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Published on Leave a comment on Brightspace Tip #502: March Continuous Delivery Updates

the word update written on a chalk board

D2L (the company that owns Brightspace) uses Continuous Delivery to update our Brightspace system. The Continuous Delivery model gives us regular monthly updates allowing for incremental and easily integrated changes with no downtime required for our Brightspace system.

Our Continuous Delivery update occurs on the 4th Thursday of each month. D2L provides release notes to help users stay up-to-date with the changes.

Here are some of the updates in the March 2025/20.25.03 release that were added to our system this month:

1) Awards – Option to enter Issue Date when manually issuing awards

To provide greater flexibility when issuing awards, instructors can now use the Issue Date field in the Issue Award dialog. Instructors can manually enter an Issue Date when issuing awards, allowing them to backdate awards as needed. The Issue Date field defaults to the current date.

Previously, instructors could only edit the issue date of an award via API.

The Issue Date field appears below the Select an Award field in the Issue Award dialog.
The Issue Date field appears below the Select an Award field in the Issue Award dialog.

2) Quizzes – Additional question types in new quiz evaluation experience

The new quiz evaluation experience, introduced in September 2024/20.24.09, initially supported a subset of question types, including Multiple Choice, Written Response, True or False, Short Answer, Fill in the Blank, and Multi-Select. It also allowed Question Pools containing these question types.

To fully support the new quiz evaluation experience, this release expands support to include the following additional quiz question types:

  • Arithmetic
  • Matching
  • Ordering
  • Multi Short Answer
  • Significant Figures

With full question type support, organizations can now transition entirely to the new quiz evaluation experience for a seamless and feature-complete workflow.

For additional information about the new quiz evaluation experience and planned updates, refer to the Release of the new quiz evaluation experience blog post.

3) Rubrics – Added Rubric Level Range Visual

This release introduces rubric level ranges in rubric headings, improving clarity for instructors and learners:

  • Instructors can now see rubric level ranges while creating and evaluating rubrics, except for holistic rubrics and non-sequential custom points.
  • Learners can view rubric level ranges in assessments, ensuring a clear understanding of point distributions.

Previously, instructors had to manually explain rubric level ranges to learners. This feature enhances consistency and reduces ambiguity.

The following behavior is expected:

  • Instructors can see the rubric level ranges when creating and evaluating rubrics, except for holistic rubrics and custom points that are not sequential.
analytic rubric with rubric scoring levels and criteria showing custom points
Define the scoring levels and criteria when creating or editing a rubric. Adjust custom points by entering values in the corresponding fields under each level column.
  • Learners can see the rubric criteria level range when viewing rubrics, except for holistic rubrics and custom points that are not sequential.

This feature implements the following PIE items:

  • D10881 (Hide rubric overall grade range and make it clearer)
  • D8693 (Make Rubric Levels Ranges)

If you are interested in getting more information about these and all the March Continuous Delivery updates, refer to the Brightspace Platform March 2025/20.25.03 Release Notes.

Additionally, refer to the Brightspace Release Notes for Continuous Delivery Releases, for details about current, past, and to preview upcoming continuous delivery updates.

Want more information?

View current, past, and preview upcoming Continuous Delivery release notes
Instructors Quick Start Tutorial
Brightspace Known Issues
Request a sandbox course
Sign-up for Brightspace training sessions
You can find Brightspace help at D2L's website.
Join the Brightspace Community.
Try these Brightspace How-To documents.
Visit our Brightspace FAQs for additional Brightspace information
or schedule a one-on-one session, email, or
call Janice Florent: (504) 520-7418.

Note: Are you doing something innovative in Brightspace or perhaps you've discovered a handy tip? Share how you are using Brightspace in your teaching and learning in The Orange Room.

Image credit: image by geralt from Pixabay

Leave a comment on Conversation #122: Refusing AI

A conversation between Maggie Fernandes, Megan McIntyre, Jennifer Sano-Franchini, and Jay Todd on refusing generative AI in writing studies.

a silhouette of a person in a data center with the text "No Photo Available" overlaid, as if to suggest the subject REFUSED to have their photo taken
as if to suggest they REFUSED to have their photo taken

Maggie Fernandes (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition at the University of Arkansas.

