Below are the latest news and announcements from LSC-Online, as seen in the D2L Announcements widget. This page will be regularly updated, with the newest information at the top.
LSC-Online also provides other outlets of helpful information, including an email newsletter, a video newsletter, and an event calendar.
Scheduled Archiving of Old Courses
Posted in D2L on Jul 25, 2024 10:30 AM
As announced earlier, we are currently archiving D2L courses and sandboxes that are at least one year past their end dates. This archive includes courses from Spring 2023.
If you need to regain access to an archived course, please go to VTAC Support and select the Archive/Restore Course tool under Course Design. Here are instructions for using the tool.
If you restore an old course but don't see it in your My Courses list, click on the [View All Courses] link and use the search and/or sorting functions.
Hurricane Beryl Update
Posted in D2L on Jul 20, 2024 6:50 PM
All Lone Star College locations will be open Monday, July 22, 2024.
For information on Summer I and Summer II plans, please go to https://www.lonestar.edu/news/116788.htm.
If anything changes with the above, LSC will send out subsequent communication.
Hurricane Beryl Impact
Posted in D2L on Jul 9, 2024 6:46 PM
Due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl, we understand that many of you are still without electricity and are unable to access your class information. To that end, please know we have adjusted the Summer I and Summer II class schedules as follows:
Summer I classes (June 3-July 9):
Summer I classes will be extended through July 17th. Faculty have also been asked to post grades as soon as possible. Please contact your instructor for further guidance.
Summer II classes (July 11-August 18):
Summer II classes are scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 11th; however, we will cancel classes through Sunday, July 14th. Please contact your instructor for further guidance beginning Monday, July 15th.
If your course is scheduled through a closed location, please log into your D2L course to learn additional information on how to proceed with your coursework.
Communicating with your instructor is an essential key to your academic success. Please contact your instructor if you are experiencing extenuating circumstances that prevent you from temporarily participating in your course. Since your instructor may be working under the same circumstances, we ask for your patience and flexibility.
Students from locations that are temporarily closed are encouraged to visit any of our open campuses for student services, study areas, and other resources. For questions regarding registration, schedule changes, etc., please visit our Academic Advising webpage by clicking here. For additional helpful resources, click here.
June D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Jun 25, 2024 3:00 PM
The next update for D2L is scheduled for June 28th.
Important information regarding the update:
Bulk Edit and Offset Dates for Recurring Intelligent Agents
- Under Course Admin > Manage Dates, instructors can edit and offset multiple intelligent agents that have already been set up with a recurring schedule (for example, daily or weekly). In addition to editing an intelligent agent in the Intelligent Agents tool, instructors can now use Bulk Edit Dates to add or remove a new start date or end date, or use Bulk Offset Dates to offset the start date or end date.
- Intelligent agents that have a one-time run schedule, or repeat but have neither a Start Date nor an End Date, do not appear in Manage Dates and must be updated in the Intelligent Agents tool.
Assignment Annotations Tool Icons
- The icons used in the Assignment Annotations tool have received minor updates.
For information on other D2L-related topics, please search this VTAC knowledge base.
Improve Students' Writing
Posted in D2L on Jun 12, 2024 9:02 AM
Learn how to incorporate IntelliWriter into your courses today!
Sign up for on demand one-on-one training or arrange a group training for your department!
Scheduled Archiving of Old Courses
Posted in D2L on Jun 12, 2024 12:01 AM
Starting Wednesday, June 26th, we will be archiving D2L courses and sandboxes that are at least one year past their end dates. This archive will include courses from Spring 2023.
If you need to regain access to an archived course, please go to VTAC Support and select the Archive/Restore Course tool under Course Design. Here are instructions for using the tool.
If you restore an old course but don't see it in your My Courses list, click on the [View All Courses] link and use the search and/or sorting functions.
VTAC / VLAC Scheduled Maintenance
Posted in D2L on Jun 5, 2024 8:00 AM
The 3rd-Party vendor for the VTAC and VLAC knowledge bases, KnowledgeOwl, will be conducting necessary server maintenance on Friday, June 7th, from 10:00 PM-11:00 PM CST.
During this time, the VTAC and VLAC sites will be unavailable. If you need access to an article during the scheduled maintenance, you can download a print version by clicking the Adobe PDF icon next to the article's title. Please refer to the vendor's status page for further information.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Webex-D2L Authorization Update
Emailed and Posted in D2L on May 28, 2024 11:45 AM
Webex is revamping its authorization methods for D2L.
