This article answers frequently asked questions about Content.
What is Content?
Content (previously known as New Content Experience, NCE, or Lessons) is Brightspace’s updated Content tool offering a modern interface and improved workflows for all users. Learn more:
https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/33329
FAQ for Administrators
Will this affect existing course content?
No migration is needed. All content stays intact and displays in the new layout.
Can we enable Content for some courses and not others?
Yes, via configuration variables. Learn more:
https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/33331
Will enabling Content affect integrations (LTI tools, SCORM)?
No, all integrations remain supported.
Is there reporting for Content adoption?
Not self serve data at the moment. Discuss further with your D2L Account team.
Can we customize the color-coded layout?
With the right permissions, Instructors can change the module colours in the layout. Learn more:
https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/3681#define-the-color-of-root-modules-in-your-course
Does Content support accessibility standards (WCAG)?
Yes, Content meets D2L's WCAG 2.2 compliance.
Note that the content displayed in Content is subject to the author following the accessibility standards. The HTML Editor includes an accessibility checker to help content authors ensure their content is accessible.
What terminology does Content use for content structure?
Classic Content uses Module/Submodule terminology
Content has historically used Unit/Lesson/Folder terminology. Starting in 20.25.12, Administrators can select the terminology that is preferred. Learn more: Ability to rename Units, Lessons, and Folders
How do I enable learner progress tracking in Content?
This feature was released in July 2025 behind the config variable d2l.Tools.Content.EnableLessonsEnhancedTOC that Administrators can enable. Learn more: New Content Experience Display Learner Completion Progress
Where is the Course Schedule in Content?
Instead of a separate Course Schedule area within content, Content relies on dedicated tools that make it easier for learners to stay organized and manage their activities:
- Work To Do Widget: Displays all upcoming activities on the course homepage, sorted by due date or end date.
- Pulse: Helps learners track upcoming work on the go.
For details on the Work To Do Widget, see:
FAQ for Instructors/Course Designers/Content Authors
Do I need to prepare for the change?
No action is required. Your existing content remains intact, but you can preview and start using Content anytime.
Can I switch back to Classic view?
Yes, the content is the same it's just a UI change, this allows courses to switch between Classic and Content without any impact to the material in the course. Note, it's best to avoid switching during an active course. Depending on site configuration, this may require Administrators to make the change.
How do I get started adding content using Content?
In the Content, start by creating a new unit, then add or create topics within it. You can choose to build new materials or add existing ones like files, videos or assignments. Learn more:
https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/3681
To create new text-based material, select Page. This opens an editor that allows you to write out your own material with formatting options available to make engaging content. Note: this type of topic is called an File with the edit option titled Edit HTML in Classic Content.
Can I bulk upload course content?
Yes, drag-and-drop and bulk upload are supported.
How is completion tracking done on Units/Modules?
Units, Lessons, and Folders (aka Modules or Submodules) are meant for organizing content. Completion of a module is calculated based on the completion of the topics grouped within the module. Completion tracking does not identify if a learner viewed the module description.
Use the description to summarize what a learner will learn in the topics below it rather than using it as a page of material to learn.
How do I reorganize my content?
Improvements to reorganization was released in July 2025 behind the config variable d2l.Tools.Content.EnableLessonsEnhancedTOC that Administrators can enable. Learn more: Add and access content at any level of depth
These improvements include better drag and drop to varying depths, and removing the maximum depth of modules.
Does Content change how grades are entered?
Existing grading workflows remain unchanged. There is additional functionality that launches the grading workflows for Assignment, Quiz, and Discussion activities right from the content topic.
Are Page Templates able to still be used?
Yes. To ensure consistency across the entire organization, the location of page templates needs to be set by administrators in config variable d2l.Tools.Content.TemplatePath. Learn more:
https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/2753
How can I add a new Course Syllabus/Overview?
A new Course Syllabus/Overview can be added by adding a new Module/Unit at the top of the table of contents titled Overview. Courses with existing Course Syllabus/Overview will have that displayed at the top of the table of contents. This is the same behaviour when importing a course package that already contains a syllabus/overview too. These objects can be fully edited. This feature was released in July 2025 behind the config variable d2l.Tools.Content.EnableLessonsEnhancedTOC that Administrators can enable. Learn more: Display existing course Overview content
Where can I view Learner Completion on a specific topic?
Completion Summary is available for Assignment, Quiz, Discussion, and LTI activities. For other activity types, while no Completion Summary is directly available on the topic, viewing the Content Reports shows the completion data. Content Reports is available from the gear icon at the top of the side navigation.
FAQ for Learners
Do I need to do anything?
No action is required. Your content will be available as usual.
Will my course content change?
No, only the layout changes. All materials remain the same.
Will my existing completion progress carry over?
Yes, progress data is carried over, and personal progress indicators remain visible in Content.
How do I view long titles the navigation in Content?
Content truncates module titles longer than 2 lines in the side navigation. Hovering over the title will display a tooltip with the full title. Clicking on the module will display the full title on the page.