D2L (Desire2Learn) is a web-based learning management system, meaning that you need to access your D2L course using an Internet browser. There are several different Internet browsers to choose from. The mains ones for PCs (note that you might also use Safari if you have a MAC) computers are:
- Google Chrome
- Firefox
- Microsoft Edge (note that Internet Explorer is no longer being updated)
All three of these browsers are freely available to download and install on your own computers (PC or MAC), or on your mobile devices. Yes – you can download Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge onto your iPads and iPhones!
Now, in the eyes of web-based platforms like D2L, not all Internet browsers are created equal. We recommend that, whenever possible, you use Google Chrome to access D2L and avoid Internet Explorer (if it is on the computer you are using). While Firefox and Edge are also supported by D2L, we here in eLearning have found that Chrome tends to work best with D2L tools. If Chrome is not on the computer you are using, and if you don’t have administrative access to download and install it, Firefox is a good second choice. Microsoft Edge can be used in a pinch, but you may encounter issues with some of the D2L tools and pages.
You will find a list of Internet browsers supported by D2L, one that is continually updated, at: https://documentation.brightspace.com/EN/brightspace/requirements/all/browser_support.htm
Some things to remember:
- Google Chrome is NOT the same as Google. Google is a search engine that you can use in any browser, whereas Google Chrome IS a browser. So, if you open Microsoft Edge and “Google” D2L, you are not opening D2L in Google Chrome.
- To expand on this, Never “Google” Camosun D2L – chances are that the links you will be given will not take you to where you want to go. Instead, open a browser (preferably Google Chrome), go to the main Camosun homepage (http://camosun.ca/) and click D2L in the top right-hand corner.
- If you are having trouble with D2L or any of the tools in D2L, sometimes it helps to close D2L (and the browser you have opened it in) and open D2L in another browser.