SUNY has announced their selection of Desire2Learn’s (D2L) Brightspace learning management system as the new digital learning environment for all campuses.
The decision follows a multi-year, industry-wide search for a replacement to the Blackboard learning management system that had been in use at most SUNY campuses.
This transition will help modernize online learning at New Paltz and across the system, with enhanced course content, better training opportunities and support, and a more streamlined process for embedding our online classes into the SUNY Online ecosystem.
Faculty and staff who want to start getting familiar with D2L Brightspace are invited to an introductory webinar SUNY is hosting on Friday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. Use this link to register for that webinar.
What this change means for New Paltz students, faculty and staff
While D2L Brightspace will eventually replace Blackboard, that process requires a migration that will take time.
For now, Blackboard remains the official New Paltz learning management system, and will remain fully supported by Information Technology Services and the Office of Instructional Technology.
Faculty should continue using Blackboard and refining their courses on that platform, as that will make for a smoother migration experience when Blackboard content moves to Brightspace.
The College’s online and hybrid faculty development process is suspended until after the migration to Brightspace is complete. In the interim, faculty who are not presently certified to teach online may apply for Provisional Certification.
Want to learn more about D2L Brightspace? SUNY has posted a digital learning environment website where you can find news and updates on the timeline, get background on the process of selecting the new learning management system, and begin familiarizing yourself with the new system.
