What's New in D2L Version 8.3
Self-directed Orientation Information

Below are resources that will help orient you to the new 8.3 version of D2L.

  • “Picturebook” – a visual comparison of D2L 8.1 (present version) and D2L 8.3 (new version) NOTE: You may want to print out a copy of each comparison page
  • “Orientation Agenda” (pdf) – A list that highlights what is new in D2L version 8.3 (used for the Face-2-Face Orientation Sessions)

D2L 8.3 PRACTICE SITE (QA Site)

MnSCU D2L has created a practice environment (called the QA site) in the new 8.3 D2L for you try out this version. It was created in March 2008 so should include everything from your classes up to that date. You can do whatever you want in the QA environment, e.g., create-revise-delete Content, Discussions, Quizzes, Gradebook items, etc. You cannot mess up anything in your classes in the QA.

To access the QA site:

  • Go to the regular login page for D2L.
  • In the web address (URL), type in the letters “ “ qa ” after “ bemidjistate” or click on the link below

https://bemidjistateqa.ims.mnscu.edu/

  • Login with your regular username & password

When you are logged in, you will see the words "You are working in QA" at the top of your MyHome page. Play around in the QA site. Note that any changes you make in your QA classes will NOT affect your regular classes outside the QA site.

SUGGESTION: To contrast the two versions of D2L, set up two computers side-by-side (your own computers or get a colleague to join you). Login to D2L 8.1 (the present version) on one computer, and login to D2L 8.3 (the new version) on the other computer. NOTE: You can open two different browsers on one computer, but it doesn't offer as effective a comparison as you will get with two computers side-by-side. Just be careful to make changes in the 8.3 version only.