About
Before starting coursework, it is important for each student to understand how to navigate Brightspace, the online platform used to access lessons, assignments, grades, and course announcements. This guide explains how a student can move through different parts of the course and use the tools available in Brightspace.
Instruction
Brightspace Navigation Bar
Across the top of every page in Brightspace, a set of icons is always available. These icons help the student move between different areas of the platform:
- Michigan Virtual Logo: Returns the student to the Brightspace homepage.
- Select a Course (Waffle Icon): Opens a list of courses the student is enrolled in.
- Subscription Alerts (Chat Icon): Shows updates about discussion boards.
- Update Alerts (Bell Icon): Displays important announcements or system messages.
- User Profile: Allows the student to update their name, profile picture, or pronouns.
- Settings (Gear Icon): Used to adjust personal system settings.
Brightspace Homepage
After logging in, the student will land on the Brightspace homepage. This page includes a top menu with the following options:
- Orientation: Opens the Student Orientation to Online Learning course, sometimes called "Unit 0." This course must be completed before beginning regular coursework.
- Getting Help: Explains how the student can get support from their instructor, mentor, or the Michigan Virtual Customer Care Center.
- System Check: Confirms that the student’s internet browser is properly set up for Brightspace.
The homepage also includes two helpful widgets:
- My Courses: Displays tiles for each course the student is currently enrolled in. Clicking a tile opens the course’s Class Homepage.
- Announcements: Displays system-wide messages about updates or availability.
Class Homepage
Each course has a Class Homepage that includes key tools and information. At the top of the page, the student will see a navigation menu with these options:
- My Progress: Opens a summary of the student’s progress in the course, including grades, submitted work, and quiz history.
- Orientation: Provides access to the Student Orientation course.
- Class Homepage: Returns the student to the landing page for the course.
- Course Activities: Includes options to access Lessons, Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions.
- Course Tools: Offers access to the student’s Grades, course Resources, and the System Check tool.
The Class Homepage also contains the following widgets:
- Teacher Feed: Used by the instructor to post updates and announcements.
- Instructor Info: Displays the name and contact details for the instructor.
- Course Quick Access: Provides buttons for frequently used course tools.
Course Quick Access Buttons
The Course Quick Access widget includes seven buttons:
- Start Here: Opens the instructor’s welcome letter and the first course lessons.
- Syllabus: Opens the full course syllabus in a new window.
- Pacing Guide: Displays a weekly schedule of recommended activities and assignments.
- Grades: Shows the student’s current grade and graded assignments.
- Policy: Lists Michigan Virtual academic policies.
- Getting Help: Explains how to reach out for help from the instructor or mentor, and when to contact the Customer Care Center.
- TextAid: Opens the ReadSpeaker accessibility tool after the terms have been reviewed and accepted.