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

Q:  How can I see a D2L course the way it appears to a student?

A: The role switch feature will display the course tools the way they appear to students.  There are also other options to see things from the student point of view.  See https://d2l.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1476 for details, screen shots and a video.