D2L Brightspace at The Chang School

D2L Brightspace is the learning management system (LMS) used at Toronto Metropolitan University to provide a virtual, online learning environment for CECLs and students. D2L is also used by CECLs who teach classroom-based courses on campus. It does not replace your classroom teaching – it enhances it. CECLs are still expected to meet their students at their scheduled time in their assigned classroom/lab.

How does D2L enhance the teaching and learning experience?

D2L provides an interface that replicates a classroom environment. In classroom-based courses, it provides an opportunity to incorporate the following elements:

• Your course syllabus/outline
• Notifications, News, and Announcements
• Teaching materials, such as copies of visual aids used in lectures
• CECL contact information
• Additional resources, including reading materials and links to outside resources in libraries and on the Internet
• Quizzes that can be scored automatically
• Electronic communication support, including email, discussion forums and chat rooms
• A grade centre where students can track their individual grade statuses in the course (but not their official, final grade)
• Online submission of assignments
• Online collaboration by students

At the very least, as a Chang School CECL teaching a classroom-based course, you are required to use D2L to:

• Post and distribute your course outline and class handouts
• Communicate with your students and post announcements
• Post marks on student assessments and tests throughout the term
• Provide your contact information to students

Digital Education Strategies (DES) has created a special course shell template for Chang School courses. This new template includes links to Policies and Resources and a special online Chang School CECL Help section.

If you are already a Chang School D2L user and would like to convert to the new template, contact dehelp@torontomu.ca.

Before you can request a course shell, you need the following:

• A valid, active teaching contract
• The ability to log in to the my.torontomu.ca portal and Two-Factor Authentication enabled on your computer
  • What is Two-Factor Authentication and why is it required?
    Two-factor authentication provides a second level of security for your Toronto Metropolitan University account. In addition to your password, a time-limited code is required to log in. Codes are generated by devices you have with you. The device can be a mobile phone, a universal second factor (U2F) security key or a one-time verification (OTV) code generator. For more information please visit Computing and Communications Services (CCS).
• Access to your course section in MyServiceHub

Once you have logged into my.torontomu, find Manage My Resources/Courses and Organizations and complete the request form.

You should request your course shell as soon as possible, after you accept your teaching job offer. If you do not request a course shell in time for class start-up, The Chang School will automatically create one for you. However, you will still need to post your course outline and course materials in the shell.

• Toronto Metropolitan University has developed online resources for you to learn more about D2L. Please visit Courses@TMU: LMS Support for an overview of D2L’s features or to book a virtual appointment.
• To request an orientation session for D2L, email dehelp@torontomu.ca.
• If you are not able to find a solution from the Help section of your course shell, contact dehelp@torontomu.ca; be sure to include your course code and section number in the subject line.
• If your students require help with D2L, direct them to help@torontomu.ca.