Brightspace Course Development Checklist for Face-to-Face Courses
This checklist is designed for instructors who are teaching fully face-to-face courses and using Brightspace as a supplementary tool. It incorporates best practices from Quality Matters and the SUNY Online Course Quality Rubric to ensure your Brightspace environment effectively supports your in-person instruction.
Face-to-Face Integration Strategies
Use module description area or weekly announcements to guide students
Create content areas that specifically complement in-class activities
Post in-class handouts before or after sessions as appropriate
Provide online submission options for assignments discussed in class
Include reflection activities that connect online and in-class components
Post presentation slides or lecture notes within 24 hours of each class session
Create spaces for collaborative work that begins in class and continues online
Use Brightspace to distribute resources mentioned during in-person sessions
Assessment & Grading
Set up the grade book with all assignments, weights, and point values
Set up grade calculation methods to match your syllabus
Create submission folders for all assignments
Include detailed assignment instructions and grading criteria or rubrics for each assessment
Include sample assignments or exemplars where appropriate
Configure due dates and availability dates for all submissions
Create any quizzes or tests that will be administered through Brightspace
Consider using Brightspace’s built-in rubric tool for consistent grading
Create a welcome announcement that introduces yourself and explains how Brightspace will be used in the course
Post a course syllabus in a dedicated, easy-to-find location (Start Here module)
In a pinned Announcement or in the Start Here module, include clear contact information (office hours, email, phone if applicable)
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Customize the course homepage with relevant information and links to key areas
Set up consistent navigation structure with logical organization
Create a course schedule that aligns with your face-to-face sessions
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Include a “Start Here” or “Course Tour” area to orient students to your Brightspace environment
Communication Tools
Set up the Announcements tool and post an initial welcome message
Create a Q&A discussion forum for course questions
Set up discussion boards for any online discussions that will supplement in-class activities
Establish clear expectations for communication response times
Create a dedicated area for assignment submission instructions
Content Organization
Organize content into logical modules or units
Use the module description to provide context and clear instructions
Use consistent naming conventions for all files and folders. Use format like ‘Week 1: Topic Name’ or ‘Module 3: Assignment Title’ throughout
Ensure all documents are in accessible formats (preferably HTML or Word)
Link to library resources or external materials when applicable
Include supplementary materials that reinforce in-class learning
Verify all external links are working correctly
Accessibility & Usability
Use descriptive hyperlink text (avoid “click here” and “read more” as links)
Ensure all documents are accessible
Provide captions or transcripts for any multimedia content
Avoid adding PDFs
Use bulleted and numbered lists for clarity
Ensure font sizes are readable (minimum 12pt recommended)
Break long content into manageable chunks using headings
Course Policies & Student Support
In a Start Here or Course Administration module, include:
Institutional policies (academic integrity, accessibility services)
Links to campus student support services
Required technology and links to support
Clear grading policies and late work guidelines
Links to Langara’s Help with Student Learning Tools site and IT help
Review
Preview course as a student to check navigation and accessibility
View course on a mobile device
Run accessibility checker on course content
Verify all due dates and availability dates are correct
Check that grade book settings align with syllabus
Ensure consistent formatting throughout course
Check that modules, assignments, etc. are named clearly and consistently
Test all links, files, and media to confirm they work properly
Have a colleague review your course setup and provide feedback
Confirm integration with any external tools or systems
First Week Preparation
Post a “Welcome and What to Expect” announcement before the term begins
Create a first-day activity that helps students navigate Brightspace. Consider a simple scavenger hunt or orientation quiz worth minimal points
Set up a practice assignment submission to ensure students can use the system
Prepare to address Brightspace questions during your first class session
Schedule time to demonstrate Brightspace navigation and tool use during class
Create a student introduction discussion or activity
Set up early, low-stakes assignments to ensure system familiarity
Ongoing Maintenance
Plan a regular schedule for posting announcements. Weekly announcements posted by Sunday evening work well for most face-to-face courses
Establish a routine for updating content and responding to questions
Develop a process for pointing to Brightspace resources during class
Prepare a contingency plan for technology issues
Schedule mid-semester feedback on Brightspace usability
