button. (Figure 79)

Figure 79: New Link pop-up window

You will now see the video link in your content folder. (Figure 80)

Figure 80: New link in the content folder

To start embedding a YouTube video on a Brightspace page, select the blue Upload/Create button in the content area and click on Create a File. (Figure 81)

Figure 81: Upload/Create button with Create a File option

Enter a title for the file and click on the Insert Stuff button in the top left-hand side corner of the text editor. (Figure 82)

Figure 82: Text editor with Insert Stuff button

From the menu, select YouTube. (Figure 83)

Figure 83: Insert Stuff menu with link to the YouTube integration

This will open the YouTube integration.

Type the title of the video you are searching for into the search box and click on Search.

You will now see the results of your search.

Click on the video you would like to insert and click on the blue Next button at the bottom of the pop-up window. (Figure 84)

Figure 84: YouTube Integration homepage

You will now be able to see the properties of your video as well as a preview.

Click on the blue Insert button at the bottom of the screen to insert the video into the text editor. (Figure 85)

Figure 85: YouTube properties and preview page

Once you have inserted the video into the text editor, click on the blue Save and Close button at the bottom of the screen. (Figure 86)

Figure 86: YouTube video embedded in the text editor

You will now see the page you created. (Figure 87)

The benefit of embedding a video into Brightspace like this is that students can click on it right away and will not have to be taken into a new tab.

Figure 87: Brighstpace file/page with an embedded YouTube video

You will now also be able to see the new file with the video in your content folder. (Figure 88)

Figure 88: Link to Brightspace page with embedded link in a content folder

Once you have created your own annotated videos or videos with quiz questions, it is really easy to get these videos into Brightspace.

Simply, select Create a File from the Upload/Create drop-down menu in the content area. (Figure 89)

Figure 89: Upload/Create button with Create a File option

Enter a title for the file and click on the Insert Stuff button in the top left-hand side corner of the text editor. (Figure 90)

Figure 90: Text editor with Insert Stuff button

Figure 91: Insert Stuff menu with link to the ClickView integration

This will open the ClickView integration.

From the top menu, select Workspace where you will see all your edited videos.

Select the video you would like to use, and choose a size from the Add drop-down menu on the right-hand side.

Click the blue Next button at the bottom of the pop-up window. (Figure 92)

Figure 92: ClickView Integration homepage

You will now see a preview of the ClickView video you will add to your page.

Click on the blue Insert button at the bottom of the page to insert the video into the text editor. (Figure 93)

Figure 93: ClickView preview page

Once you have inserted the video into the text editor, click on the blue Save and Close button at the bottom of the screen. (Figure 94)

The ClickView video will now display just like an embedded YouTube video.

Figure 94: ClickView video embedded in the text editor

The easiest way to send an email to students via Brightspace is to go via the classlist.

To get to the classlist, open the Communication and Collaboration drop-down menu and select Classlist. (Figure 96)

Figure 96: Module/unit/course homepage with the Communication and Collaboration drop-down menu

Once you are in the classlist, you can select either all, a few or just one student.

To send an email, click on the Email link above the classlist. (Figure 97)

Figure 97: Classlist with Email option above the classlist

A pop-up window will open. Here you can enter a To - email address which could be your own email address so you get a copy.

Edit or enter the subject, compose the body of the email and attach any files if necessary.

When you are done, click on the blue Send button on the top of the pop-up window. (Figure 98)

Figure  98: Compose Email pop-up window

If you would like to see your sent emails, go to the Minibar and click on the envelope (Messages).

From the menu, select Email. (Figure 99)

Figure 99: Envelope (Messages) in the Minibar

On the page that opens, select the grey Sent Mail button on the right-hand side. (Figure 100)

Figure 100: Email homepage with Sent Mail button

You will now be able to see a list of email you have sent from within Brightspace. (Figure 101)

Figure 101: Brightspace Email Outbox

The easiest way to send an instant message to students via Brightspace is to go via the classlist.

To get to the classlist, open the Communication and Collaboration drop-down menu and select Classlist. (Figure 102)

Figure 102: Module/unit/course homepage with the Communication and Collaboration drop-down menu

Once you are in the classlist, you can select either all, a few or just one student.

To send an instant message, click on the Instant Message link above the classlist. (Figure 103)

Figure 103: Classlist with Instant Messages option above the classlist
 

A pop-up window will open. Here you will see the recipients you selected and can compose the instant message.