Megan McIntyre (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition and Director of the Program in Rhetoric and Composition at the University of Arkansas.

Jennifer Sano-Franchini (she/her) is the Gaziano Family Legacy Professor and an Associate Professor of English at West Virginia University.


Links for this episode:

Transcript:

...continue reading "Conversation #122: Refusing AI"

Published on Leave a comment on Brightspace Tip #501: Product Idea Exchange (PIE)

three pies

Pi (π) Day is celebrated on March 14th (3.14). Did you know the Brightspace Community has a PIE? Yes, there is a PIE (Product Idea Exchange) in the Brightspace Community. The PIE is a system that allows Brightspace users to share their suggestions on how to make Brightspace better. I invite you to take a few minutes to explore the Brightspace Product Idea Exchange (PIE).

We’ve put together this collection of PIE ideas you can consider upvoting so that we can add our voice to the community to make the Brightspace experience better. To get you started, here are links to articles on baking a better PIE and what makes an idea great. You can also search the PIE for ideas to upvote or submit your own idea to the PIE. Let us know if you submit your own idea to the PIE so that we can upvote it.

Want more information?

How can I access the PIE?

View current, past, and preview upcoming Continuous Delivery release notes
Instructors Quick Start Tutorial
Brightspace Known Issues
Request a sandbox course
Sign-up for Brightspace training sessions
You can find Brightspace help at D2L's website.
Join the Brightspace Community.
Try these Brightspace How-To documents.
Visit our Brightspace FAQs for additional Brightspace information
or schedule a one-on-one session, email, or
call Janice Florent: (504) 520-7418.

Note: Are you doing something innovative in Brightspace or perhaps you've discovered a handy tip? Share how you are using Brightspace in your teaching and learning in The Orange Room.

Image Credit: "073/365 - Pi Day Pies, 2012" by Dennis Wilkinson is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Published on Leave a comment on ICYMI: Rethinking Assessment Strategies in the Age of AI

Rethinking Assessment Strategies in the Age of AI [49:24]

Thanks to those of you who attended last month's "Rethinking Assessment Strategies in the Age of AI" workshop. The workshop, the 21st in our #LEX Advanced series, helps you to build on the skills you learned in the #LearnEverywhereXULA course and will assist you in designing alternative/authentic assessments that challenge students to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways in this age of AI.

In case you missed last month’s training session or if you attended the training session and want to recap what was covered, a copy of the workshop recording and resources referenced in the workshop are available. You can find the workshop recording and other resources in support of the workshop on the CAT+FD wiki.

Additionally, if you did not get the opportunity to earn a digital badge for participating in the workshop, it's not too late to earn that badge. We have a corresponding “Rethinking Assessment Strategies” module in the #LearnEverywhereXULA (#LEX) course that you can complete to earn a digital badge for this topic. The badge will count towards your #LEX Advanced certification.

This year, the liturgical season of Lent overlaps with the sacred month of Ramadan. In the Christian and Muslim traditions, this is a time of contemplation. Coincidentally this year, they also overlap Xavier's Midterms, which as we know, is a time of deep introspection for many of our students.  During this period, remember to take a balanced approach to your own working life, and give yourself some time to interact with colleagues from across the campus. Click on the name of any event below to learn more about it.
Published on Leave a comment on March Opportunities at CAT+FD
Full Eclipse of the Moon as seen in from Irvine, CA, USA
Sergei Mutovkin from Irvine, California, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This year, the liturgical season of Lent and the sacred month of Ramadan coincide, both calling for reflection, renewal, and intentionality. It is fitting that this also overlaps with Xavier’s Midterms—a time when our students engage in their own forms of deep introspection.

