By Emma Robinson, Editor-In-Chief
As the spring 2023 semester began, many students noticed a change in online learning platform for some of their classes. LIU began the transition from Blackboard to Brightspace for some courses, and will fully transition by fall 2023.
LIU information technology (IT) describes Brightspace on their website as reliable and accessible for both students and professors alike.
While the two platforms are similar, students dislike the sudden transition without notification from the university or IT department.
“I truly don’t mind [Brightspace] that much, but I wish students were sent some sort of instructions and tips on how to use it,” sophomore business administration major Emily Anderson said. “I had no idea we were even switching over until I walked into my first class that semester. I had thought some of my professors just hadn’t posted a syllabus yet, but turns out they had- on a completely different platform. I thought most professors understood how Blackboard works, so I’m curious why LIU wants to change now.”
Students do not like the transition occurring throughout the semesters rather than all at once between school years.
“I think we should have transitioned between academic years (spring-fall) because it would have given everyone more time to adjust and learn the ins and outs of the new system,” Anderson said.”I don’t think this was the worst time to switch, but it wasn’t the best, either.”
Professors are also getting used to using Brightspace as their classes begin, and the transition has not been seamless.
“I’ve noticed a lot of professors aren’t sure how to streamline the look of their classes. I’ve seen a lot of empty files, example paragraphs, and repeatedly posted things,” Anderson said. “On my end, I’ve noticed, unless you know the name of the app, the website itself doesn’t give you notifications for things being posted or homework being due.”
Brightspace also has a class progress dashboard so that professors can compare each student’s performance in the course.
Anderson recalled one of her professors struggling with the new website the first week of classes.
“I know one of my professors was confused and unable to take attendance the first day because he couldn’t find where he uploaded the roster, and another new professor needed help just to log in,” she said. “I hope it’s easier for them to use because I have had teachers run into issues with Blackboard before as well.”
While students aren’t aware of all the different features Brightspace has that Blackboard doesn’t have, a calendar feature and more efficient mobile app, called Brightspace Pulse, are available.
“I think it’s a bit more intuitive compared to Blackboard, but very similar,” Anderson said. “I haven’t noticed any new or changed features, just a different layout.”
The transition of some classes being administered on Blackboard and some administered on Brightspace has caused annoyance for some students.
“I would rather all my classes be on one platform,” junior digital marketing major Jessica Morse said. “I don’t like having to switch back and forth between Blackboard and Brightspace.”
Overall, students and professors are becoming accustomed to the format of Brightspace and how to use it as the transition moves towards completion.
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