Brightspace LMS Reviews

“Total disaster!!

Pros

I genuinely do not enjoy anything regarding Brightspace. The layout is badly planned, it is not user-friendly at all and getting any task completed feels like navigating a total disaster.

Cons

Honestly D2L Brightspace is the most frustrating learning system I have ever had to use. From an instructor's perspective, it is just not user-friendly. Every single task demands so much time and far too many clicks. On top of that, it is so buggy that it creates a real mess for my students and the company itself seems completely uninterested in fixing things. Also it is ridiculous that in 2025, I have to reach out to our Brightspace admin for support every single week. Their guides are confusing and filled with overly complex jargon for things that should be simple to explain. It feels like they are either trying too hard to sound intelligent or they are completely disconnected from what users actually need. My advice to anyone thinking of using it is to look elsewhere.

“Simplifies things for students

Pros

As a student, Brightspace really simplifies things for me. All my class materials are located in one spot and finding my way around the platform is not a problem.

Cons

There are occasional issues like when we need to access a textbook through Connect, it can be problematic to get it to load properly. It also has a habit of signing you out if you are inactive for a bit.

“Fantastic when implemented properly

Pros

When it's implemented properly, it is fantastic having all my resources consolidated. My course readings, homework and lecture notes are always simple to find.

Cons

On my iPhone the top bar uses up a lot of screen space which makes reading PDF documents a real challenge. So it would be great if I could turn that bar off when I do not need it.

“easy to learn

Pros

Students pick up how to use it really fast and the built-in calendar is a lifesaver for us in remembering due dates and what's coming up next.

Cons

The overall look is not very modern. The way things are arranged can sometimes be disorienting and the interface often feels cluttered and unorganized.

“very easy to move between classes

Pros

Moving between my different classes and focusing on learning is simple because I am not constantly struggling with the software itself.

Cons

For some of the other courses I have taken, the platform felt a bit behind the times compared to other systems.

“a helpful resource for studies

Pros

during my time in college, Brightspace proved to be a helpful resource for my studies.

Cons

one downside was that even when I was just trying to complete simple tasks, I found the mobile app really hard to get around.

“The worst and most inefficient tool

Pros

It is difficult to come up with a single positive thing to say about this system.

Cons

I dislike everything about it. It is a very time-consuming platform. I have used many others and this one is by far the worst and most inefficient. Instead of helping my busy schedule, it adds to it with its endless clicking and poorly planned layout.

“simple and intuitive

Pros

Adding new material and grading assignments is a simple process. The way a course is structured makes sense and you do not need much instruction to use it, whether you are teaching or learning.

Cons

The system automatically puts in zeros for quiz and test questions that need to be graded by hand which makes my students anxious when they see their first score. So it would be much better if the initial grade remained hidden until those questions can be properly reviewed.

“Incredibly simple to use

Pros

The best part is how simple it is to use I mean it was incredibly simple. All the features were positioned right where we expect them to be.

Cons

Finding my way back to the main college page was a lil confusing.

“very user friendly

Pros

It is very, very user friendly as we can easily learn how everything works on our own without any guidance.

Cons

The new, updated version of the platform with its visual changes was not as easy to navigate as the older one.

“looks nice and works well

Pros

Brightspace LMS platform is so user friendly, simple to get around, looks nice and is designed to work really well.

Cons

Well the internal email feature feels a bit old-fashioned so I feel like it would be nice if it were updated to a modern chat system.

“wonderfully designed tool

Pros

Working with this program saves us from having to start from scratch. It is a wonderfully designed educational tool that I rely on as a university professor.

Cons

A few minor features like the color-coding for specific assignments, still do not completely make sense to me. But it is not a major problem.

“the worst!!!!

Pros

There is nothing positive to mention. It is simply the worst.

Cons

I genuinely dislike everything about it. Honestly, if I tried to explain my complete thoughts, I feel like it would take me hours.

“Flexible system

Pros

The flexibility to join my courses from either my phone or my computer through Brightspace is a feature I really like.

Cons

You cannot see the instructor, the PowerPoint and the chat all at the same time. The view is limited to either the chat, the slides or the teacher but never a combination which is a major flaw.

“forward-thinking and innovative tool

Pros

D2L does a great job of planning for the future, constantly making upgrades and introducing new tools.

Cons

A handful of the tools come with frustrating surprises like discovering we cannot adjust the due dates for discussion posts.

“The layout really works for me

Pros

The way the material for every one of my courses is laid out and structured really works for me.

Cons

Well the sheer number of email alerts is a real problem as we get one for every single discussion and announcement. The only way to stop them is to manually opt-out of every one which is a time-consuming process that ironically floods your inbox even more.

“No trouble getting the hang of

Pros

Getting the hang of Brightspace is no trouble at all. As locating my assignments and their deadlines is always simple.

Cons

Occasionally items can be difficult to locate, though thats typically a mistake on the teachers end not the platforms.

“Provides all the essential tools

Pros

This LMS provides all the essential tools we need to handle online classes which is why I am a fan. The layout is also great and building content and grading feels very natural.

