Below are the archived announcements from 2022 that were posted in the D2L Announcements widget by LSC-Online. The newest information is at the top. Please visit the Announcements page for the most up-to-date information.
LSC-Online also provides other outlets of helpful information, including an email newsletter, a video newsletter, and an event calendar.
December D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Dec 20, 2022 12:01 AM
The next update for D2L is scheduled for December 23rd.
Important information regarding the update:
ReadSpeaker
- ReadSpeaker will now be available to use in Discussions, allowing students and instructors to listen to the posts made by you and their fellow classmates.
Rubrics
- You will now be able to edit certain text fields in rubrics to correct spelling errors, clarify wording, and make other minor changes that does not impact the academic integrity of the rubric. Please note that structural changes such as changing point values, evaluation levels, or criteria still cannot be edited once the rubric has been assessed.
RESOLVED Undeliverable Email issue
Posted in D2L on Dec 6, 2022 2:22 PM
The issue that was affecting email delivery between [@lonestar.edu] and [@d2l.lonestar.edu] has since been resolved. Emails between the two domains should function normally now, and should no longer result in an error.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while we addressed this issue.
November D2L Update
Posted on Nov 22, 2022 12:01 AM
The next update for D2L is scheduled for November 25th.
Important information regarding the update:
Pulse App
- You will now be able to choose which email or SMS notifications you receive by accessing settings directly from the Pulse app. Previously, you could only personalize email notification through D2L.
Classlist
- Your selected pronouns will now be displayed in the classlist. You can choose your pronouns under Account Settings.
Scheduled Archiving
Posted in D2L on Nov 16, 2022 7:00 AM
Starting Wednesday, November 30th, we will be archiving all 2021 D2L courses, sandboxes, and community groups.
Archived courses will no longer show in your My Courses list in D2L; however, they will continue to be available in your course copy menu for one additional semester.
If you need to regain access to an archived course, please go to VTAC Support and select the Archived Course Restore form under Course Design to request that your access be restored.
RESOLVED: Undeliverable Email issue
Posted in D2L on Nov 11, 2022 1:07 PM
This issue has been resolved (see above). The original message is as follows:
There's currently an ongoing issue that is preventing emails from being sent to email addresses within the [@d2l.lonestar.edu] domain from [@lonestar.edu] , resulting in the following error message:
"Your message wasn't delivered due to a permission or security issue. It may have been rejected by a moderator..."
Please note that we are currently investigating the issue and have already notified D2L. We will provide an update as soon as possible.
As a temporary workaround, emails between [@lonestar.edu] and [@my.lonestar.edu] domains should still be working normally.
We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused.
October D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Oct 25, 2022 7:00 AM
The next update for D2L is scheduled for October 28th.
Important information regarding the update:
Quizzes
- Preview the new quiz create/edit experience that brings consistency changes from Assignments to Quizzes.
- This new experience can be toggled on or off at any time until Summer 2023.
- For more information, visit the Virtual Teaching Assistance Center.
Pulse App
- Users will now be able to configure which type of push notifications they receive within the Pulse app.
- Pulse will now preserve links and images within Content Module descriptions.
Grades
- This update performs a one-time deletion of all unused or duplicate grade schemes, leaving only unique grade schemes. This ensures increased performance and reduced errors while copying.
Webex
- A change will be occurring to Webex in D2L that will break any links in D2L courses that point to Webex recordings.
- To avoid potential disruption, please use these instructions to convert any Webex recording links in your courses to YuJa.
- This will NOT affect any links to Webex recordings from other sources. This change ONLY applies to Webex links contained in D2L course content.
Links in D2L to Webex Recordings to Be Impacted Oct. 28
Posted in D2L on Oct 20, 2022 8:00 AM and emailed by OTS
From the Office of Technology Services (OTS):
Convert Webex Recording Links to Yuja Before Oct. 28
Hello, LSC Faculty & Staff. Please be aware that a change will be occurring to Webex in D2L on Friday, October 28, that will cause any links in D2L courses that point to Webex recordings to break.
Use the following instructions to convert any Webex recording links in your courses to Yuja to avoid any disruption: https://vtac.lonestar.edu/help/how-to-convert-a-webex-recording-link-into-yuja-link
This will NOT affect any links to Webex recordings in other resources. This change is ONLY limited to those in D2L course content.
Need IT assistance? The OTS Service Desk never closes.
We’re available 24/7/365 (366 days during leap years!), and we’re happy to help.
Go to LoneStar.edu/ServiceCenter or call 832.813.6600 (toll-free 866.614.5014).
September D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Sep 20, 2022 9:00 AM
The next update for D2L is scheduled for September 23rd.
Important information regarding the update:
Quizzes
- With this release, instructors have the option to create quizzes with no time limit. The No Time Limit option is now the default Timing setting for new quizzes.
