November 16

D2L Brightspace upgrade tomorrow

Brightspace_logo_Stacked_RGB_300x275D2L Brightspace is going to be upgraded to version 10.5.3 on Tuesday the 17th from 4:00am to 8:00am. So, whats new?

Here is our another D2L tip of the month or FAQ of the week, brought to you by MnSCU D2L Brightspace Service Desk.

Q:  What’s new in D2L Brightspace version 10.5.3 for students, teachers and campus site administrators?

A:  There are three FAQs to highlight the major changes for the update from version 10.5.0 to version 10.5.3.

What’s New for Students?   https://d2l.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1627

What’s New for Teachers?   https://d2l.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1628

What’s New for Admins?      https://d2l.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1629

 

October 28

TK20: Graphite Upgrade

Photo Credit: http://www.tk20.com/

Photo Credit: http://www.tk20.com/

The Tk20 Graphite upgrade is on its way! Tk20 has been touting this system change for months, so I am happy to report that it is nearly here… or is it???

The interface with TK20 is changing:

  • Gone are the tabs across the top of the screen—navigation is being centralized into one left hand sidebar menu.
  • “Create” and “Search” functions will no longer be separated. If you are looking at student learning outcomes, then buttons for both functions will be available to you.
  • You can switch roles at any time from the top of the screen. You do not have to return to the “home” page to do so.
  • A new “Ad Hoc reports” feature will allow us to combine information from different areas of the system.
  • And many more new features!

Additional information about Graphite and its features can be found both on the Tk20 website: http://www.tk20.com/comingsoon/index.html and in their recent topical webinars, recordings of which can be found on the assessment website: http://stcloudstate.edu/assessment/tk20/webinars.asp.
In the aforementioned webinars, they state that the upgrade is coming in November. However, at a recent TK20 Mn User Group meeting, Tk20 stated that the upgrade will not be made available to those that have the Faculty Qualifications and Accreditation Managements modules until later—and that means us. They did not provide a target date for that roll out, which is called Graphite II.
We will have to patient for a little bit longer, but I think the wait will be worth the new features. I will update campus with new information as soon as I have it.

As always: let us know if you have questions!

Holly Evers