Academic Courses

Academic courses are officially offered by Western or its affiliated university colleges. The course data and enrolments for academic courses are provided and managed by the Office of the Registrar.

For instructors, support staff, and learners new to OWL Brightspace academic courses, we recommend the following steps to get acquainted.

1. Logging in: Ensure that your multi-factor authentication is set up properly and log in to Brightspace. You can find more information on this on the Getting Started page.

2. Understand how OWL Brightspace works: Take the time to complete the self-guided training course. This course covers everything from the basics of the various tools you need to know to more advanced details on setting up your course. While it's beneficial to go through the entire training, at a minimum, familiarize yourself with the basics.

3. Check out frequently asked questions: We have compiled a list of common questions regarding OWL Brightspace. These include topics such as activating your course, adding third-party tools, and submitting final grades.

4. Explore additional information: Consider looking into pre-made course templates or learning about the roles and permissions available in OWL Brightspace, as well as how to enroll users in your course.

5. Seek further assistance: If you have any questions, please contact the WTS helpdesk. For more specialized support regarding complex issues, you can schedule a one-on-one Q&A session.

6. Request a Sandbox (optional): Requesting access to an empty sandbox allows you to explore the tools and features in OWL Brightspace. Use this link to request a sandbox.

1. Logging in: Ensure that your multi-factor authentication is set up and log in to Brightspace. You can find more information on this on the Getting Started page.

2. Learn how to navigate and use OWL Brightspace: Check out the self-guided student training, where you can explore various settings and notifications. This training covers a range of topics, including tips on optimizing learning tools and activities, as well as how to engage effectively in your online courses. You don't need to complete the entire training; feel free to focus on the sections that are most relevant to you.

3. Find answers to your questions: If you have additional questions after reviewing the training materials, you can reach out to the WTS helpdesk for assistance.