- Students who take a quiz with no time limit now see Time Allowed: Unlimited on the Quiz Summary page, reducing test anxiety for some.
Assignments
- Instructors who teach multiple courses can now copy assignments to other courses from the context menu in Assignments list view.
- Some information does not carry over when using the Copy to Other Courses option, including Availability - Release Conditions and Special Access settings, images added using Insert Stuff that were saved to course files, Evaluation and Feedback information, and Content topic associations.
RESOLVED: Pulse App issue affecting login
Posted in D2L on Sep 14, 2022 10:26 AM (Edited 9/28/22)
The Pulse App error—"This request's 'x_target' value does not match the allowed values for this application"—has been resolved. Logging into Pulse using the D2L [Secure Sign-in] should no longer result in this error.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while we addressed this issue.
Original Message:
When launching Pulse, you may see this error message: "This request's 'x_target' value does not match the allowed values for this application."
- Within Pulse, click on the upper-left corner -> [Settings] -> [Sign Out of All Accounts].
- On the purple screen, click [Get Started].
- In the "Who provides your learning?" search field, type LSCS. Click on the first result.
- On the LSC-Online login page, use the [Alternate Login] link.
Please do NOT use [Secure sign-in]. - You should be logged into Pulse now.
- On the purple screen, click [Get Started].
We are aware of this issue, and will deliver a fix as soon as it is available. Until then, please follow the workaround listed above. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
RESOLVED: D2L Slowness
Posted in D2L on Aug 29, 2022 9:34 AM (Edited)
The issue that was affecting D2L loading speeds have been resolved.
Original Message: D2L is currently experiencing a degradation in service. Pages are loading slowly. We are aware of the issue and do not currently have an estimated time for resolution. D2L is working on the issue.
Extended Support Hours
Posted in D2L on Aug 25, 2022 1:00 PM
LSC-Online is offering extended support hours this Saturday, Aug. 27th from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The LSC-Online team will be providing ticket support and a virtual open lab to assist faculty with D2L, supported technologies, and course design.
The virtual open lab can be accessed through this link: https://lonestar.webex.com/lonestar/j.php?MTID=mbcc200a1e4d7a1610f0338dba7a3c756
Tickets for D2L related questions/issues can be submitted by emailing VTAC@LoneStar.edu
OTS is available 24/7 for technology questions.
For other support opportunities, please refer to the VTAC Event Calendar.
Video Newsletter - Fall 2022
Posted in D2L on Aug 24, 2022 12:01 AM
The Online Update is a video newsletter produced every major semester by Lone Star College-Online.
Here are the topics in the Fall 2022 Episode:
- YuJa Video Platform
- Ally
- Equatio
- Restoring Quizzes
- Qwickly Refresh
- And more...
August D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Aug 23, 2022 12:01 AM
The next update for D2L is scheduled for August 26th.
Important information regarding the update:
Quizzes
Instructors will have the option to restore deleted quizzes. This option appears in the More Actions menu in the Quizzes tool.
If students had taken the quiz prior to deletion, their attempts, statistics, and scores will be restored as well. Links to a grade item and competencies are not restored.
Assignments
In Assignments, the search filter will default to Show everyone for individual assignments and Show all groups for group assignments.
- Previously, the defaults were Users with submissions for individual assignments and Submitted groups for group assignments.
HTML Editor
The HTML Editor will allow instructors to directly insert a code snippet into their content. This is done by selecting the Other Insert Options menu from the editor toolbar, and then selecting the new Insert Code option.
- Note: The Insert Code option is not available in the Quizzes tool.
Fall 2022 Semester Start
Posted in D2L on Aug 22, 2022 12:01 AM
Welcome to the Fall 2022 Semester!
To get started in your D2L course, please explore the following resources:
D2L Semester Start Checklist: This checklist will assist you in making a smooth start in your D2L courses and includes topics like copying content and merging course sections. You can find it at the following link: D2L Semester Start Instructor Checklist.
Visit this VTAC Knowledge Base: This site contains guides to help you work with your new D2L course. You can learn more about using it at the following link: Using VTAC Knowledge Base.
D2L resources for students can be found at this link: Virtual Learning Assistance Center.
ALERT: Knowmia-YuJa Migration Update
Posted in D2L on Aug 15, 2022 4:46 PM
Faculty, Knowmia has been retired as of the 13th of August, 2022. YuJa is the new video platform moving forward.
July D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Jul 26, 2022 12:01 AM
The July update for D2L is scheduled for July 29th.
Important information regarding the update:
Turnitin
The Turnitin integration options layout and feature names are changed with this release. The option changes can be viewed on the Turnitin Integrations options page.
GradeMark is now Online Grading and Originality Check is now Similarity Report.
