D2L Brightspace Update Adds Video Tools, Collaboration Features

Education technology company D2L has introduced a number of tools and enhancements for its Brightspace learning management system designed to boost collaboration and learning. Many of the updates build on feedback submitted in the company's Product Idea Exchange, an online community where users can share and discuss product and feature ideas and vote on those they would like to see developed.

Recent updates include: 

  • In the Discussions module, users can utilize @mentions to notify others when they're mentioned.
  • Enhancements to the Portfolio module enable evidence of learning to be linked to one or more courses. A flag icon draws attention to new items, and instructors get a count of how many new pieces of evidence are ready for review.
  • A new Brightspace Parent & Guardian app for Apple and Android devices gives parents and guardians access to learners' classroom activities, shared Portfolio items, feedback and grades.
  • Adaptive streaming technology takes into account device and bandwidth limitations, so that users can view videos on any device without interruption.
  • Automatic captioning and video search capabilities allow users to pinpoint exactly where terms are referenced in videos.
  • Users can now upload large and high-definition video files
  • A chapters function for video editing enables creators to highlight key sections.
  • User profiles can now include pronouns or have pronouns turned off individually.
  • New Courseware Subscription Services provide access to content design support.
  • A Course Publisher tool allows instructors to share a course by publishing it into another standards-compliant LMS.

"COVID-19 disruptions have had a devastating and potentially enduring impact on young learners, especially those who were already facing challenges. That's why we're investing in new features to enhance Brightspace for educators, learners and families," commented John Baker, president and CEO of D2L, in a statement. "As we move forward as a newly public company, we'll continue to make everyday tasks faster and workflows smarter. This will benefit everyone in our learning communities — our graders, content creators, educators, learners and those that support them — in education and in the workforce."

For more information, visit the D2L site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at rkelly@1105media.com.

Featured

  • digital illustration of a glowing padlock at the center, surrounded by abstract icons of books and graduation caps

    2025 Cybersecurity Predictions for K-20 Education

    What should K-12 and higher education institutions expect on the cybersecurity front in the coming year? Here's what the experts told us.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • smartphone with a glowing lock and shield icon at its center, surrounded by floating security symbols like a fingerprint, key, and authentication checkmark

    Jamf to Acquire Identity Automation, Combining Identity and Device Management in One Platform

    Apple mobile device management company Jamf has announced the intent to acquire Identity Automation, a provider of identity and access management (IAM) solutions for K-12 and higher education.

  • two abstract humanoid figures made of interconnected lines and polygons, glowing slightly against a dark gradient background

    Microsoft Introduces Copilot Chat Agents for Education

    Microsoft recently announced Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, a new pay-as-you-go offering that adds AI agents to its existing free chat tool for Microsoft 365 education customers.