{"id":699,"date":"2025-05-13T12:15:05","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T16:15:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/?p=699"},"modified":"2025-09-19T11:46:01","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T15:46:01","slug":"using-the-activity-feed-widget-in-brightspace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/2025\/05\/13\/using-the-activity-feed-widget-in-brightspace\/","title":{"rendered":"Using the Activity Feed Widget in Brightspace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Activity Feed Widget is a tool available in Brightspace that enhances course communication by allowing you to post quick updates, timely reminders, and interactive discussions directly on your course homepage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Please note that the Activity Feed widget is not automatically available in Brightspace at CUNY SPS. If you would like to add the widget to your live course, please email <\/strong><a href=\"mailto:FacultySupport@sps.cuny.edu\"><strong>FacultySupport@sps.cuny.edu<\/strong><\/a><strong> to request it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide provides an overview of how to use the Activity Feed widget effectively in your course, as well as steps to customize settings for optimal use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>1. What is the Activity Feed Widget?<\/summary>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXd8z8kibj5MK_HSz94d-X8fLv8iGXAWZcwCilFfMTScUnNsb0RUiA9UZuftqVM6r5jdhS4USTVakG9riQTyQI00a-Xbvxo_gA26enZj8DBHXmbmI7qoq072gDqZezfyT6uuW0tu2A?key=PXxXYFJxLT1GtZsVEMOO8g\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Activity Feed widget is a dynamic tool positioned on the course homepage. It serves as an informal, interactive way to engage with students, offering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Quick Updates<\/strong>: Share announcements, reminders, or course news.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interactive Discussions<\/strong>: Allow students to post questions and comments directly in the feed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Timely Reminders<\/strong>: Post ongoing tasks, deadlines, or other course-related information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The widget is typically placed at the top of the course homepage, just above the Announcements section for maximum visibility.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>2. Setting Up the Activity Feed Widget<\/summary>\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our faculty support team will add the Activity Feed widget to your course homepage upon request. After that, follow the steps below to set up and review your widget settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Check Your Notification Settings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before using the Activity Feed, ensure you have selected the proper notification settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Click on your name in the upper-right corner of Brightspace. From the dropdown, select <strong>Notifications<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcJy6ViNQMj0CuebR0fqmfG-YETZ9XbAB99rFHGab46N6w6_KS5NV44mh44EcMBERv0kJKjCFP1vEQLpC5R2jdj5oXXBcAItBadODzFtw7MIJd7jWSF-mvL7NQMLAk553V_fHhAPQ?key=PXxXYFJxLT1GtZsVEMOO8g\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the Notifications page, scroll down to locate the Activity Feed section and ensure both checkboxes for Activity Feed notifications are enabled.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcNrZdE7b-xVh9Om_tqR0kQM-tuNynoswZoq3l3xYpbDRLBnBgrfBvrW1CYpPW95JZvCaos8wIuEmDOwT0jbb2s4k2v9Gm67f-oO_sqrwjx3Ar0dc2PQTjPvdU7vVkB-q1WGVJ0zw?key=PXxXYFJxLT1GtZsVEMOO8g\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review and adjust which notifications you want to receive (e.g., student comments, new posts). Click <strong>Save <\/strong>to proceed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Customize Widget Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider your preferences for how students will interact with the Activity Feed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Allow Student Posts<\/strong>: Decide whether you want students to be able to post in the Activity Feed. To adjust this setting, click the chevron icon on the Activity Feed widget and select <strong>Manage commenting and posting<\/strong>. From there, you can choose whether students can comment on posts or create their own posts.<br><br><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"624\" height=\"345\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdg6G1pSd2Xu-eTeOXoDk1jn4dctVzbdLH6tOg5EsTY_R9qDbgIH6RDlSttdNoFCoWp0n5XTGQ2xVF8YyhKqndUvC6vg4wUY9RYPmoXz4TyridGdzq2NofHOZQ8la8UwYsL1VVXdA?key=PXxXYFJxLT1GtZsVEMOO8g\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"624\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdwwxyVkEM4kHE3TsIyjHZflxWc3e1n-HHkpfFkuBIs4n_W4jUAEuVkUuXPNSKroMtx9qp1Ug9qa0yJRlqPcRqFcqUYq2HfH88Cj26ip31paBYtrs1RTJLldC2pK11sRNrEVAn1ow?key=PXxXYFJxLT1GtZsVEMOO8g\"><br>If you enable student posting, it might be helpful to share the D2L student guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/community.d2l.com\/brightspace\/kb\/articles\/18112-create-an-activity-feed-post\">how to use the widget effectively<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Post Frequency<\/strong>: Decide how often you\u2019ll post updates and what types of content you plan to share.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Share with Students<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you decide to enable student comments, consider sharing the following information with your students:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>How to Comment on Posts<\/strong>: Guide students on how they can comment or ask questions within the Activity Feed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best Practices<\/strong>: Encourage students to keep posts related to the course or specific updates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can share the <a href=\"https:\/\/community.d2l.com\/brightspace\/kb\/articles\/18112-create-an-activity-feed-post\">D2L Activity Feed for Learners guide<\/a> via an announcement or directly in the widget.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>3. How to Create a Post with Activity Feed<\/summary>\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To create an activity feed post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On your course homepage, in the Activity Feed widget, click the <strong>Create a post<\/strong> text box.