BSU online courses are delivered via D2L Brightspace software.
What is D2L Brightspace?
D2L Brightspace (or simply D2L, short for “Desire 2 Learn”) is our online learning platform that allows you to use your computer and other devices to receive and submit assignments, work in groups, explore advanced learning options and interact with your instructors and other online learners. You’ll have access to the software when you register for BSU online courses.
How do I get started using D2L Brightspace?
If you are enrolled at BSU, you have access to a comprehensive Student D2L Brightspace Orientation in your D2L account. Access it here with your StarID and password.
Here is a quick introduction to navigating D2L from the student perspective.
Also, D2L has developed a comprehensive D2L Brightspace help site here.
Is there a D2L Brightspace orientation?
Why yes, there is! Access the BSU D2L Brightspace orientation by logging in to your D2L account, and selecting the class from the course selector in the top menu. The orientation is interactive and has several helpful videos. Some courses require that you take and pass the orientation before you can complete the requirements of the class. Check your class syllabi to be sure.
If you don’t see the orientation in your list of courses, you can self-register for this free training:
- In the upper left of your D2L home page, click on Discover.
- Click the BSU Student Orientation to D2L Brightspace tile in the Featured menu.
- Click the Enroll in Course button.
- On the D2L home page and in every course, there is a HelpLinks menu on the right side (scroll down) of the page with several helpful resources.
If you are new to D2L, you may find the following videos helpful:
D2L Navigation
Content
Quizzes
Assignments
Discussions
Grades
For more D2L videos, click here
How do I get technical help if needed?
You’ll find the support you need from the BSU Help Desk, which responds to questions via e-mail, telephone, or in person from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Central Time) Monday through Friday. The Knowledge Base system is available 24/7.
Contact:
BSU HelpDesk
Deputy Hall 161
Knowledge Base and Help Ticket System (go here first)
Local: (218) 755-3777
How do online courses compare with on-campus courses?
Academic excellence is always high priority. Our online programs offer the same standards of excellence in faculty and curriculum as you find in our traditional classrooms. See this web page for What to Expect in Online Learning.
Many of our online courses are certified through a rigorous peer-review process called Quality Matters. Learn more about Quality Matters at BSU here.
Required credits are also consistent between programs offered on campus and through Extended Learning. This allows you to start as a traditional student and later become a distance learner or vice versa (depending on your major program). Assigned projects, reading and other requirements are often identical to requirements for traditional programs. In addition, our online undergraduate and graduate programs are fully accredited and transfer to other institutions in the same way as traditional courses.
Which courses are available online?
Find online courses by using the class schedule. Choose the term, the subject, and then choose “distance” in the location drop-down menu.
