Certificate in Instructional Technology Essentials

Intended for both new and current instructors utilizing AU’s instructional technology platforms, and in particular the D2L Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS), the Instructional Technology Essentials certification program will provide a variety of workshops focused on effective use of the core components of the LMS platform including creating engaging content, utilizing assessments, quizzes and surveys, discussions and rubrics, assignments and rubrics, and utilizing the LMS gradebook.  Faculty members who attend multiple workshops will be able to earn a Certificate in Instructional Technology Essentials  

For faculty who completed these certificates last year, this year offers the opportunity to engage in a fresh set of workshops. While some workshop topics may be similar to those offered previously, each certificate program will include new content, giving returning participants the chance to expand their knowledge and refine their skills. 

Link for the Percipio Journey: https://share.percipio.com/cd/4H3OjyksE

 

JANUARY

Title: Brightspace HTML Editor (Accessibility Built In)

Facilitator(s): Dr. JoAnn Edmond 

Description: This workshop focuses on using the Brightspace HTML Editor to create accessible course content that meets ADA standards. Participants will learn how to use built-in accessibility tools, apply best practices for inclusive design, and ensure all students can engage fully with digital learning materials.

Dates/time/location:  

  • Virtual - Thursay, January 22, 2026 - 10am-11am 

Registration Link: https://augusta.percipio.com/liveCourse/213c4a8a-2d62-4359-9ade-8f34d3c28158 

 

FEBRUARY

Title: Brightspace Content (AU Course Shell and Accessible Content)

Facilitator(s): Phillip Knox and Dr. JoAnn Edmond

Description: This workshop guides participants through organizing and creating accessible content within the Brightspace course shell. Attendees will learn how to structure materials for clarity, apply ADA accessibility best practices, and use Brightspace tools to ensure all learners can easily navigate and engage with course resources.

Dates/time/location:  

  • Virtual - Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 10am-11am 

Registration Link: https://augusta.percipio.com/liveCourse/a8d1f8f8-0030-4b93-bd8b-b77c9803f48c 

 

Title: Beyond the Lecture: Making D2L Courses Interactive with Echo360

Facilitator(s): Dr. Porsha Stephens and Jake Tuten

Description: Looking for ways to make your online courses more dynamic? This session will show how Echo360 tools can bring interactivity and energy to your D2L content. Learn quick, effective strategies to help students engage, respond, and connect with your material in new ways.

Dates/time/location:  

  • Virtual - Tuesday February 24, 2026 - 10am-11am 

Registration Link: https://augusta.percipio.com/liveCourse/a94d0429-7d07-4997-8d3d-768dd0b1bd6a 

 

MARCH

Title: Brightspace Equations HTML Editor Part 2

Facilitator(s):  Dr. JoAnn Edmond 

Description: This workshop builds on the basics of the Brightspace HTML Editor, focusing on creating accessible mathematical and scientific content using the Equation Editor. Participants will learn how to insert, format, and optimize equations to meet ADA accessibility standards and enhance clarity for all learners.

Dates/time/location:  

  • Virtual - Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 10am-11am 

Registration Link: https://augusta.percipio.com/liveCourse/9e19199d-9d55-4038-b539-e40d394e0dc0 

 

APRIL

Title: Assignment due dates - Due Date vs End Date and Special Access 

Facilitator(s): Owen Woodall and Dr. JoAnn Edmond

Description: This workshop explains how to manage assignment availability in D2L Brightspace using Due Dates, End Dates, and Special Access settings. Participants will learn the differences between each option, how they affect student visibility and submissions, and best practices for accommodating individual student needs.

Dates/time/location:  

  • Virtual - Thursday, April 16, 2026 - 10am-11am 

Registration Link: https://augusta.percipio.com/liveCourse/95c9237c-89f8-41d9-8342-b671111d7fee 

 

MAY

Title: Brightspace Discussion Posts and Discussion Posts Due Dates

Facilitator(s): Owen Woodall and Dr. JoAnn Edmond

Description: This workshop covers how to create, manage, and grade discussion posts in D2L Brightspace. Participants will learn how to set Due Dates and End Dates, organize discussion topics effectively, and apply best practices to encourage meaningful student engagement and timely participation.

Dates/time/location:  

  • Virtual - Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 10am-11am 

Registration Link: https://augusta.percipio.com/liveCourse/b833cb07-f781-4d48-8bdd-52eff91e1556 

Past Programming

  • Getting Started with D2L Brightspace Gradebook (Yes, Again) - Back by popular request, or possibly because it still causes some confusion, we are taking another look at the D2L Brightspace gradebook. Whether you are just getting started or still unsure what "weighted" truly means, this session is for you. We will walk through the setup, share helpful tips, and work toward making grading feel more manageable. Please bring your questions and your syllabus. 
  • Using D2L Brightspace Tools to Communicate with Students - This workshop introduces faculty to the suite of communication tools available in D2L Brightspace. Participants will learn how to effectively use Announcements, Discussions, Email, Intelligent Agents, and Notifications to foster student engagement and maintain a strong instructor presence in their online or blended courses. The session also includes guidance on promoting the Pulse app for real-time student updates and creating a clear communication statement to set expectations for course interaction. Ideal for instructors familiar with Brightspace basics, this workshop builds practical skills to streamline and personalize communication with students. 
  • Creating Group Work: Using Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions - This workshop explores how to design and manage effective group work using D2L Brightspace tools. Participants will learn how to create groups, assign collaborative activities by using Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions to support group-based learning.  
  • From Clicks to Clarity: Leveraging Rubrics and Data for Student Success - This workshop equips instructors with the skills to streamline grading and enhance feedback using rubrics and data tools in D2L Brightspace. Participants will explore how to create and attach rubrics to assignments, discussions, and quizzes for consistent and transparent evaluation. The session also introduces course analytics and class progress tools to track student engagement, identify at-risk learners, and inform instructional decisions. By combining effective assessment strategies with actionable data, faculty will be better prepared to support student learning and measure course impact. 
  • Teaching with Technology Essentials: Assessments, Quizzes and Surveys - This workshop will go over the D2L Brightspace quiz and survey tool. You can create a quiz or survey using various question types. We will also cover the Respondus Lockdown Browser and monitor tool for secure testing. 
  • Teaching with Technology Essentials: Discussions & Rubrics - This workshop will go over the D2L Brightspace discussion and rubric tools. Discussions can provide a method for students to share their thoughts on the course material and provide feedback to each other. We will also go over the rubric tool that allows for the instructor to provide feedback on the discussion post requirements.   
  • Teaching with Technology Essentials: Assignments & Rubrics - This workshop will cover the D2L Brightspace discussion and rubric tools. Discussions allow students to share their thoughts on the course material and provide feedback to each other. We will also review the rubric tool, which allows the instructor to provide feedback on the discussion post requirements.   
  • Teaching with Technology Essentials: Gradebook - This workshop will cover the D2L Brightspace grades tool. The Grades tool provides a series of features to create and manage your grade book. By leveraging these features, Brightspace offers a flexible and powerful gradebook that removes technical barriers and empowers users to teach and assess however it makes sense for their courses. 
  • Teaching with Instructional Technology: D2L Grades 2.0 - This workshop will cover the D2L Brightspace grades tool. The Grades tool provides a series of features to create and manage your grade book. By leveraging these features, Brightspace offers a flexible and powerful gradebook that removes technical barriers and empowers users to teach and assess however it makes sense for their courses.
  • Teaching with Instructional Technology: D2L Brightspace Editor - This workshop will go over the D2L Brightspace Editor Tool. Brightspace Editor is the default editor across Brightspace. You will find it nearly everywhere (content, discussions, quizzes, assignments, announcements etc.) you can create content in Brightspace. 
  • Teaching with Instructional Technology: D2L Quizzes 2.0 - This workshop will go over the D2L Brightspace quiz tool. You will go over how to manage quizzes with learner attempts, retake incorrect quiz questions in attempts, and evaluate quizzes. Also Quizzes Hot Tips and Workarounds!
  • Teaching with Instructional Technology: D2L Group Discussions & Assignments 2.0 - This workshop will go over the D2L Brightspace discussion and assignment tools. These tools are a great method to have students share their thoughts on course material, work on collaborative group projects, and encourage engagement.