Cons

For the most part my experience has been smooth but the analytics section tends to be a bit problematic.

“A Canadian Masterpiece like a Lego with 3000 pieces

Pros

I find it highly reliable, team productivity is visible, and the student reports are helpful.

Cons

Assembling it was challenging, negotiations were complex, and the support was limited.

“Brightspace keeps things organized

Pros

I appreciate how Brightspace consolidates all the information in one place.

Cons

Sometimes, Brightspace can be frustrating due to its website layout. It has the potential for improvement.

“Brightspace user (Bigsky)

Pros

The inclusion of gamification is a great addition, and once the course is set up, everything runs smoothly like clockwork.

Cons

The initial setup at the beginning of each semester is time-consuming, BUT it's worth the effort.

“Brightspace is simple, quick and easy to hit the ground running

Pros

Brightspace is straightforward and concise. Developing courses in Brightspace is simple, resulting in visually appealing content that attracts students.

Cons

Brightspace lacks many features found in other LMSs like Canvas and Blackboard.

“A Good LMS Option

Pros

It offers many similar features to other LMS options like Blackboard and Angel. In comparison to Moodle, Brightspace has several advantages. It's user-friendly and has the cleanest interface among major college LMSs.

Cons

It would benefit from having a video class option, similar to Blackboard UltraCollaborate.

“Very useful

Pros

It's easy to use, allowing me to access coursework, courses, and grades effortlessly.

Cons

Overall, I like everything about it. I haven't come across any dislikes yet.

“Alright There are better options

Pros

One of the features I value the most about Brightspace is the progress tracking. It effectively highlights when a student falls behind on an assignment or more.

Cons

When I first started using Brightspace, the previous learning environment had shut down, and everyone had to adapt to Brightspace. One of the features I dislike the most is the lack of mobile access. Viewing it on a mobile device is difficult, while other classroom tools are mobile-friendly.

“Bright space - moderate

Pros

There's a wide range of different features and resources available through this software.

Cons

It's not the most intuitive platform to navigate through, and I often struggle with it.

“A Comprehensive Platform for Effective Teaching

Pros

As a professor, I've been using D2L Brightspace for many years, and I find it to be an excellent tool for managing my courses. I love the convenience of posting class content, syllabi, and grading assignments all in one place. It's also great for creating engaging forums and discussions among students. One of my favorite features is creating assignment submission folders for students, making it easy to grade and provide feedback in a centralized location.

Cons

Some advanced features may require extra training or guidance.

“Average but does the job

Pros

Since it shares similarities with other LMS systems, it doesn't take long to learn if you're already familiar with them.

Cons

I frequently had to rely on user-made YouTube videos to figure out how to perform certain tasks. It was challenging for users who struggled to find answers themselves.

“Making Online Learning & Training a brighter space for all.

Pros

This software is polished and offers a wide range of features, making it an exceptional "investment."

Cons

The pricing is competitive, but some value-added services are only available in the premium/paid tier.

“Great Online Learning Resource

Pros

I adore the user-friendly nature of this software. As a daily user, I can effortlessly navigate through its different portals and quickly find all the resources for my classes. It's well-organized and incorporates accessible features like clear text and high contrasting colors. Grades are easily accessible, and it provides all the necessary features for success in my courses, such as discussion boards, class lists, attendance tracking, and course content.

Cons

The notifications can be overwhelming. Every time a professor makes adjustments to their course, notifications pile up throughout the day. Additionally, notifications for upcoming assignments are sometimes inconsistent. Assignments not done through D2L don't show up at all, causing confusion about pending work.

“Hands down the best learning software to date

Pros

Every aspect of this software is incredibly user-friendly. It's evident that they had students in mind during its development. It's not difficult to use, especially if you follow the tutorials and instructions. Right from the start, you can't go wrong with it. I can't think of anything negative to say about it. I've used this software at two different colleges without any issues. Hands down, it's the best.

Cons

The use of virtual classrooms in conjunction with Brightspace varies among colleges. I don't fully understand why some institutions prefer the virtual product classroom over the Brightspace software. It seems to be more of a college preference than a software preference for Brightspace.

“Very helpful tool throughout university

Pros

I utilized D2L Brightspace throughout my entire university experience. Uploading learning materials such as assignments, solutions, homework, PowerPoints, lecture videos, and more was always a breeze. Navigating and accessing what I needed, whether on a computer or mobile device, was simple. The navigation is straightforward, and the user interface is easy to learn. The notifications bell was particularly useful, as I relied on it to receive consistent and clear updates for all my courses.

Cons

I believe certain aspects of the user interface could be redesigned to enhance aesthetics. Some features and sections appear outdated and could benefit from visual improvements. The responsibility of including or excluding specific sections lies with the professors, but clearer instructions on formatting course pages/sections would be helpful.

“An Educators Review of Brightspace

Pros

Overall, Brightspace empowers educators to design effective online courses that enable students to succeed and earn their degrees, even if attending a campus is not possible.