As we guide them through this demanding season, let’s also be mindful of our own well-being. Balance is essential, and taking time to connect with colleagues can be both restorative and inspiring. This month’s calendar of events offer opportunities to reflect, recharge, and engage with our community.

Click on the name of any event below to learn more—I hope to see you there. And don't miss the lunar eclipse this Thursday night!

WEEKLY OPPORTUNITIES

  • Coffee & Chat, every Monday & Tuesday, 10:00-11:00
    Spend some time with members of the CAT+FD staff in our Conference Room for refreshments and conversation.
  • Quarter of Quiet, every Wednesday, 2:00-2:15
    Give yourself 15 minutes of unguided contemplation. Join us in person  the Chapel's Meditation Room or in spirit from any location. 

MARCH WORKSHOPS & BROWN-BAGS

  • Xavier Faculty Writing Group, Monday, March 10, 11:00-1:00
    Members of the Xavier Faculty Writing Group gather each Monday to enjoy lunch together while putting in some extra time on their writing projects. 
  • Part-Time Faculty Brown Bag: X-Core & Part-Time Teaching, Tuesday, March 11, 4:00-5:00
    Each month, part-time faculty members are invited to meet to discuss their classes and to learn more about teaching at Xavier.
  • Social Hour/PIE-1 Day, Thursday, March 13, 4:00-5:30
    Since midterm grades are due on the Pi Day (Friday, March 14) this year, CAT+FD is celebrating PIE-1 Day on Thursday, March 13. Take a break from your grading, and join us in the Mellon Seminar Room for some fellowship and some pie!
  • Xavier Faculty Writing Group, Monday, March 17, 11:00-1:00
    Members of the Xavier Faculty Writing Group gather each Monday to enjoy lunch together while putting in some extra time on their writing projects. 
  • New Faculty Brown Bag: Xavier's Core Curriculum (X-Core), Tuesday, March 18, 12:15-1:00
    First-year faculty are invited to learn more about Xavier's unique undergraduate core curriculum, known as X-Core. 
  • Xavier Faculty Writing Group, Monday, March 24, 11:00-1:00
    Members of the Xavier Faculty Writing Group gather each Monday to enjoy lunch together while putting in some extra time on their writing projects. 
  • SERG (Science Education Research Group), Tuesday, March 25, 3:30-4:30
    The monthly SERG meetings are informal, multidisciplinary forums for the discussion of pedagogical issues. These meetings are open to all interested faculty. There is no need to register.
  • Mindful Check-in, Wednesday, March 26, 1:00-1:50
    Please join us for an informal and open conversation about your experiences, challenges, questions, and the upcoming April “Take 5" Challenge. Faculty, staff, and students are welcome.
  • Xavier Faculty Writing Group, Monday, March 31, 11:00-1:00
    Members of the Xavier Faculty Writing Group gather each Monday to enjoy lunch together while putting in some extra time on their writing projects. 

OUTSIDE OPPORTUNITIES

CAT+FD is not sponsoring or partnering on any of the following events. If you have questions, please contact the event organizers.

  • NSF – EiR – Secondary Data Institute, May 25-30 (Prairie View A&M): Researchers at HBCUs often face unique challenges concerning research productivity and grantsmanship. This project aims to address these challenges by providing training opportunities and mentoring in the statistical analysis of archived data sources at the University of Michigan’s Inter-University Consortium of Political and Social Research (ICPSR). This project supports a residential summer institute on PVAMU’s main campus near Houston, Texas, focusing on developing skills to analyze and integrate secondary data analysis into research and teaching.
  • HBCU Ai Conference and Training Summit, April 1-3 (Huston-Tillotson University): The HBCU Ai Conference and Training Summit is the first-of-its-kind event, dedicated to reshaping the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by empowering Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Scheduled to take place April 1-3, 2025, this transformative summit brings together thought leaders, educators, researchers, and industry professionals to bridge the gap between HBCUs and the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
  • 2025 Notre Dame Inclusive Teaching Academy, June 2–6 (Chicago, IL): The Notre Dame Inclusive Teaching Academy provides robust, intensive training in support of the transformation of faculty teaching. Learn about, reflect on, and apply principles of inclusive pedagogy alongside colleagues from across the country as you redesign course materials and prepare to lead inclusive teaching efforts in your department and on campus.

