Announcing End of Life of the Binder App, Bringing Life to Pulse App in Winter

D2L has announced an end of life date for the Binder app of May 31, 2019. Those who need to access course materials offline will be able to use the Brightspace Pulse app for iOS and Android starting this Winter session at Bloomsburg.

Phase 1 of End of Life for Binder: November 1, 2018 

D2L will no longer keep a copy of a user’s Binder content and annotations in the cloud (it will remain on their device only). The web-based Binder client will no longer be available. Binder will only be able to annotate PDF documents. And the “Send to Binder” button in the Content tool will be removed.

What should Binder users do prior to November 1? 

• Be sure to update the Binder app with the latest release prior to November 1 to avoid any disruption. Many phones and tablets do this automatically. 
• If you use the Binder website, be sure to log into the free Binder app for iOS or Android prior to November 1 to sync all changes locally to your device. 

How will users get course materials into Binder? 

You can still add your Brightspace course materials to Binder from within the Binder app.

Can users still annotate in Binder? 

You will be able to annotate PDF documents from Brightspace, as well as PDF documents from other sources (Google Drive, Dropbox), while still being able to view and annotate any existing documents, even offline.

Phase 2 of End of Life for Binder: May 31, 2019 

On May 31, 2019 Binder will no longer be supported by D2L, will no longer work with Brightspace (BOLT), and will be removed from the Apple and Google app stores.

Will users still be able to use Binder after May 31? 

Binder will remain installed on existing devices, but users will not be able to reinstall the application from the app stores, and there will be no further updates. Furthermore, it should be expected that over time parts of Binder will stop working as the Android and iOS operating systems that Binder depend on are updated and changed.

Does D2L have an alternative for accessing course materials offline? 

Yes, the Brightspace Pulse app is freely available on iOS and Android platforms and allows students to view and access course materials offline.

What is Brightspace Pulse? 

Brightspace Pulse is a mobile app that helps students keep track of important updates. It brings news, deadlines, and grades together in one place so they can spend less time organizing and more time learning.

Students can check upcoming readings, assignments, and tests quickly to make better decisions about how to handle their workload. Notifications keep students up to date with course news and let them know when grades are available. Pulse also allows students to read and reply to class discussions they're subscribed to right within the app.

 Pulse will be available to Bloomsburg University students by this Winter session. We will announce its arrival at that time.

Coming Soon: Auto-save in Quizzes

You know how you can take an entire quiz in BOLT but if your connection drops you might lose your answers if you don't save them periodically?

That's going to be a thing of the past soon.

BOLT will soon introduce an auto-save feature in quizzes. Answers will save automatically while you're taking a quiz.

This feature is not yet available but is in on its way. Keep saving your answers for now! We will post once the feature is available.

Quizzing with LockDown Browser

If your instructor requires you to use Respondus LockDown Browser, here are some tips to help you.

First, if you are on your own machine, you MUST download the browser via OUR special link at http://www.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=666246493

You won't be able to download the browser to campus machines due to permissions on campus machines.

Some machines on campus already have the browser, such as machines in the library. However, they do not have webcams which are needed to use Respondus Monitor which instructors may require. If you require a webcam you may need to use your own machine.

To begin a quiz, use a regular browser to go to BOLT and your course. Go to Assessment > Quizzes and click on the name of the quiz. There will be a button to Launch LockDown Browser rather than the "Start Quiz" button other quizzes in BOLT have.

For support, contact BOLT Support via phone at 1-866-921-0473 to make sure there is not an issue with BOLT first. If they can't assist you right away, contact Respondus at http://support.respondus.com/support/index.php

BOLT TIP: Find your feedback in BOLT

BOLT has improved feedback visibility in some tools. Here are some tips to find your feedback.

Check the Grades and Class Progress tools for feedback from all types of activities. The rubrics tool has been improved to allow feedback from instructors to display in these tools. Previously feedback from rubrics did not always display in these tools.