Starting June 13, when you launch your first Webex session, get ready for a prompt to authorize CirQLive MEETS with your Webex account.
But don’t worry—this won’t impact the student experience. It is only for the instructors who are hosting their initial Webex session through the D2L Collaboration tab. Once you’re authenticated, that authorization will stay active for three months from the session launch.
Not only that - if you start another MEETS session during that time, the authentication extends for an additional three months.
If you don’t host a new MEETS session within three months of the previous one, just simply go through the process again and authenticate with Webex.
For more details and step-by step instructions, please view this article: Webex Meetings - Authorization Method.
May D2L Update
Posted in D2L on May 21, 2024 9:00 AM
The next update for D2L is scheduled for May 24th.
Important information regarding the update:
Feedback files are now available in Grades for Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions
Students can now easily review feedback from the Grades tool. Instructor feedback added in Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions is now visible to students under Grades.
For information on other D2L-related topics, please search this VTAC knowledge base.
RESOLVED: Turnitin Service Outage
Posted in D2L on May 15, 2024 10:24 AM (Edited)
UPDATE: This issue has been RESOLVED.
Turnitin, Similarity Check, Originality, and SimCheck are currently experiencing an unexpected service outage. During this time, users may experience slowness when uploading submissions as well as delayed report generation.
We sincerely apologize for the impact this disruption may be causing. We will follow up with more updates as soon as we can.
SoftChalk Hands-On Training
Posted in D2L on May 14, 2024 8:00 AM
Friday, May 17th, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Are you looking to make course content more engaging for your students? Lone Star College faculty and staff can do just that using SoftChalk, the interactive content authoring software and learning object repository provided by the college.
The content you create with SoftChalk integrates into D2L Brightspace and student scores report directly to the D2L gradebook!
During this 2-hour hands-on event, you will learn how to create, manage, discover, and share interactive learning materials using SoftChalk Cloud, that can be delivered to your students in D2L Brightspace. This event requires each person to register and have their own computer during the training to follow along.
Register Now
*After you register, be on the lookout for the invite from SoftChalk for this event from Zoom (no-reply@zoom.us).
Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Posted in D2L on May 13, 2024 12:01 AM
Thursday, May 16, 2024, is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than one billion people with disabilities/impairments.
Help us celebrate by making a positive impact on inclusive learning by taking sometime this week to improve the accessibility of your course content with Ally. Digital accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities/impairments to independently consume and/or interact with digital content. We want our LSC courses to be usable by as wide an audience as possible.
Want to know what D2L is doing to improve accessibility? Attend their "Glad to be GAAD" Webinar on May 16 at 11:00 a.m.
Scheduled Course Purge
Posted in D2L on May 1, 2024 12:01 AM
Starting on May 22nd, all D2L courses from 2016 will be purged. The purge process will result in the complete deletion of course data.
This yearly process helps maintain system performance in D2L and is completed in accordance with Office of the General Counsel policy.
If you have 2016 course data that has not been backed up, please do so as soon as possible. You can either export your content to a .zip file or create a sandbox and copy the content to it.
The latest information and answers to common questions can be found on the D2L Course Purge page.
Second Chance: LSC-Online Newsletter
Posted in D2L on Apr 29, 2024 12:01 AM
Our end-of-semester newsletter was sent out last week via email. If you haven't read it yet, here's another chance.
Topics included in this issue:
- Summit Success!
- D2L Live Assistance
- Semester Wrap Reminders
- Summer Happenings
- Condense a Course
- It’s Time to Purge
- Invest in Yourself
- And more!
For previous issues, please visit the Newsletter Archive page.
SoftChalk Hands-On Training
Posted in D2L on Apr 26, 2024 1:00 PM
Friday, May 3rd, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Are you looking to make course content more engaging for your students? Lone Star College faculty and staff can do just that using SoftChalk, the interactive content authoring software and learning object repository provided by the college.
The content you create with SoftChalk integrates into D2L Brightspace and student scores report directly to the D2L gradebook!
During this 1-hour hands-on event, you will learn how to create, manage, discover, and share interactive learning materials using SoftChalk Cloud, that can be delivered to your students in D2L Brightspace. This event requires each person to register and have their own computer during the training to follow along.