Published on Leave a comment on Brightspace Tip #500: February Continuous Delivery Updates

the word update written on a chalk board

D2L (the company that owns Brightspace) uses Continuous Delivery to update our Brightspace system. The Continuous Delivery model gives us regular monthly updates allowing for incremental and easily integrated changes with no downtime required for our Brightspace system.

Our Continuous Delivery update occurs on the 4th Thursday of each month. D2L provides release notes to help users stay up-to-date with the changes.

Here are some of the updates in the February 2025/20.25.02 release that were added to our system this month:

1) Brightspace Editor – Updated Accessibility Checker icon

This release updates the Accessibility Checker icon in Brightspace Editor to improve user recognition and understanding.

The updated Accessibility Checker icon is now a human figure within a circle, replacing the eye symbol with a check mark for better clarity.
The updated Accessibility Checker icon is now a human figure within a circle, replacing the eye symbol with a check mark for better clarity.

The previous Accessibility Checker icon of an eye and checkmark.
The previous Accessibility Checker icon of an eye and checkmark.

2) Email – Validation required when using the Copy external mail on all sent messages option

Users must validate their external email addresses whenever they use the Copy external mail on all sent messages option. This option is selected in either Email Settings or the Account Settings > Email tab.

Users can configure the Copy external mail on all sent messages option in the Account Settings > Email tab.
Users can configure the Copy external mail on all sent messages option in the Account Settings > Email tab.

Account Settings, Email Options with send a copy of each outgoing message to [email address] checked
Once you have an external email address configured, the text of the option changes to Send a copy of each outgoing message to [external email].

Email Settings, Email Options, send copy of each outgoing message to [email address] box unchecked
Users can also configure the Copy external mail on all sent messages option in Email Settings. The text in this location also changes to Send a copy of each outgoing message to [external email].

Once users save their changes, the system sends a validation email message to the external email address. Users click the link in the email to validate the setting and email address. Unverified email addresses display a Not Verified - Click to Resend Verification Email status next to the Send a copy of each outgoing message to [external email] option. Users can resend validation emails, but the system does not copy messages to the external email address until it verifies the address. If users change their external email address, they must repeat the validation process.

Email Settings, Email Options, Not verified message
Unverified emails are indicated with the Not Verified - Click to Resend Verification Email status. Users can click that status to resend the verification email.

Previously, Copy external mail on all sent messages did not require validation of external email. Any users who have previously configured Copy external mail on all sent messages do not require validation unless their external email address is altered.

Note:

  • An external email is considered any email outside of Brightspace, regardless of whether it is within your institution's domain or not.
  • Once you have an external email address configured, the text of the option changes to Send a copy of each outgoing message to [external email].

If you are interested in getting more information about these and all the February Continuous Delivery updates, refer to the Brightspace Platform February 2025/20.25.02 Release Notes.

Additionally, refer to the Brightspace Release Notes for Continuous Delivery Releases, for details about current, past, and to preview upcoming continuous delivery updates.

Want more information?

View current, past, and preview upcoming Continuous Delivery release notes
Instructors Quick Start Tutorial
Brightspace Known Issues
Request a sandbox course
Sign-up for Brightspace training sessions
You can find Brightspace help at D2L's website.
Join the Brightspace Community.
Try these Brightspace How-To documents.
Visit our Brightspace FAQs for additional Brightspace information
or schedule a one-on-one session, email, or
call Janice Florent: (504) 520-7418.

Note: Are you doing something innovative in Brightspace or perhaps you've discovered a handy tip? Share how you are using Brightspace in your teaching and learning in The Orange Room.