View your submission in Assignments to see instructor feedback. If your instructor left feedback in the Assignments tool, you will be able to see it when you access your submission there. Instructors can also see when you viewed this feedback.

Also in Assignments, click through any Turnitin links in your submission if your instructor uses Turnitin Feedback Studio. If they do, you can access the Feedback Studio and see the markup and comments they left on your submission.

Subscribe to discussion threads to see responses such as from your instructor or classmates. If you subscribe, you will receive notifications when new posts are made to your or other threads.

Fresh BOLT How-To for Spring!

We promised you a new version of our BOLT How-To pages and they are now available!

You can access the new IMDC Infobase at https://bloomuimdc.freshdesk.com. Or, if you're in BOLT, click Help and then click BOLT How-To.

You can search for topics, look at related articles, download our step by step tutorials, and watch our YouTube videos directly on the topic pages.

We made a video to show you how it works:

Get Help in BOLT!

Back for a new semester? Starting out at Bloomsburg?

In either case, you may need this information about how you can get help with BOLT!

• Log in to BOLT at https://bolt.bloomu.edu with your HuskyID.
• If you need help in BOLT, check out the Need Help? widget in BOLT.
• You can get BOLT Support any day, any time at 1-866-921-0473!
• Search for helpful BOLT topics at our new IMDC Infobase at https://bloomuimdc.freshdesk.com
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see any new videos we post. Go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV32JrmLma4pJ4F_SE_MJrg
• Follow our BOLT Students blog at http://bloomuboltstudents.blogspot.com

BOLT TIP: No confirmation needed when starting or submitting quizzes!

Easier Quiz Start and Quiz Submit in BOLT

You no longer need to confirm starting or submitting your quizzes in BOLT!

Clicking Start Quiz begins your quiz.
Clicking Submit Quiz submits your quiz.

This is a change as you used to have to confirm starting or submitting your quiz on a secondary screen.

Ready for Semester End?

Here are some tips for the end of the semester in BOLT:

Check your progress!
Use Assessments > Class Progress to check where you stand in your classes.

Schedule any proctored exams.
Are you supposed to take a proctored exam? Make sure to schedule within the specified timeframe.

Download stuff!
Use Binder to download your course content. You can download Binder for iOS or Android devices. You can also use the Download feature to download your submissions and feedback from the Assignments tool.

Export ePortfolio!
Are you graduating? Take your ePortfolio with you. See the myDesire2Learn Access widget in BOLT for details on how to do this.

Grades Exemption Expansion

Did your instructor exempt you from graded activities in BOLT?

If an instructor exempted you (in BOLT) from a graded activity they linked in Content, you should now see the exemption in Content.

This is an expansion of the Grades Exemptions feature in BOLT. (Please note: If your instructor exempted you from activities, assignments, or grades outside of BOLT, you won't see that in BOLT unless they add the exemption to BOLT for you!)

Read on for other places you should see exemptions when instructors apply grade exemptions in BOLT.

Daylight Dawns August 17th

We are flipping the switch to Daylight on August 17th. 

The Daylight Experience is coming to BOLT to bring a new, modern, responsive design to BOLT. BOLT will display better on mobile devices and will have other user experience improvements, including a new My Courses widget.

Daylight is coming to BOLT on August 17

If you want more information on Daylight, check out our student videos on our YouTube channel. We have a special Daylight playlist just for students to show you how to use the new user interface: https://youtu.be/RiUaeT04IUM?list=PLXjuCKxYK182fiunZmv-n2UyDFDIja7MG



We will also be updating our Student Support information at https://intranet.bloomu.edu/imdc-bolt-student. Help documentation will be updated to match the new look and feel in BOLT.

Gear Up for 2017 Fall

Here are some answers to common questions to help you get ready for the upcoming semester!

