The Brightspace Grades tool allows instructors to create and manage their gradebooks, which includes grading system, grade calculations, grade scheme, grade items, and view and display options. The gradebook can be linked to assessments such as quizzes, assignments and discussion forums.
This page covers creating and managing gradebooks. To learn more about entering and releasing grades, please visit Entering and Releasing Grades.
Why Use the Grades Tool in Brightspace?
Grading Systems and Schemes
- Instructors can choose to set up their gradebooks using a numeric or weighted system for inputting students’ grades. As well, a custom formula can be implemented for the final grade calculation (based on either system) with additional conditions to best suit the course requirements.
- A grading scheme allows an instructor to communicate to students their performance in terms of levels of achievement. UVic’s default scheme is percentage. However, new schemes using a different organization of learners’ achievements can be made. For example, instructors can make a grading scheme of Pass/Fail.
- Both grading systems and schemes can be modified if need be.
Grading Items
- A gradebook is made of grade items. These can be assigned a maximum percentage or numerical value (depending on your chosen grading system). These values can be modified, and new grade items can be added even after the gradebook has been set up.
- Grade items can be associated with an assessment (quiz, assignment or discussion). When an assessment is marked, the grade will automatically be exported to the gradebook. Alternatively, grades can be entered manually in the gradebook and be synchronized to the linked assessment.
- Grade items can be grouped into categories, allowing for better organization of the gradebook.
Both individual grade items or an entire grade category can be hidden from students.
Setting up Your Gradebook
The 3-minute video below will help you understand the basics of the Grades tool in Brightspace. Note: In UVic’s Brightspace version, the grade book is located in the Grades tool, found on the Navigation Bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
These links from D2L will provide you with instructions to the most common procedures using the Grades tool:
