Best way to create a read-only instructor role that can copy course content?

Question

I'm looking for advice on the best way to configure a custom role in Brightspace.

We have a set of master course shells that serve as the source for instructors to copy content into their teaching course offerings. We'd like to have two different levels of access:

* Course caregivers: Full Instructor permissions so they can update and maintain the master course shell.
* All other instructors: A role that allows them to:* Access and view the master course shells.
* Copy course components into their own course offerings using Import/Export/Copy Components.
* Download files if needed.
* Not modify the master course in any way (for example, no editing HTML pages, creating or deleting content, changing quizzes, discussions, assignments, etc.).

Has anyone successfully created a role like this?

Thank you for any advice or ideas for this project.

Hai.N.9903 · Answer

Hi Heather,

Thank you for your question.

Yes, this type of setup is possible, and I’ve seen similar configurations implemented successfully.

For your scenario, you would typically define two separate roles:

1. Course Caregivers (Master Shell Maintenance)

You can assign this role full Instructor-level permissions so users can fully manage and maintain the master course shells, including updating content, quizzes, discussions, and other course components.

2. Instructor (Read-Only Access + Copy Capability)

For all other instructors, I recommend creating a custom role based on either an existing read-only role (if available) or by cloning an Instructor role and then restricting permissions.

From there, you would:

* Keep only view/see permissions across course tools
* Remove all edit, create, delete, and manage permissions for areas such as Content, Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions to ensure the master course cannot be modified
* Add permissions for Import/Export/Copy Components so users can copy content into their own course offerings

https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/4818-import-export-copy-components-permissions

* Ensure file access permissions are enabled if users need to download or view files

https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/4491-manage-files-permissions

This approach allows instructors to fully access and reuse master course content while preventing any changes to the source shells.

Please let me know if you’d like help reviewing specific permissions or validating the role setup.

Thank you,

Hai Nguyen

Product Support Analyst

D2L Corporation

Alistair.C.919 · Answer

Hey,

I have set mine up as a master/corurse coordinator role, and then in the course management page, given the other tutors 'tutor' roles, this is a read-only module that they can use.

Are you copying whole units? If so, might be easier just to setup the new shell and copy in for them.