	Can’t see your courses? Students aren’t added to Fall courses until August 17th. After that, if you add a course in MyHusky, it takes 24-48 hours for you to be added to the course in BOLT. Students won’t see courses until instructors make them active in BOLT, and some instructors won’t use BOLT. If you have questions about when your instructor is giving you access to BOLT, please contact your instructor.
	Can’t login to BOLT? BOLT uses your HuskyID credentials. If you can’t login to BOLT, try logging into your email. If you can’t login to your email, you may need a password reset. If you can, are you a transfer or Grad student? They don’t have access until August 17th!
	Using Clickers? If you are in a course using clickers, register your clicker via the Clicker Registration link in BOLT (under University Resources). You MUST register via the link.
	Need help in BOLT? We have 24/7 technical support from our vendor that can be accessed via the Support Portal widget in BOLT. Click through the widget to access live chat support, email support, and a knowledge base. Telephone support is available at 1-866-921-0473. We also have a student blog at http://bloomuboltstudents.blogspot.com. We maintain student support information at https://intranet.bloomu.edu/imdc-bolt-student, and have a YouTube channel with video tutorials at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV32JrmLma4pJ4F_SE_MJrg.
	Using Proctoring? If your instructor is using Respondus LockDown Browser, download it via our link: http://www.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=666246493 If your instructor is using ProctorU, check out our student guide: https://tinyurl.com/y8t4u3ky

What's Next in BOLT: Daylight, coming August 17th to BOLT

BOLT will have a new look and feel next month. The Daylight Experience is coming to BOLT to bring a new, modern, responsive design to BOLT. Have you seen Daylight? 

Prepare for Online Learning in 2017 Fall

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the upcoming Fall semester.

Check your schedule.
Make sure your schedule looks like you thought it would in MyHusky. Have concerns? Contact your advisor or the Registrar.

Check your email.
Instructors may email you prior to the semester with information.

Get technology requirements for your classes.
Read your instructor’s syllabus carefully and find out what technology is required! For example, do you need a webcam for the course? Will you be using Respondus LockDown Browser? Is your instructor using ProctorU? Do you need a clicker?

Update software.
Make sure you have all your software updates! For instance, if your instructor is using Respondus LockDown Browser, make sure to download it or update to the latest version. Always make sure your web browser and plug-ins are up-to-date!

Learn about BOLT.
Check out our Student Support page and visit our YouTube channel. We also have 24/7 support from our vendor. Click through the Support Portal widget in BOLT, or call 1-866-921-0473 any day, any time.

Register your Clicker
If your instructor is using clickers, register your device via the link in BOLT! If you do not have one, you MUST create a Turning Account by clicking through the Clicker Registration link in BOLT. You cannot make the account outside of BOLT- it must be created through BOLT to work properly with your instructor’s software- and score your clicker responses for grades.

Welcome, Class of 2021

Are you a new Husky?  Welcome to Bloomsburg University and BOLT!

Here is a handy checklist to get oriented with BOLT:

• Bookmark the BOLT How-To
  Get step by step tips on BOLT at https://www.bloomu.edu/imdc-bolt-student
  
• Bookmark the BOLT Support Portal
  Access chat, email, phone, and DIY support at https://d2lprod.service-now.com/bloomu
  
• Subscribe to the IMDC'sYouTube channel
  Access video tutorials at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV32JrmLma4pJ4F_SE_MJrg
  
• Login to BOLT
  Go to https://bolt.bloomu.edu  – use your HuskyID to login. This is the same login as your network and Huskies email account login.
  
• Take the Orientation Seminar course in BOLT
  You must take the Orientation Seminar course in BOLT. But don't worry, it's awesome! You'll earn badges and a certificate for completing the course!
  
  Click 2017SummerORG-1-17-01 in your My Courses widget or in the Select a course menu at the top of the page in BOLT. (When the course is available for you to take, it will show up for you to click on it.)

Need help in BOLT? Call 1-866-921-0473 or access our Support Portal widget in BOLT 24/7/365!

Have you seen Daylight?

