As a product in the Integration Pack for Student Information Systems (IPSIS platform, D2L Standard CSV is a source system that integrates Student Information System (SIS) or Human Resource Information System (HRIS) into Brightspace. It uses simple D2L defined comma separated values (CSV) that extract data from the information system and import it into Brightspace. These CSV files are text-based files that approximate tables of data in the information system with commas to separate columns.
D2L Standard CSV is one of the many information system integration options that are D2L clients commonly use to load and manage courses, semesters, users, and enrollments from their information systems into Brightspace through a collection of CSV files and some level of automation.
D2L Standard CSV 3.0 is the latest major version in the D2L family of CSV source system options in the IPSIS platform.
The following previous CSV source systems are considered legacy solutions or older versions of the file format for D2L Standard CSV:
- IPSIS Integration 1.0 (legacy): This is a legacy version of CSV source system that was designed to support the IMS Global Learning Consortium's Learning Information Services specification. It was expanded to support D2L-defined CSV files.
- Standard CSV (legacy): A simplified version of IPSIS Integration 1.0 that replaces translators and handlers with setup questions. This is also a legacy source system.
- D2L Standard CSV 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, and 2.1 (older versions of the CSV file format)
For more information about the each version of D2L Standard CSV and their capabilities, refer to the IPSIS - Legacy CSV To D2L Standard CSV - Versions, Migrations and Capabilities blog post.
Before you begin with D2L Standard CSV
Before you start using D2L Standard CSV, note the following important information and expectations:
- If this is your first time setting up an IPSIS source system, work with a D2L Implementation Consultant for guidance.
- After you consult with your D2L Implementation Consultant, D2L Standard CSV is considered a self-serve tool where you create the extract files and transfer them to Brightspace.
- Access to the data in your information system is required to create extract files used for the import process.
- Some information systems have built-in integrations and data export mechanisms that you can use to import data into Brightspace. D2L strongly recommends reading the information system's documentation before using, and then contacting your information system provider to seek guidance on best practices for extracting the required data into the necessary CSV file format.
- When a feature is added to D2L Standard CSV that results in a breaking change to the file format, D2L releases the change by increasing the manifest version, indicated in the manifest.json file. Currently, D2L Standard CSV supports version 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 2.1, and 3.0.
- The D2L Standard CSV documentation describes the required format of each file for use with SFTP and drag-and-drop in IPSIS Administration. It also describes the results of each action or command you send in the CSV files.
- A manifest is required when using version 1.1 or higher of D2L Standard CSV. The manifest is a JSON file that announces the version of D2L Standard CSV you are using.