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Quick-start Brightspace Guide for New Users

Getting Started with Brightspace

Photo of two student browsing the web

As most of you already know, SUNY Downstate has migrated from the Blackboard Learn learning management system (LMS) to D2L Brightspace. Read the instructions below and follow them to make sure you can log in and navigate your courses

Here are some basic instructions on how to access your Brightspace account:

  1. Go to downstate.edu; click on the Current Students link.
  2. Scroll down and click on D2L Brightspace button.
  3. Choose Network Login. Drop down the Campus list on the next page and select Downstate.
  4. Use your Downstate email address as your username along with your NetID password.

Tips for Success

  • Log into your Downstate email first with your web browser, then open a new tab. Navigate to the Brightspace login and follow the steps 1–3 above. Bam — you'll be logged in automatically!
  • Watch our brief overview video to get more on login, navigation and how to get help.
  • Browse D2L's YouTube channel with how-to videos for learners (students).

Can't log in? Don't see your course listed?

  • Send an email to help@downstate.edu with your name, the course title, and a brief description of the issue.

Respondus Lockdown Browser

Your instructor may require the use of exam software. You can find a practice exam in the Student Orientation and Information course. 

NOTE THE CHANGE IN PROCEDURE! Unlike Blackboard Learn, you don't open the Respondus Lockdown Browser first to log in. Instead, log in using any web browser, enter the course and click on the Quizzes item on the blue navigation bar. Click on the test and then the "Launch Lockdown Browser" button at the bottom of the next page. That will call up the Respondus Lockdown Browser from your computer. (If you don't have the Respondus LDB installed, you can download it from the link at the test itself).