We are flipping the switch to Daylight on August 17, 2017. Daylight will bring a modern, responsive experience to BOLT. Have you seen Daylight?

https://youtu.be/RiUaeT04IUM

Click the link to read more and read the video transcript.

Changes to BOLT Coming Tomorrow!

Are you ready for changes to BOLT tomorrow?

New Navigation

To prepare for the Daylight Experience, there will be changes to the navigation bars in BOLT. New menus will be on the My Home page and course home page.

BOLT My Home Navigation Update May 19



BOLT Course Home Navigation Update May 19

Online Rooms No More

The Online Rooms tool will not be available after tomorrow. Your instructor may choose to use other tools we have available to hold online class meetings: Collaborate: Ultra, Virtual Classroom, and Zoom.

You can find more information about online communication tools at our Student Support pages.

Check out https://www.bloomu.edu/imdc-bolt-communication

Changes Coming to BOLT May 19

There will be two significant changes to BOLT on May 19, 2017. A new navigation scheme will be in place, and online rooms will be phased out.

New Navigation

To prepare for the Daylight Experience, there will be changes to the navigation bars in BOLT. New menus will be on the My Home page and course home page.

BOLT My Home Navigation Update May 19



BOLT Course Home Navigation Update May 19

Online Rooms Phased Out

The Online Rooms tool is being phased out. Your instructor will be using new tools to have online classes in BOLT after May 19, 2017. We have several tools available: Collaborate: Ultra, Virtual Classroom, and Zoom.

You can find more information about online communication tools at our Student Support pages.

Check out https://www.bloomu.edu/imdc-bolt-student

Changes at BOLT Support Now Live!

As of March 13, 2017 we have transitioned to premium support services for students.

Justin Sharp and Tyler Snyder of BOLT Support have some important information about those changes to share with you in this YouTube video.

You can call 1-866-921-0473 for support 24/7/365.

You can use the Support Portal widget in BOLT to access the live chat feature, email support, and knowledge base.

Want to see more YouTube videos? Check out our channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV32JrmLma4pJ4F_SE_MJrg 

BOLT Unavailable March 12 from 1am to 7am EST

Every month, BOLT undergoes a maintenance window. This month’s maintenance window is on Sunday, March 12, 2017 from 1:00am to 7:00am ET. BOLT will be unavailable during this time. Please plan accordingly. 

Maintenance Window FAQ

Q: Where are the maintenance dates announced?

A: Maintenance dates are announced here on our BOLT Students blog, our BOLT Blog for faculty, and in the News items on your My Home page in BOLT.

Q: What will happen if I try to log in during a maintenance period?

A: A page will load that says Desire2Learn is unavailable due to scheduled maintenance.

Q: Why am I still seeing a page that tells me D2L is unavailable after the maintenance window?

A: If you tried to login to BOLT during the maintenance window, your browser may be loading the scheduled maintenance page from its cache memory. If you encounter this page outside of the maintenance window, please clear your browser cache before trying to login to BOLT again.

• Clear your browser cache in Internet Explorer
• Clear your browser cache in Microsoft Edge
• Clear your browser cache in Firefox
• Clear your browser cache in Chrome
• Clear your browser cache in Safari

Q: This is a bad time for BOLT to be unavailable. Can maintenance be rescheduled?

A: We understand frustration when BOLT downtime occurs during busy times of the academic year. Unfortunately, we cannot reschedule the maintenance windows. The IMDC has no control over the regularly scheduled maintenance windows. They are scheduled by our vendor and are necessary to keep BOLT working optimally. 

Phasing Out Online Rooms

Online Rooms is being phased out on May 19, 2017. 

Your instructor will be using new tools to conduct online classes in BOLT after May 29, 2017. We have several tools available for instructors to use. 

 

You can find out more information about Collaborate Ultra and YouSeeU Virtual Classroom at our Student Support pages. Check it out at https://www.bloomu.edu/imdc-bolt-student