Cons

Brightspace attempted to integrate a video feature for online courses, but it still lags and requires significant improvement before functioning well.

“D2L Brightspace

Pros

It's easy for both faculty and students to use, and it seamlessly integrates with publisher assignments.

Cons

There is nothing missing or disliked about D2L.

“So far, so good! Wonderful new LMS for my courses

Pros

The user interface is logical and intuitive, and the support is excellent.

Cons

So far, I haven't found anything I dislike! It's hard to believe, but it's true. My institution recently switched to Brightspace, and I'm loving it. Integration with my publishers is seamless, and managing courses is effortless.

“Brightspace Learning

Pros

It's a fantastic platform for continuing education. The PGA of Canada courses are well-structured.

Cons

I haven't encountered any negative experiences or issues with the software.

“Love Bright space

Pros

As a user, it's incredibly easy to learn how to navigate through the platform.

Cons

There's nothing I dislike about Brightspace.

“Almost equal to an university.

Pros

It offers numerous virtual classes with effective learning-method software. I greatly enjoy using it and continuously improve my skills.

Cons

I can't think of anything negative about it, and I recommend Brightspace to all my friends.

“Great for Higher Education

Pros

It's easy to use and make a smooth transition to, even if you're familiar with other learning platforms.

Cons

Instead of going back to the previous page, the back button takes you to the home page.

“Must have for parents and students

Pros

Brightspace is easy to navigate and very user-friendly.

Cons

I found everything straightforward to use and applicable.

“Your virtual classroom

Pros

The collaborative features in the software that allow me to engage in discussions and utilize commenting features are incredibly beneficial for running an engaging classroom. Moreover, the software's device compatibility is a significant factor in enabling me to access the learning content from any technology I own.

Cons

As a user from a smaller school, I find this learning management system to be unaffordable. It would be great to have a product that caters to small groups and is offered at a reduced rate.

“Brightspace Review

Pros

I appreciate how Brightspace grants me access to all of my courses through a single, simple dashboard. Not only do I receive notifications for updates, publications, and reviews, but I also have access to a list of fellow students enrolled in the course. This proves extremely helpful when I have a question and prefer asking my peers instead of directly contacting the instructor. This application is very intuitive and straightforward, which is particularly helpful for someone like me who isn't the most tech-savvy.

Cons

Personally, I'm not a fan of how the courses aren't automatically saved once I finish them. I often like to go back and review previous course materials.

“Using D2L

Pros

There are so many aspects of this product that I like! It's incredibly easy to design courses and teach students using it.

Cons

At times, it can be difficult for me to find the results of the test. It's not obvious where to access them, and it takes some time to locate them.

“Bright space Review

Pros

The module functions are user-friendly. They work great for asynchronous learning and make it easy to transfer content each semester.

Cons

The "Turn it on" feature doesn't work on PDFs, causing students to struggle to see answers on quizzes.

“Great learning source if teachers know how

Pros

Brightspace is flawless. It allows me to access my grades, assignments, class resources, discussion forums, and online lectures from anywhere. It is compatible with all devices, including laptops, desktops, and phones. The help services provided by Brightspace are clearly outlined and always available. The customer service skills are excellent as well.

Cons

Brightspace can be challenging when teachers are unfamiliar with its proper usage. A simple video tutorial for each feature would greatly enhance the usability of Brightspace.

“Brightspace

Pros

The most impactful features of BrightSpace for me are the discussion opportunities, auto-grading, and navigation.

Cons

The only drawback of this LMS is its cost.

“Brightspace as D2L

Pros

It's user-friendly and has a welcoming user interface.

Cons

Some of the tools, such as entering grades and individual reporting, could have been slightly better.

“One of the Best Softwares to Use as a Student

Pros

What I liked most about Brightspace was its simple yet effective organization. It's evident that the software was designed with students' success in mind. The organization of chapters, sections, topics, and individual assignments on the side panel remains consistent across all subjects I'm studying. The top bar allows me to click on pages that act as filters for different class materials. I can easily view all assessments, assignments, and grades in one place. Additionally, every item is linked back to its corresponding source, so if I'm unsure about "assignment 2" while looking at it in the gradebook, I can simply click on it to be redirected to the original post. The software also provides notifications for open assignments and reminders for upcoming exams and homework deadlines. Having used other platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, and Google Classroom, I can confidently say that these functions are not common and other platforms can sometimes be extremely difficult and confusing to navigate. However, I never encountered such issues with D2L.

Cons

I must say, it's hard to find any qualms about D2L Brightspace. I haven't noticed any negative aspects during my entire usage of the software.

“Brightspace is worse than Blackboard

Pros

Brightspace is fully functional, allowing me to upload work, access grades, and more.

Cons

The user interface is unattractive and lacks intuitiveness.

“Great online classroom tool

Pros

It's easy to see what's next and where I'm at. This reduces visual clutter and the number of steps needed to reach my desired destination.

Cons

Occasionally, it could be a bit slow, but I believe that was due to a server or isolated IT issue.