Online Learning Technologies

The Nova Scotia Health Learning Institute for Health Care Providers uses a variety of technologies to deliver the online learning components of programs and courses. 

Learning Management Systems

Materials for your program or course can be accessed on a learning management system (LMS) — for example, Brightspace. You will be provided with information required to access program or course materials upon enrollment. Early access to your program or course is provided about a week before the start date. This provides the opportunity to become familiar with the learning environment and how materials are accessed.

Brightspace

Most programs and courses at the Learning Institute use the Brightspace learning management system (LMS).

System Check

For programs and courses that use the Learning Institute’s Brightspace LMS, a System Check is available. It is expected that you complete the system check at least 48 hours prior to the program or course start to resolve any issues prior to beginning your program or course.

Accessing and Navigating Brightspace

The following links can help you access and navigate Brightspace:

• Brightspace Log In (username and password are the same as Genius username and password)
• Accessing and Navigating Brightspace Guide
• Recommended browsers

Technical Support

If you are having technical difficulties, please contact HelpDesk@d2l.com or LearningInstitute.Online@nshealth.ca . Please be sure to note nshealth.brightspace.com in your message to the help desk.

Other Learning Management Systems

Some programs and courses use learning management systems through external partners to deliver their materials. You will receive instructions for using these learning management systems upon enrollment.

Exam Proctoring Software

Respondus Monitor is an automated proctoring system that eliminates the need for onsite examinations and proctors. The Learning Institute uses Respondus Monitor with most exams, which consists of:

• Lockdown Browser: A custom web browser that locks down the testing environment during an online exam within the learning management system (Brightspace). Learners cannot print, copy, access other applications, or search the internet during an online exam.
• Respondus Monitor: A remote proctoring service that uses webcam and video analytics to ensure academic integrity during online exams. It records the learner’s webcam, microphone, and screen activity during an online exam. Flagged events are automatically available for instructor review. 

The computer that you use with Respondus must have a functioning webcam, microphone, and strong internet connection. If unable to use a wired internet connection, we recommend close proximity to a Wi-Fi router. Cellphones and Nova Scotia Health and IWK computers are not compatible devices with Respondus Monitor at this time. iPads are a compatible device but require special permission from faculty to use them, as iPads require additional set up. 

If you do not have access to a compatible personal device, arrangements can be made for you to use a Learning Institute device. Please speak to a program faculty member.

Microsoft Teams

Many programs and courses at the Learning Institute use Microsoft Teams for online, synchronous sessions. To access Teams for these sessions:

1. Open the Teams app (to download the app, go to Microsoft Teams, scroll to Teams for Home, select Download Teams).
2. Use the Teams app either by:
   
   1. Logging in to your Nova Scotia Health or IWK account if you have one.
   2. Joining the session as a Guest. You may need to join using the meeting ID and passcode from the meeting information provided in your course. (Avoid logging in with a personal email as this can limit your access to the session.)

Review Learner Information for Microsoft Teams for more information.