Register Now
April D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Apr 24, 2024 1:00 AM
The next update for D2L is scheduled for April 26th.
Important information regarding the update:
New Functions available for Arithmetic Quiz Question Type
- When creating an Arithmetic type question in a Quiz or the Question Library, the following new functions are available:
- ASIN
- ACOS
- ABS
- Log2
- SINH
- COSH
- For more information, see the Quiz Question Types VTAC article.
For information on other D2L-related topics, please search this VTAC knowledge base.
LSC 2023-2024 Safety & Security Climate Survey
Posted in D2L on Apr 22, 2024 7:00 AM
The LSC Safety & Security Committee is conducting a study on the effectiveness of providing safe learning and working environments. Your participation will help us address any concerns the Lone Star College community may have.
Please take a moment to complete the survey to make sure your voice is heard. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/SafetySurvey.
Turnitin Scheduled Maintenance
Posted in D2L on Apr 12, 2024 7:00 AM
Turnitin will be conducting necessary maintenance on Saturday, April 20th, from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM CST.
During this time, services (including the D2L Turnitin integration) will be unavailable. Assignments should not be submitted to Turnitin or Turnitin-enabled assignment folders in D2L during this timeframe.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Request for Feedback
Posted in D2L on Apr 8, 2024 7:30 AM
LSC Libraries want to hear from you!
Please share your thoughts on the LSC Libraries Spring 2024 Survey.
RESOLVED: Respondus Monitor LiveChat Outage
Posted in D2L on Apr 2, 2024 4:13 PM (Edited)
UPDATE: This issue has been resolved.
At this time, the Respondus Monitor LiveChat service is experiencing an outage.
Both Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor are unaffected, only the LiveChat help system built into Respondus Monitor is affected.
Students who have issues with Respondus Monitor can reach Respondus Support here: https://web.respondus.com/support/, as well as reaching out to the Contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.
The underlying LiveChat technology is managed by a third party other than Respondus; status and updates on this issue can be followed here: https://status.livechat.com/.
EquatIO and Latex in D2L for STEM
Posted in D2L on Apr 1, 2024 4:18 PM
Date: Thursday, April 4th
Time: 3-5 PM
Location: LSC-CF TECH 121 or via WebEx
WebEx Link: WebEx Link
I highly encourage in-person participation! Please bring your devices so we can assist you with EquatIO and Respondus 4.0 installation.
This is the Form to enroll in the training: Enroll Now!
The presentation will cover the following topics in two parts:
LaTeX
- Using LaTeX inline in D2L
- Using LaTeX inline in MS Word and importing the question to D2L using Respondus 4.0
EquatIO
- Using EquatIO to insert formulas in D2L with Handwriting, screenshot, and EquatIO Mobile tools.
- Installing desktop and browser extensions and accessing EquatIO web and EquatIO D2L LTI versions.
Online Teaching & Learning Summit
Posted in D2L on Mar 26, 2024 10:00 AM
Please join us for LSC-Online’s inaugural Online Teaching & Learning Summit on April 11-12. This virtual conference will focus on three learning tracks with focus on online instruction:
- Pedagogy & Best Practices
- Instructional Technologies
- Student Services & Support
We are also pleased to announce our Keynote Speaker Dr. Kasonde Musoma, who you might remember from a video of him that went viral in 2017 and landed him on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. As a Professor at Texas A&M University, he held a 10-month old baby during class so that a single mom student could attend class and was officially dubbed “The Professor of Kindness.” This sparked a global conversation, not only on the power of kindness, but on non-traditional student experiences and accessibility to higher education
We invite you to register here and join us April 11-12, 9 am - 2 pm.
For questions, please contact lsc-onlinesummit@lonestar.edu.
March D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Mar 26, 2024 7:00 AM
The next update for D2L is scheduled for March 28th.
Important information regarding the update:
Adding Links in the Brightspace Editor
Under the Insert Quicklink dropdown menu, the [URL] option has been renamed to [Link]. The window should also now show options to open the link in a New window or Current window.
This feature also updates the icons shown in Insert Quicklink to ensure all icons use the new style.
For information on other D2L-related topics, please search this VTAC knowledge base.
Turnitin Scheduled Maintenance
Posted in D2L on Mar 11, 2024 12:01 AM
Turnitin will be conducting necessary maintenance on Saturday, March 16th, from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM CST.
