By: Rylee McAlexander/
Brightspace is the new platform students are required to use for their classes across campus, replacing Blackboard, which had previously been used.
The university’s contract with Blackboard was expiring, prompting administrators to search for a platform that best fit HPU. That search led to Brightspace.
“The platform needed to address the requirements for faculty to be able to handle their courses online, hybrid, and face-to-face. Also, it needed to fit into our budget,” said Wade Ashby, associate professor of computer information systems.
The selection committee considered Blackboard, Canvas, and Brightspace. The vendors provided trial access to each platform.
“The committee then put forth a recommendation of selecting Brightspace, and I negotiated the contract to keep it within our budget,” Ashby said.
Ashby expresses that Brightspace emphasizes student success and strengthens engagement between students and professors. The platform allows faculty to create content and posts that students can engage with. It also offers easier options for hybrid professors to video chat with their classes.
“I have seen more faculty trying to learn and use Brightspace compared to Blackboard,” said Ashby. “I think the change to the LMS (Learning Management System) felt like a fresh start—similar to the beginning of a new academic or calendar year—which encouraged people to try new things.”
Some students are still adjusting to the transition, while others have already adapted.
Gracie Dixon, sophomore nursing major from Sunnyvale said that she likes Brightspace.
“For me personally Brightspace has been much easier to navigate and work through than Blackboard was last year. I like it more because I can easily access my assignments and grades with one click and I like that professors announcements are the first thing seen when Brightspace is opened,” said Dixon.
As with any new technology, complications can arise. Brightspace provides support through a chat icon on the bottom right of the screen, which connects users to virtual assistants. For more complex issues, students and faculty can contact the HPU Help Desk.
Overall, administration is hopeful that the use of this new platform will encourage student success and provide better tools for faculty.
Junior Staff Writer, Rylee McAlexander