July 2024 Updates

The July 2024 update increases the minimum supported browser versions to:

• Chrome 124+
• Edge 124+
• Safari 17+
• Firefox 124+

The minimum legacy browsers are now:

• Chrome 81
• Edge 81
• Safari 14
• Firefox 75

The following browsers are no longer supported:

• Chrome 66
• Edge 18
• Safari 11
• Firefox 66.

For an optimal experience that offers better performance, accessibility, and security, it is recommended that all users access the Learning Hub with the latest version of their supported browser.

The Automatic Zero feature allows a score of zero (0) to be automatically applied to unsubmitted learner activities after the due date passes. Applying the Automatic Zero feature eliminates the need for instructors to manually set missing submissions to zero. Additionally, learners receive a more accurate view of their grade calculations for individual activities and for the overall course.

Supported submissions include file and text-based assignments, quizzes, and LTI tools. All activities must have grade associations.

Instructors can select between system-added and manually-entered zero scores. Automatic Zero applies to both individual and group assignments and respects any exemptions and release conditions set for an activity. Automatic Zero is triggered within one minute of the due date and is based on local time zones for both instructors and learners. The feature follows the same rules as existing due dates.

Note: There are no changes to Grades data sets, as methods for identifying system-entered grades already exist.

The Automatic Zero functionality is off by default. To enable Automatic Zero, use the following new configuration variables:

• d2l.Tools.Grades.AutomaticZero (OrgUnit): This variable determines whether the system applies a grade of zero (0) to missing submissions once an assessment becomes overdue. When enabled, Automatic Zero grading only takes effect on assessments with future due dates.
• D2l.Tools.Grades.ShowAutomaticZero (Org): This variable determines whether the Automatic Zero setting appears in the Grades Settings or Grades Setup Wizard; and can be used on a course-by-course basis. When off, the setting is not available or visible in the user interface to toggle on or off. When Automatic Zero is applied to a learner’s assignment:
  • On the Enter Grades page, a zero (0) score with a dashed underline appears. Hovering over or focusing on the score displays a tooltip showing it was automatically applied by the system.
  • On the View Grades page, learners see a zero (0) grade, an overdue indicator in the Completion Status column, and optionally, a comment explaining the zero (0) grade in the Comments and Assessments column.

This feature implements the following PIE item:

• D3202 (Automatically assign zero after a due date has passed).

Figure: For instructors, the Automatic Zero for Missing Submissions check box appears in the Grade Calculations area of Grade Settings when the Automatic Zero function is turned on.

Figure: Learners see an automatic zero applied to a missing submission with an explanatory tooltip.

As of this release, SMS Notifications are permanently removed from Brightspace. Short Message Service (SMS) Notifications allowed users to subscribe to select notifications to be forwarded to their mobile phone number. Stored phone numbers are deleted following this release and are no longer needed to send notifications. The Mobile Carrier Management page is removed from Admin Tools; and the Notification Number seen when viewing a user in the Users tool is also removed.

Email-based notifications remain, and users can still receive email notifications if they subscribe. Alternatively, users can use the Brightspace Pulse app to receive the same mobile push notifications that were available with SMS Notifications.

Technical Details

Impact:

• Large impact to all users who use SMS Notifications to receive notifications.
  • To mitigate this impact, users are encouraged to download the Brightspace Pulse app or subscribe to notifications using their email.

Availability:

• This feature is removed for all clients.
• Personal data, like phone numbers, is also removed.