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D2L Version 10.2 Video Script
In this video we will briefly cover the new features for D2L that will be introduced during
Winter term. This upgrade will significantly improve the look and feel of D2L and also
include changes to some of the tool functionality. All and all, it will feature improvements
and fixes to D2L’s usability and added functionality that will enhance instructor and student experiences.
Navigation
The most significant change to the learning environment is the User Interface layout.
The first thing you will notice is a that a new Minibar is always present on the top
of the screen in D2L version 10.2, allowing you to access your courses, notifications,
and personal settings from any course, on any screen. [Show Minibar]
[Show “Select a Course” Dropdown] Instead of having to return to the homepage and search
through a list of your courses, you can now use the “new select a course” drop-down
menu that is always available in the Minibar wherever you are in D2L. A pinning feature
has also been introduced to allow you to have certain courses always appear at the top of
the list. [Demonstrate Pin Feature]
In the right corner of the Minibar you will see your name, and a drop-down menu allows
you to access your Account Settings and Profile information. This is also where you log out.
The Notifications tool under your name on the Minibar drop-down menu allows you to subscribe
to receive email notifications when updates occur, such as a Grade Item is released, a
Grade Item is updated, and also a two-day reminder for upcoming Dropbox and Quiz deadlines.
All of these indicated alerts help create a more socially integrated learning environment.
Course Home
[Click on sandbox course]
The new layout also introduces a Fixed 960 width layout. This will provide better compatibility
with the assortment of technology out there, including mobile devices. Because of this
fixed width, the first thing you will notice on your course homepage is that we have created
a new 2 column widget layout for easier viewing.
Additionally, a new drop down feature allows for consolidation of navigation bar items
into different hover menus. Under Activities, we have Discussions, Dropbox, Quizzes, and
Surveys. Under People, you will see Classlist, Groups, Attendance, and Email. And under Grades,
Rubrics and User Progress
Course Content
[Click on Course Content]
The tool that has had some considerable changes done is course content and as you can see,
it looks much different. However, the core structure of course content is much like you
have been used to. Content is still structured by Modules and Topics. However, creating modules
and topics is much easier and more intuitive.
Modules can be created with a simple click of a button and a name. [click one of the
create modules buttons] Once a module has been created, topics can be added by a simple
drag and drop.[demo drag and drop from a file on the computer] In addition, you can now
create dropbox, discussions, and other activities from course content while you build your course.
[show topic creation options]
These new streamlined workflow processes are shared in each tool. In previous versions
of D2L, there were buttons, icons, and links in different areas of the page (left panel,
top of the page, icons next to individual items, etc) In v.10 these commands are grouped
in easy dropdown menus at the top of the page. [quickly show top navigation buttons for discussions,
dropbox, quizzes] Once again, the overall functionality has not changed, the commands
are just located in a slightly different place.
User Progress
[Cut to user progress tool in Astronomy Demo Course]
In D2L Version 10.2, user progress has been significantly improved to give you a cleaner
and more detailed view on the progress of your students. Here you can see that they
have added a summary screen where you can easily view your entire class and their progress.
Hover over individual items next to the student will display his/her details.
[Click one of the students]
Clicking on a student will give you that users individual breakdown.
[Cut back to D2L Home]
These are just the major changes happening this winter and there are many other improvements
and features version 10.2 will offer. We hope this new version will improve the overall
online experience for all of our instructors and students. Stay tuned as additional live
preview sessions and training workshops will be available later this term. [cut to screen
of Mark and I, and our contact info] If you have any questions regarding the upgrade this
winter, please feel free to contact either our onsite D2L administrator or D2L Instructional
Design Specialist.
JD Gillis Mark Terui gillisj@pdx.edu mterui@pdx.edu