During this time, Similarity Report and TurnItin Feedback Studio will be unavailable. Assignments should not be submitted to Turnitin or Turnitin-enabled assignment folders in D2L during this timeframe.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
February D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Feb 20, 2024 7:00 AM
The next update for D2L is scheduled for February 23rd.
Important information regarding the update:
Branded Footer
A Powered by D2L Brightspace footer now appears on select pages in Brightspace.
Question Library
- The blue question mark icon that appears next to questions in Question Library under Quizzes is removed to prevent visual clutter. However, the folder icon that appears in Question Library next to each section remains.
For information on other D2L-related topics, please search this VTAC knowledge base.
January D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Jan 24, 2024 12:01 AM
The next update for D2L is scheduled for January 26th.
Important information regarding the update:
Collaboration
- The Chat Tool is being removed for all users. We recommend the Instant Message Tool or Webex as replacements.
HTML Editor
- In the HTML Editor, when using [Insert Stuff] and selecting [My Computer], it is now possible to select files by dragging and dropping them from your device.
D2L Virtual Assistant
- The [I have a different question] option is now replaced by a [Type here] field at the bottom of the Virtual Assistant. For more info, please refer to their respective articles in both VTAC and VLAC.
Quizzes
- Now, when publishing Quiz grades for attempts with ungraded Written Response questions, those questions will stay pending, but will be treated as a 0 until they are graded. When viewing a published quiz attempt, the message "not auto-graded: a default value of 0 was assigned" will now appear next to each ungraded written response question.
For information on other D2L-related topics, please search this VTAC knowledge base.
Turnitin Scheduled Maintenance
Posted in D2L on Jan 22, 2024 12:01 AM
Turnitin will be conducting necessary maintenance on Saturday, Jan. 27th, from 10:30 AM-2:30 PM CDT.
During this time, services (including the D2L Turnitin integration) will be unavailable. Papers should not be submitted to Turnitin or Turnitin-enabled assignment folders in D2L during this time.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
IntelliWriter Trainings
Posted in D2L on Jan 17, 2024 2:30 PM
IntelliWriter is a virtual writing coach designed to improve writing in real-time across multiple disciplines and languages.
Vantage, the tool vendor, is offering training sessions for faculty. Please choose from the dates below. (You do not need to attend all 3 training sessions.)
Friday, January 19, 2024, 1pm - Registration Link
Friday, January 26, 2024, 1pm - Registration Link
Friday, February 2, 2024, 1pm - Registration Link
OR
Attend a Faculty On-Demand Training Session at the link below:
These training sessions will include:
- An overview of the features of the platform
- Suggestions on incorporating the tool into your class
- Information on how to access the tool within a D2L course
Second Chance: LSC-Online Newsletter
Posted in D2L on Jan 16, 2024 6:00 AM
Our start-of-semester newsletter was sent out last week via email. If you haven't read it yet, here's another chance.
Topics included in this issue:
- New Discussion Experience
- IntelliWriter in D2L
- Semester Start Reminders
- SoftChalk Migration
- Creator+ is Coming
- Enhancing Face-to-Face with D2L
- Upcoming Trainings
- Learn from LSC Experts
- And more!
Want to see some of these topics in action? Watch our video newsletter!
For previous issues, please visit the Newsletter Archive page in VTAC.
Extended Support Hours
Posted in D2L on Jan 11, 2024 7:33 AM
LSC-Online is offering extended support hours on Saturday, Jan. 13th 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=m683fa290f562eb8070af2db453579f1b.
Tickets for D2L related questions/issues can be submitted by emailing VTAC@LoneStar.edu.
OTS is available 6 a.m. to midnight for technology questions.
For other support opportunities, please refer to the VTAC Event Calendar.
Video Newsletter - Spring 2024
Posted in D2L on Jan 9, 2024 8:00 AM
The Online Update is a video newsletter produced every major semester by Lone Star College-Online.
Here are the topics in the Spring 2024 Episode:
- New Discussion Experience
- Announcement Updates
- IntelliWriter
- Negative Grading for Quizzes
- SoftChalk Migration
- And more...
For more information about these topics, please search this VTAC knowledge base. You can also read our corresponding email newsletter for additional updates.
Spring 2024 Semester Start
Posted in D2L on Jan 8, 2024 9:01 AM
Welcome to the Spring 2024 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.