Course Announcements and Notifications
Course announcements work differently in Brightspace than in Blackboard. The Announcements tool does not include an option to send an email directly. Instructors can send students a separate email directing them to an announcement in Brightspace.
Instructors are also encouraged to recommend the Brightspace Pulse app to students. The app helps students stay informed about course announcements, grades, assignments, and upcoming deadlines.
Notification Options
Depending on their notification settings and available Brightspace features, students may receive course updates through:
- Push Notifications: Alerts delivered directly to a mobile device through the Brightspace Pulse app.
- SMS (Text Messages): Text notifications, if supported and enabled. Standard messaging rates may apply.
- Email Notifications: Course updates sent to the student's designated email address.
Downloading and Setting Up Brightspace Pulse
Brightspace Pulse is a mobile app that allows students to receive push notifications about course announcements, published grades, upcoming due dates, and other course activity. Students can also access supported course materials from their mobile devices.
Encourage students to download the Brightspace Pulse app and review their notification preferences.
- Download Brightspace Pulse from the appropriate app store.
- Open the app and sign in using SUNY Poly's Brightspace environment.
- Log in to Brightspace (opens in a new tab) to review notification settings.
- Select your name or profile menu, then choose "Notifications."
- Review and customize the available notification preferences.
How Students Receive Course Updates
When instructors post announcements, publish grades, or update course content, students may receive notifications depending on their selected preferences and the notification features available for that activity.
On the Brightspace website, students can check the notification icons in the navigation bar for new activity. Students using the Brightspace Pulse app may also receive notifications directly on their mobile devices.