Instructors can now restrict file types to those supported by Turnitin with the option Compatible with Turnitin under Allowable File Extensions. If an invalid type is submitted, an error is reported with no other side effect.
- For more info, please visit Use Turnitin Feedback Studio (Online Grading) with an Assignment.
Grades
Copy grade items only copies unique or in-use grade schemes. Previously, unassociated grade schemes were always copied over with the grade items, causing numerous unnecessary duplicates.
Qwickly
Main navigation menu moved from top of the screen to the left-side of the screen.
Updated attendance modes, Student Details card, interface updates to Attendance Record, New Settings Menu, and revamped Grading Settings.
For more info, please visit Qwickly Attendance Instructor Experience Update.
Introducing Blackboard Ally
Emailed to All Faculty on June 22, 2022 11:36 AM
As part of our system-wide commitment to inclusive education, Lone Star College has purchased Blackboard Ally for D2L. This tool will review courses in D2L and provide Faculty with an accessibility report and score for each course. The report contains information on overall course accessibility, areas for improvement, and easy-to-follow instructions on correcting any accessibility issues. Faculty receive real-time feedback and updated accessibility scores as changes are made.
Blackboard Ally also helps make digital course content more accessible to students by providing on-demand alternative formats (such as semantic HTML, audio, PDF, ePub, and electronic Braille). Faculty can use this tool to improve the student experience by helping them take control of course content with usability, accessibility, and quality in mind.
Blackboard Ally in D2L will go live later this month. Faculty can work with members of LSC-Online to preview the tool this summer, explore its functionality, and provide feedback that will assist in the system rollout later this Fall.
If you are interested in being part of the summer preview group or would like to learn more, register for our Kickoff Meeting on Monday, June 27 at 3 p.m.!
June D2L Update
Posted in D2L on June 21, 2022 12:01 AM
The June update for D2L is scheduled for June 24th.
Important information regarding the update:
Pulse
- Pulse App is now only supported on Android 6 / iOS13 and above
For more information, see Use Pulse.
Manage Files
The New File and Edit File options in Manage Files open in a new tab in the user's browser in order to support more efficient editing.
Rubrics
- Archived Rubrics now appear with an archived tag.
- Rubric descriptions now appear in the Rubric picker list.
May D2L Update
Posted in D2L on May 25, 2022 7:00 AM
The May update for D2L is scheduled for May 27th.
Important information regarding the update:
Content
- Updated default font and color styles for improved accessibility
- Improved the context link menu in the Brightspace Editor
Pulse
- Brightspace Pulse users can now use @mention push notifications
For more information, see Use Pulse.
Maintenance On myLoneStar This Weekend
Posted in D2L on May 18, 2022 3:00 PM
Please be advised that starting Saturday, May 21, at 8:00 pm through Sunday, May 23 at 12:00 pm, myLoneStar will be unavailable.
You can still access your email through your Microsoft 365 account at https://portal.office.com.
You can still access D2L by using the D2L Alternate Login Page.
ALERT: Knowmia-YuJa Migration Update
Posted in D2L and emailed on May 13, 2022 1:41 PM
Thank you for your quick response to creating your YuJa account. As of this morning, we have already had 638 faculty create accounts. We will be sending out periodic updates on the migration from TechSmith Knowmia to Yuja, with the goal of keeping you informed and ensuring that you have access to the tools needed to teach your courses.
To support the migration process, we have been asked not to add any additional content to TechSmith Knowmia at this time.
Please note that existing content will continue to be available for viewing and posting in your D2L courses. Regarding any new content that you would like to create for May mini or summer classes, you may use Webex, Zoom, or Camtasia for new lecture videos and screen recordings. The videos that you create can then be uploaded directly into your D2L courses. For times when you only want to record yourself using your webcam, D2L’s Video Note is also available.
More information can be found on the Knowmia Retirement FAQ in VTAC.
ACTION REQUIRED: Create Your YuJa Account
Posted in D2L and emailed on May 10, 2022 1:57 PM
TechSmith has retired the Knowmia video platform and will cease supporting it on July 13th. We are excited to announce our new product, YuJa, which provides all the same services as Knowmia as well as some additional features. After an extensive RFP search process, YuJa was unanimously chosen as the replacement product by the RFP committee, consisting of faculty members, OTS representatives, LSC-Online representatives, and a representative from purchasing. The committee found that YuJa was very easy to use.
We are currently working with both TechSmith and YuJa to migrate all of your videos and content from Knowmia into YuJa. Data migration and updating links in courses will be an ongoing process that will cover the summer months. In an effort to ensure that all data is brought over correctly, we are asking that faculty create a new YuJa account by May 31, 2022.
Creating a YuJa account is simple and easy to do.
For more information, see Create a YuJa Account.
