Best practices for Google Integration with Brightspace

Anne.T.17

about 30% of our faculty are using Google Classroom and enjoy the functionality of google assignments. We have integrated google workspace and assignments with Brightspace, and the process works OK, but not great, and I do understand why faculty do not want to move away from google classroom because of google assignments easy integration. Does anyone have any ideas or tips for making this process more seamless?

Lesly.G.9491

Hi Anne,

Yes! I can share a few practical steps to make Google Assignments feel much more seamless in D2L Brightspace—and closer to what faculty enjoy in Google Classroom.

Here are some simple, high-impact tips:

1️⃣ Standardize the Workflow for Faculty

One of the biggest friction points is inconsistency. Consider:

• Providing a standardized step-by-step guide for creating assignments using the Google Assignments integration inside Brightspace.
• Encouraging faculty to always create assignments from:
  • Content → Existing Activities → External Learning Tools
  • Or Assignments → New Assignment → Google Assignments

This reduces confusion and ensures grades sync properly to the Grade Book.

2️⃣ Offer short, focused training

Many instructors prefer Google Classroom because it feels easier. A quick walkthrough showing how Google Assignments works in Brightspace—automatic Drive copies, originality reports, and grade sync—can help them see the similarities.

3️⃣ Highlight automatic grade syncing

One advantage inside Brightspace is that when grades are published, they sync directly to the Brightspace Grade Book—no exporting or manual entry needed. This is a big efficiency win that’s worth emphasizing.

4️⃣ Review the integration configuration

If the process feels “OK, but not great,” it may be worth confirming:

• LTI 1.3 Advantage is being used (recommended for improved sync and security)
• Proper role provisioning is enabled
• Domain-wide delegation is configured correctly
• Google Drive permissions are not restricted by institutional policies

A quick configuration review can sometimes resolve small friction points.

5️⃣ Leverage Brightspace Features to Add Value

Remind faculty that Brightspace offers tools beyond assignment submission, such as:

• Intelligent Agents
• Release Conditions
• Rubrics tied directly to assignments
• Class Progress analytics

This helps position Brightspace as an enhancement—not a replacement.

I hope these tips help make the experience smoother for your faculty! 😊