Image credit: image by geralt from Pixabay

Published on Leave a comment on Brightspace Tip #499: Turnitin – Quick Submit

Turnitin is a plagiarism detection tool that is integrated into our Brightspace system. Turnitin checks student work for potential plagiarism and allows instructors to provide electronic feedback to students through markup, proofing, and rubrics tools.

Instructors typically create an Assignment submission folder with Turnitin enabled. When students submit their assignments they are checked for potential plagiarism. However, there may be situations where an instructor needs to submit a paper to be checked by Turnitin.

Turnitin - Quick Submit

The Quick Submit feature allows instructors to submit papers and receive Similarity Reports without creating an Assignment in their course. This is ideal for instructors who would like to use Turnitin to spot check submissions and have these papers in electronic format. Quick Submit SHOULD NOT be used if the instructor desires to have students submit their own papers or plans on using PeerMark (peer review assignment tool) or GradeMark (make comments on and assess student papers). Instructors should create an Assignment and enable Turnitin for the assignment instead.

Follow these steps to do it.

To use Quick Submit to submit a paper:

  1. Log in to your Turnitin account natively through www.turnitin.com.
  2. Activate Quick Submit by clicking on User Info from the top of the instructor homepage.
  3. On the preferences page, select yes from the activate Quick Submit drop-down menu. The Quick Submit tab will appear on the instructor homepage, making the Quick Submit inbox available for use.
  4. To start the upload process, click on the Submit button in the Quick Submit inbox and follow the instructions.

Want more information?

Activating Quick Submit
Quick Submit
Assignments and Turnitin
Interpreting the Similarity Report

Brightspace Tip #464: Simplify Assignment Collection
Brightspace Tip #498: Turnitin Feedback Studio
Brightspace Tip #122: Getting the Best out of Turnitin Feedback Studio

View current, past, and preview upcoming Continuous Delivery release notes
Instructors Quick Start Tutorial
Brightspace Known Issues
Request a sandbox course
Sign-up for Brightspace training sessions
You can find Brightspace help at D2L's website.
Join the Brightspace Community.
Try these Brightspace How-To documents.
Visit our Brightspace FAQs for additional Brightspace information
or schedule a one-on-one session, email, or
call Janice Florent: (504) 520-7418.

Note: Are you doing something innovative in Brightspace or perhaps you've discovered a handy tip? Share how you are using Brightspace in your teaching and learning in The Orange Room.

Published on Leave a comment on #LEX Advanced Certification

#LearnEverywhereXULA (#LEX) is our award winning Brightspace course that is organized around the eight General Standards for Higher Education set forth in the Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric Sixth Edition. The information, activities, and assignments in the #LEX course aids faculty in developing high quality, well-designed, objective-driven courses on Brightspace for Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) students.

hot air ballons

When faculty complete the #LEX course, they have the opportunity to expand their horizons even more through #LEX Advanced certification. With the certification, faculty learn about using design and automation features available in Brightspace to apply better pedagogical practices within their courses by making them more user-friendly, accessible, and efficient.

#LEX Advanced takes a deeper dive into tools like Rubrics, Release Conditions, Intelligent Agents, HTML Templates, Awards & Badges, and more. #LEX Advanced certification also includes topics such as accessibility, academic integrity, rethinking assessment strategies in the age of AI, securing online testing environment, online discussions, group work, and video lectures.

A #LEX Advanced badge can be earned for participation in a #LEX Advanced workshop OR for completing its corresponding module in the #LEX course.

Our #LEX Advanced certification has five levels. Faculty can move up a certification level with every fourth #LEX Advanced badge they earn. Complete four modules to earn the #LEX Advanced Level 1 certification. Complete eight modules to earn the #LEX Advanced Level 2 certification. Complete twelve modules to earn the #LEX Advanced Level 3 certification. Complete sixteen modules to earn the #LEX Advanced Level 4 certification. Complete twenty modules to earn the #LEX Advanced Level 5 certification.

Faculty can view the badges they've earned by clicking on Activities in the NavBar and then click on Awards within the #LearnEverywhereXULA course.