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXepJGKd1OmwlAO-Cl4oAa26hmROCdk8_bVBeqqIPgpbS0jDjfJ2nNnf1Gn-9C15MHJYNPqZJE6ooT8_3GgJu0sptAEZRJcWQ1thoLZaThkt0AWFW-uhvj1LkGeJgWIv0uikLBZ6OA?key=PXxXYFJxLT1GtZsVEMOO8g\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Click the <strong>Message<\/strong> tab and type your message in the text box labeled Create a message.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfeJHedg6KVIdZU1qWkPGg0RAbNX50k41okVqrGmJcrEyoO1ShFWpzRNUA-TehzkRCg6_3GD7KsB0ZH2Iz5ggF1-QmA3BASWhAzuHkw1IemIGF8Z3i5Mav2Ujj7CaF2DjZRShx4eA?key=PXxXYFJxLT1GtZsVEMOO8g\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Optionally, you can add an attachment by following these steps:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To add a web link or embed code, simply copy and paste the link or embed code into your message.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the <strong>Attach File<\/strong> icon and choose one or more of the following options:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXeapmrucgZ54hpMcUOf1MszXuRG9nStqkX_ESBcTWQm25zqMekcxEVs04XBZQDm4luj6641ceOcTPc7iBp73nhNp2KGhBPe_pKPmLiUTAZwT8058z1PHxNod6RAFy56883L4lVipg?key=PXxXYFJxLT1GtZsVEMOO8g\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To upload a file from your computer, click the <strong>File Upload<\/strong> icon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To attach a link to course materials, click the <strong>Quicklink<\/strong> icon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To add a web link, click the <strong>Web Link<\/strong> icon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To attach a Google Drive file, click the <strong>Google Drive<\/strong> icon (ensure the file has proper visibility permissions in Google Drive).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To attach a OneDrive file, click the<strong> OneDrive<\/strong> icon (ensure the file has proper visibility permissions in OneDrive).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To insert external videos (e.g., from YouTube), click the <strong>Video<\/strong> icon and paste the URL.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdadggXeSmmdm8qN0qwJZJQMu9uEE2yUhCOYgrnxT0Ea6kaZxgvaLBz4Mfm20eQrija5govnFWkhHOMAtUJQdR_N245gaKbol2cCsope08XiBhKtsvH7Snc0bJL8rIoDKstyE8h?key=PXxXYFJxLT1GtZsVEMOO8g\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve finished editing, click <strong>Post<\/strong> to publish your message immediately. Alternatively, you can click <strong>Post Later <\/strong>to schedule your message for a later time.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>4. Best Practices for Using the Activity Feed Widget<\/summary>\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Faculty:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use the Activity Feed for informal interactions: Post reminders, quick updates, and engage with students in a conversational tone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post weekly summaries or weekly reminders to help keep students on track with assignments and deadlines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the widget for interactive engagement: Encourage students to ask questions directly on the homepage, which can create an ongoing dialogue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>For Students:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allow students to interact with posts by asking questions or leaving comments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider setting clear guidelines on appropriate usage (e.g., only course-related questions).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>5. Additional Features and Resources<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>D2L Overview of the Activity Feed<\/strong>: For further guidance, you can reference the official<a href=\"https:\/\/www.d2l.com\/\"> D2L Activity Feed Overview<\/a> for more detailed features and settings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Student Guide<\/strong>: If you allow students to comment, share the <a href=\"https:\/\/community.d2l.com\/brightspace\/kb\/articles\/18112-create-an-activity-feed-post\">D2L guide for students<\/a> on how to use the widget effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tracking and Moderation<\/strong>: Keep track of student posts and manage content. You can delete any posts that violate guidelines or are no longer relevant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>6. Video Guides from D2L<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HlMB9c7DeZ0\">How to add Activity Feed to a course homepage<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/0EB-YiCz87w\">How to add attachments and links to posts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/AyTGZsd5q3k\">Optimize Posts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/NN7j16WNGJM\">Schedule Activity Feed posts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/C5yO_WVjUiw\">Receive Activity Feed instant notifications<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>Still have questions? Email us at <a href=\"mailto:FacultySupport@sps.cuny.edu\">FacultySupport@sps.cuny.edu<\/a>. We&#8217;re here to help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Activity Feed Widget is a tool available in Brightspace that enhances course communication by allowing you to post quick updates, timely reminders, and interactive discussions directly on your course homepage. Please note that the Activity Feed widget is not automatically available in Brightspace at CUNY SPS. If you would like to add the widget [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"portfolio_post_id":0,"portfolio_citation":"","portfolio_annotation":"","openlab_post_visibility":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-699","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-brightspace"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/699","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=699"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/699\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1219,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/699\/revisions\/1219"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=699"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=699"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=699"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}