Please be advised that your YuJa account will be empty at this time, as we are in the process of working with all parties to migrate the data over as soon as possible.
If you require assistance, please reach out to us at vtac@lonestar.edu.
April D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Apr 26, 2022 12:01 AM
The April update for D2L is scheduled for April 29th.
Important information regarding the update:
Assignments
For assignments, instructors can now restrict the types of files students can submit. Available options are listed (dropdown) in the Submission and Completion section of the Assignment Editor.
For more information, see Create Assignments.
March D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Mar 28, 2022 3:30 PM
The March update for D2L occurred on March 25th.
Important information regarding the update:
Announcements
There is a new Copy option in the context menu of an announcement in both the Announcements tool and the Announcements widget. Users click Copy, which opens a new edit announcement page in draft mode with the details of the original announcement copied over.
For more information see Use the Announcements Tool.
Payment Plan Alert - TouchNet Unavailable
Posted in D2L on Feb 25, 2022 2:42 PM
Due to issues with student payment plan balances and installment calculations, the LSC payment system TouchNet will be unavailable for approximately four hours today, beginning after 3:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon, February 25. This is necessary to ensure that all payment plan installments process correctly. No late fees will be assessed for installment payments due today.
February D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Feb 25, 2022 12:01 AM
The February update for D2L is scheduled for February 25th.
Important information regarding the update:
LockDown Browser - Instructor Live Proctoring with LockDown Browser
When LockDown Browser is used with “Instructor Live Proctoring,” the instructor watches students remotely during an online test. This feature requires the use of a video conference system and is intended for small classes where the instructor can view all students on the screen at once. Lone Star College offers the use of Webex and Zoom to all instructors.
For more information view: Instructor Live Proctoring with LockDown Browser
Content – Print and Download in Fullscreen
The Print and Download buttons are now available when viewing a topic in fullscreen, using the classic Content experience.
Intelligent Agents – Agent List page changes
This feature adds the following new functionality to the Agent List page, where users manage the Intelligent Agents they have created:
- The ability to create, assign, and manage categories
- A new Bulk Edit for some agent details: title, category, and active/inactive state
January D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Jan 28, 2022 9:00 AM
The January update for D2L is scheduled for January 28th.
Important information regarding the update:
Learning Environment – Improved editing features in Audio-Video Editor | New
This feature introduces new capabilities to the Audio-Video editor for multimedia files uploaded to D2L. Users can now edit video timelines, create chapters, and add captions to their videos.
Editing timelines allows users to skip unwanted sections of a video recording.
Chapter titles can be used to create a Table of Contents for videos to allow quick navigation to specific sections.
Captions can be uploaded.
Learning Environment – Improved viewing features in Audio-Video player | New
Multi-bitrate streaming allows high-definition videos to be played at standard definition to reduce the bandwidth necessary for users to watch videos.
Brightspace Pulse – Subscription notifications for Discussions | Updated
With this release, subscription notifications in Brightspace Pulse are now consistent with subscription notifications in Brightspace Learning Environment.
Discussions – Scoring Rubric drop-down for evaluations | New
To make the Discussion evaluation consistent with the Assignments evaluation, this feature adds the Grading Rubric drop-down to the sidebar menu. This allows the instructor to choose a grading rubric when evaluating a discussion.
Supported Browsers Alert
Posted in D2L on Jan 28, 2022 12:01 AM
For an optimal experience that offers better performance, accessibility, and security, D2L strongly recommends that all users access Brightspace Learning Environment with the latest version of a supported browser.
D2L will now display a warning message for browsers earlier than the following versions:
- Chrome 93
- Safari 13
- Firefox 91
- Edge 93
Using a non-supported version, you may encounter unexpected user interface behavior and appearance or broken and unsupported functionality.
Video Newsletter - Spring 2022
Posted in D2L on Jan 12, 2022 7:00 AM
The Online Update is a video newsletter produced every major semester by Lone Star College-Online.
Here are the topics in the Spring 2022 Episode:
- New Assignment Create/Edit Experience
- New Discussion Evaluation Experience
- Discussion Date Restrictions
- VTAC Knowledge Base
- VLAC for Students
Spring 2022 Semester Start
Posted in D2L on Jan 10, 2022 9:00 AM
Welcome to the Spring 2022 Semester!
To get started in your D2L course, please explore the following resources:
D2L Semester Start Checklist: This checklist will assist you in making a smooth start in your D2L courses and includes topics like copying content and merging course sections. You can find it at the following link: D2L Semester Start Instructor Checklist.
Visit the VTAC Knowledge Base: This site contains guides to help you work with your new D2L course. You can find it at the following link: VTAC Knowledge Base.
D2L resources for students can be found at this link: Virtual Learning Assistance Center.