Are you interested in becoming #LEX Advanced certified? Attend one of our upcoming #LEX Advanced workshops to start earning your badges. Alternatively, you can earn badges by completing modules in the #LearnEverywhereXULA course.

NOTE: Faculty who are not enrolled in the #LearnEverywhereXULA course can request enrollment using this enrollment request form.

#LEX Advanced Certifications

#LEX Advanced certificate

Congratulations to those faculty who have earned #LEX Advanced Certification!

#LEX Advanced Level 1 Certificate Awardees

  • Ayyad, Dr. Ahlam
  • Bailey-Wheeler, Dr. Janel
  • Bellone-Hite, Dr. Amy
  • DiMaggio, Dr. Stassi
  • Earls, Dr. Martha
  • Edwards, Dr. Andrea
  • Farudi, Dr. Giti
  • Gaudin, Dr. Wendy
  • Gstohl, Dr. Mark
  • Hammer, Dr. Elizabeth Yost
  • Helm, Dr. Amanda
  • Laborde, Dr. Katheryn
  • Ma, Dr. Timmy
  • Manley, Dr. Elizabeth
  • McFerrin, Dr. Harris
  • Nguyen, Dr. Nam
  • Plaisance-Meyers, Dr. Sierra
  • Ratnayaka, Dr. Harish
  • Rousselle, Dr. Elizabeth
  • Salm, Dr. Steven
  • Sirohi, Dr. Sunil
  • St. Julien, Dr. Danielle
  • Taylor, Dr. Ashley
  • Todd, Dr. Jason
  • Verma, Dr. Abha

#LEX Advanced Level 2 Certificate Awardees

  • Ayyad, Dr. Ahlam
  • Bailey-Wheeler, Dr. Janel
  • Earls, Dr. Martha
  • Edwards, Dr. Andrea
  • Gstohl, Dr. Mark
  • Hammer, Dr. Elizabeth Yost
  • Ma, Dr. Timmy
  • Ratnayaka, Dr. Harish
  • Rousselle, Dr. Elizabeth
  • Todd, Dr. Jason

#LEX Advanced Level 3 Certificate Awardees

  • Ayyad, Dr. Ahlam
  • Edwards, Dr. Andrea
  • Gstohl, Dr. Mark
  • Hammer, Dr. Elizabeth Yost
  • Ma, Dr. Timmy
  • Todd, Dr. Jason

#LEX Advanced Level 4 Certificate Awardees

  • Ayyad, Dr. Ahlam
  • Hammer, Dr. Elizabeth Yost
  • Todd, Dr. Jason

Image credits:
image by PDPhotos from Pixabay
"#LEX Advanced Certificate of Completion" by Bart | CC BY 4.0

Published on Leave a comment on Brightspace Tip #498: Turnitin Feedback Studio

Turnitin document viewer

Turnitin Feedback Studio is a program that checks student work for potential plagiarism and allows instructors to provide electronic feedback to students through markup, proofing, and rubrics tools.

Watch this short Turnitin Feedback Studio Walkthrough video from Turnitin.

Did you know that Turnitin is integrated into Brightspace? Instructors can choose to enable Turnitin when setting up Assignments in Brightspace.

Also, two Turnitin training sessions were conducted this semester:

If you missed these sessions or would like to review the material, please email cat@xula.edu to request the recording links.

Want more information?

Turnitin Feedback Studio Demo
Simplify assignment collection
Tips for Creating Assignments
Assignments and Turnitin
Turnitin Feedback Studio - Instructor
Quick Tips for Mastering Feedback Studio
AI Writing Detection in the New, Enhanced Similarity Report
Turnitin Quick Submit
Turnitin Feedback Studio - Student
Students - View your Turnitin assignment feedback

View current, past, and preview upcoming Continuous Delivery release notes
Instructors Quick Start Tutorial
Brightspace Known Issues
Request a sandbox course
Sign-up for Brightspace training sessions
You can find Brightspace help at D2L's website.
Join the Brightspace Community.
Try these Brightspace How-To documents.
Visit our Brightspace FAQs for additional Brightspace information
or schedule a one-on-one session, email, or
call Janice Florent: (504) 520-7418.

