Transforming your digital classroom.
The Brightspace Institute is a comprehensive professional development opportunity designed to help instructors optimize their use of the Brightspace learning management system. Through interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, guided exercises, and personalized support, participants will enhance their course management skills and apply best practices to create organized and engaging Brightspace course sites.
Dates: July 8 - July 18, 2025
Format: In-person with independent work
Location: U of A Campus
Eligibility: Open to all instructors of all Brightspace skill levels
Capacity: Limited to 20 selected applicants
Stipend: $1,000 upon successful completion of the institute and artifacts
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Brightspace Summer Institute, applicants must:
- Be teaching in Fall and/or Spring of the upcoming AY 2025-2026
- Have a syllabus ready for the course to be developed or enhanced
- Demonstrate interest in integrating D2L Brightspace into teaching practices (especially for face-to-face instructors)
Institute Focus Areas
The Institute curriculum addresses five key areas based on best practices and recommendations from the Brightspace Student Experience Survey:
Course Consistency - Implement design principles that prioritize consistent structure, clear content organization, and effective communication strategies
Assessment Management - Establish transparent assessment systems with consistent due dates and clear grade visibility
Personalized Engagement - Design accessible, inclusive course experiences that prioritize interaction and student agency
External Learning Tools Integration - Select and integrate tools that align with learning goals without adding unnecessary complexity
Support and Continued Learning - Access resources that support ongoing course management and professional development
Application Process
Application Period: March 25 - April 25, 2025
Participant Notification: May 5, 2025
The application process includes a brief statement of interest, information about your current Brightspace usage, and acknowledgment of prerequisites and availability. Selected participants will receive pre-Institute materials and optional orientation sessions starting in May.
Program Requirements
Participants will complete a series of interactive workshops and applied learning exercises during the in-person sessions. Independent work will allow you to immediately implement concepts in your own Brightspace courses. The program culminates in an Artifact of Achievement—a new or revised Brightspace course site that demonstrates application of best practices in the focus areas.
Artifact of Achievement Deadline: July 25, 2025
Contact Information
For questions about the Brightspace Institute, please contact Instructional Technology Team.