Build Your Course Essentials (Summer 2025)

July 21 – August 10, 2025

Short Course

In this three-week short course you will learn essential strategies for building an effective course with technology (D2L Brightspace). Each module includes two key strategies for student success:

• Module 1: Planning to Build and Start Here Module
• Module 2: Welcoming Course Homepage and Grades and Feedback
• Module 3: Accessibility and Effective Assessments

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to use a course template to get a quick start on your build! This course is a great for those new to D2L Brightspace. For those with D2L Brightspace experience, this will be an excellent refresh with new ideas and resources.

Course Learning Objectives 

• Utilize technology to begin developing your courses.
• Apply course development strategies to your courses.
• Apply instructor presence for engagement and belonging in your courses.
• Incorporate accessibility and equity into your courses.

Suggested Audience 

Faculty (Full-time and part-time), Instructional Designers and Technologists, Faculty Developers/Trainers, and Concurrent Enrollment instructors.

Estimated Time Commitment 

Most participants are able to complete this course by committing 4-6 hours per week. 

Reflect on your Professional Development 

As you progress through this course, please consider how you can use the assignments as a way to highlight your work on your Professional Development Plan. Consider sharing your work with your leadership team. 

Course Location 

This course is hosted and facilitated using shared D2L Brightspace instance of Minnesota State called, MnSite. 

Machine generated captions are available in real-time for all Zoom events, however human generated CART (live caption) service and ASL interpretation can be requested with advanced notice (2 weeks) to make the event more accessible.

Please, let us know of any disability-related accommodations that will facilitate your full participation.