Note: Are you doing something innovative in Brightspace or perhaps you've discovered a handy tip? Share how you are using Brightspace in your teaching and learning in The Orange Room.

Published on Leave a comment on Brightspace Tip #497: Assignments

Use the Assignments tool to help you set and manage deadlines, unclutter your inbox, and save trees!

The Assignments tool is an efficient way to manage and collect your student's individual and group assignments digitally. You can use the Assignments tool to create and edit assignments, see users’ submission times, view submissions on the Evaluate Submission page, associate assignments to rubrics, and return submissions to learners with their grades and your feedback.

For assignments that included file submissions, you can download the submissions to your computer for review offline.

essay paper with corrections in red with red pen laying on the paper

This blog post answers frequently asked questions about creating an assignment using the Assignments tool.

When you create an Assignment with the new Assignment Creation Experience, the default when you enter points in the “Grade Out Of” field is that the “In Grade Book” option will be automatically selected.

The “In Grade Book” option will automatically create a grade item (column) in the Grade Book. The grade item is created with the same name as the Assignment.

Example showing the “In Grade Book” option when points are entered.
Example showing the “In Grade Book” option when points are entered.

If you setup your Grade Book before creating the Assignment and you already have a grade item (column) for the Assignment in your Grade Book, you would associate the Assignment to the grade item by using the "Edit or Link to Existing" option and then navigate to the grade item in your Grade Book that you want to associate the Assignment with.

Example showing the “Edit or Link to Existing” option in the drop-down list.
Example showing the “Edit or Link to Existing” option in the drop-down list.

Example showing the option to “Link to an existing grade item” with the grade item selected.
Example showing the option to “Link to an existing grade item” with the grade item selected.

If you DO NOT want the system to create a column for the Assignment in your Grade Book, then you should select the "Not in Grade Book" option.

Example showing the “Not in Grade Book” option in the drop-down list.
Example showing the “Not in Grade Book” option in the drop-down list.

The drop-down menu also allows you to reset the Assignment to ungraded, if necessary.

NOTE: Even though the new Assignment Creation Experience can automatically create a grade item (column) in your Grade Book, we still suggest you setup your Grade Book first and when you create your Assignments then choose the option to “Edit or Link to Existing” grade item in your Grade Book and navigate to the grade item that you want to associate the Assignment with.

Choosing to automatically create grade items in your Grade Book may present a problem when viewing your Grade Book from the Enter Grades tab. If you find the extra wide column headings that are created because of a long assignment name to be problematic, then you can edit the grade items and enter a shorter name for them. You can edit the grade items one at a time or edit them in bulk.

Example showing a grade item being edited to enter a short name for it.
Example showing a grade item being edited to enter a short name for it.

You can edit grade items in bulk from the Manage Grades tab. First, select the grade items you want to edit and then click Bulk Edit.

Example showing grade items being selected for a bulk edit.
Example showing grade items being selected for a bulk edit.

Example showing short names entered for grade items on the bulk edit items and categories page.
Example showing short names entered for grade items on the bulk edit items and categories page.

You will see the short names when you view your Grade Book from the Enter Grades tab.

Want more information?

Brightspace Tip #464: Simplify Assignment Collection
About Assignments
Create an Assignment

View current, past, and preview upcoming Continuous Delivery release notes
Instructors Quick Start Tutorial
Brightspace Known Issues
Request a sandbox course
Sign-up for Brightspace training sessions
You can find Brightspace help at D2L's website.
Join the Brightspace Community.
Try these Brightspace How-To documents.
Visit our Brightspace FAQs for additional Brightspace information
or schedule a one-on-one session, email, or
call Janice Florent: (504) 520-7418.

Note: Are you doing something innovative in Brightspace or perhaps you've discovered a handy tip? Share how you are using Brightspace in your teaching and learning in The Orange Room.

Image credit: Image | Pixabay