Behind the Scenes: Inside Brightspace Classrooms from Elementary to Secondary

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By Morgan Thompson, LMS Teacher Specialist


Looking to use Brightspace in a new way next year? Keep reading for some inspiration from your fellow #AACPSAwesome teachers!


This year, a Brightspace user Roundtable Discussion was included as a session option during our semi-annual eCoach Day on March 7th, 2024. Teachers from elementary, middle, and high school shared their experiences of how they are using Brightspace to enhance personalized learning, establish effective routines, and facilitate improved communication.


🔷Meet the Panelists


Jeremy Milligan

Northeast High School

Amanda Scheeler

Riviera Beach Elementary School

Alex Tougas

Annapolis Middle School

Michael Vigna

Broadneck High School


🔷Engagement through Personalized Learning Paths


Whether it's providing student choice or embedding multimedia content, Brightspace offers versatile tools to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities. 


Jeremy, a science teacher, introduced the concept of using Brightspace's Game Maps feature to sequence learning activities in a new way to interest his students. By creating interactive pathways, Jeremy allows students to progress at their own pace while ensuring comprehension before moving forward. This approach not only fosters curiosity but also empowers students to work at their own pace.


Michael, a tech ed teacher, emphasized the importance of self-paced learning in his classes. By utilizing Release Conditions and an agenda as a checklist, Michael guides students through units while providing clarity of expectations for independent exploration. Release conditions ensure students are completing work within specific parameters before new items appear in the module. This method encourages students to take ownership of their learning, enhancing their overall engagement and understanding. 


As a second grade teacher, Amanda embraces blended learning through choice boards and Brightspace Assignments. Among her digital choice options, she often incorporates activities through Wixie and other resources related to student interests. Similarly, Alex utilizes the in-person/on-paper Brightspace Assignment submission type for overall clarity and consistency of his weekly lessons for his seventh graders. 


🔷Establishing Navigational Routines and Norms


Effective utilization of Brightspace hinges on establishing clear routines and consistent instructions for students.


Amanda stressed the significance of establishing clear routines early on. By utilizing emojis as visual cues, Amanda ensures her young learners are able to more easily recognize activity types and purposes. By incorporating (and practicing) consistent routines and clear instructions, Amanda sets her students up for success in digital learning environments.


Alex echoed the importance of consistency in utilizing Brightspace as a central hub for learning resources. By implementing weekly agendas and incorporating integrations like StudySync, he creates a cohesive learning experience for his students. Alex has also been using screenshots of his course within daily directions, promoting organization and accountability among his students.


For Michael, an important early routine includes teaching his students how to access the feedback that he has provided within his Brightspace courses. He also highlighted the importance of teaching his students how to link their Google accounts so that they can turn assignments directly in from their Google Drive. 


🔷Enhancing Family Engagement through Communication Channels


While challenges can exist in engaging families, our panel indicated that they are exploring ways to leverage Brightspace for effective communication. 


At the course level, Jeremy utilized Intelligent Agents to provide timely updates on student progress while Amanda shared monthly newsletters through her Activity Feed. As an eCoach and Brightspace Champion, Alex helped establish a Custom Widget on his school landing page where the community school program manager communicates information to all students and staff.

🔷Thanks to Our Panel and Where to Learn More


A special thank you goes out to Jeremy, Amanda, Alex and Michael for participating in our Brightspace User Roundtable! Their honest input and suggestions sparked great conversation among attendees. If you would like to watch the recording of their panel discussion, find it on our Spring 2024 Session Catalog.


For additional information on the Brightspace topics discussed by our panelists, visit Teacher Intro to Digital Tools - Brightspace. Or…join us this summer for A Splash of Brightspace!


Visit Unified Talent to register starting May 9th, 2024.




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