When you are done, click on the blue Send button. (Figure 104)

Figure 104: Compose Instant message pop-up window

Students or anyone you sent an instant message to will be able to see them when they click on the envelope (Messages) in the Minibar. (Figure 105)

Figure 105: Envelope (Messages) in the Minibar

Start by selecting Chat from the Communication and Collaboration drop-down menu. (Figure 111)

This will take you to the Chat tool.

Figure 111: Communication and Collaboration drop-down menu with the Chat link

Once you are in the Chat tool, click on the blue New Chat button to start setting up your General chat. (Figure 112)

Figure 112: Chat tool homepage with the New Chat button

Once the chat editor opens, give your chat a title. I have chosen General chat here, but you should give it a meaningful name that fits the purpose of the chat. 

Underneath the title, select General Chat.

If you would like, you can add an optional description to the chat.

When you are done, click on the blue Create button at the bottom of the page. (Figure 113)

Figure 113: New Chat set up window

You will now see your new General chat in the list of chats. (Figure 114)

Figure 114: Newly created chat in the list of existing chats

Start by selecting Chat from the Communication and Collaboration drop-down menu. (Figure 115)

Figure 115: Communication and Collaboration drop-down menu with the Chat link

Once you are in the Chat tool, click on the blue New Chat button to start setting up your Personal chat. (Figure 116)

Figure 116: Chat tool homepage with the New Chat button

Once the chat editor opens, give your chat a title. I have chosen Personal chat here, but you should give it a meaningful name that fits the purpose of the chat. 

Underneath the title, select Personal Chat.

If you would like, you can add an optional description to the chat.

When you are done, click on the blue Create button at the bottom of the page. (Figure 117)

Figure 117: New Chat set up window

You will now see your new Personal chat in the list of chats.

To start adding members to the chat, click on the drop-down menu next to the chat name and select View Members from the menu.(Figure 118)

Figure 118: Newly created chat with drop-down menu allowing you to view and add members

You will now be able to see the members that are already enrolled. By default, this will include you. 

To add further members, click on the grey Add Members button above the list of members. (Figure 119)

Figure 119: View and add new members screen

You will now see your classlist.

Enrol members by selecting the checkbox next to their name. (Figure 120)

When you are dine, click on the blue Add button which you will see at the bottom of the pop-up window.

Figure 120: Enrol new members pop-up window

Just like yourself, students will be able to access the chat tool via the Communication and Collaboration drop-down menu. (Figure 121)

Figure 121: Communication and Collaboration drop-down menu with the Chat link

Once you are inside the chat tool, you (and students) can access a chat by clicking on the link to the chat room, i.e. General chat in this example. (Figure 122)

Remember to give your chat a meaningful name so students can quickly find it.

Figure 122: Chat tool homepage with existing chats

Once you are inside the chat, you will see a very basic window. (Figure 123)

Figure 123: Chat room page\

On the left-hand side you will see the participants in the chat. The main part of the screen toward the right-hand side is the actual chat.

Here you will see who joined or left the chat as well as any messages in the chat. 

To type a message, use the text box below the chat. To send your message, click on the grey Send button. 

Once you are finished, click on the grey exit button to leave the chat. (Figure 124)

Figure 124: Chat room page

Tip: You can customise your chat settings at any time by clicking on the Settings link in the top right-hand side corner. (Figure 125)

Figure 125: Settings link in the top right-hand corner of the chat tool

To access the chat history, click on the drop-down menu next to a chat title, and select View Sessions from the menu. (Figure 126)

Figure 126: List of existing chats with drop-down menu allowing you to see previous chat sessions

This will take you to the Chat Sessions overview. There you will see all sessions that have taken place for this chat. For each session, you will see details, such as the Start and End Date and Time, the Duration and the Number of Messages.

To view the detailed history and messages that were exchanged, click on the blue link under Start Date. (Figure 127)

Figure 127: Chat Sessions history

Inside the IA tool, click on Settings in the top right-hand corner. (Figure 128)

Figure 128: IA homepage with settings link in the top right-hand side corner

By default, any email send via the IA tool uses the systems default which can be seen first thing in the IA settings.

If you would like to customise the name and reply-to address students see, select the box next to Set custom values for this course and ented the name and email address you would like students to see if they get an automated email.

When you are done, save these settings. (Figure 129)

Figure 129: IA settings page with option to customise the email address students see when they receive an IA email