You can enter grades in another application (Excel) and import them into Brightspace using a CSV, TSV or TXT file. Grades can also be exported to other applications as a CSV or XLSX. New items can be created by adding columns to the import template. Any grades you import for discussion grade items and assignment grade items are also synchronized back to Discussions and Assignments as published feedback.
The import file MUST follow a strict format provided by D2L. See the sample file provided here:
Exporting Grades
Grades can be exported to CSV or XLSX file formats. These file types are compatible with Microsoft Excel and MacOS Numbers. D2L strongly encourages creating grade items and entering grades directly in Brightspace for the most compatible and reliable experience. Gradebook can be exported for all users in a course, or by groups. Follow the instructions outlined below:
Go to Grades Tool homepage.
Select Export.
Specify the desired export details and formatting, including what users to export grades for - this can be “All users” or by “Groups”.
The “Key Field” is the left most column and how users will be sorted by.
The “Sort by” tab specifies how user information is organized in columns from left to right.
Do not select the “Grade Scheme” option if you want to use the export file for an import later as it is not compatible with the import format.
Select the Grade Items to be exported at the bottom of the page. (All items are selected by default)
Choose Export to CSV or Export to Excel. ****Screenshot of export to buttons****
Once the file is prepared click Download. ****Screenshot of the file ready and download button****
The file can now be opened with programs that support the CSV file type or Excel.
Importing Grades
D2L strongly recommends instructors to enter and manage grades within the Grades Tool for the best experience. Only grades that have changed should be imported into the Gradebook. Grade items that have not been changed in the CSV files should have these columns deleted prior to upload. While new items can be added via the CSV upload it is strongly recommended to only create new grade items within the Grades Tool. This page covers how to prepare your file for upload and upload your grades.
Preparing your file for upload
Brightspace provides a grades upload template on the import page and is also provided here [ ]. The upload file must be a CSV, TXT, or TSV file type. It is recommended to use CSV files.
Screenshot of the example CSV file***
If you enter a grade value that is greater than the value for the grade item, the grade is capped at the value unless you selected the Can Exceed option when setting up the grade item.
Do not import other options, such as a user’s first name, email, or weighted grade.
To improve performance when importing grades for large classes, only import grade items that have changed and import by group or section when possible.
Enter grades or grade changes. Ensure all users have an org ID or username linked to their row - if not their information will not be imported.
Save file as a CSV.
Windows (Microsoft Excel) go to: Save As > File type: CSV.
MacOS (Numbers) got to: Export To > CSV…
Note where you have saved this file and the name!
Uploading your file
Click Import.
Click Choose file.
Select the .csv file you want to import, then click Open.
Click Continue. You will see a Processing… message while your file is loading.
You will see a page displaying any errors and warnings that were found. Click Continue.
Screenshot of errors page no errors
The Errors and Warnings page will appear even if there are ZERO errors.
You will see a preview of the new grades for each student. Review here for accuracy before continuing.
Click Import. You will see an “Imported Successfully” message and your imported grades will appear under the Enter Grades tab of your Gradebook.
Importing Grades and Creating New Grade Items from the Import
Click Import.
Click Choose file.
Select the Item Creation box labelled “Create new grade item when an unrecognized item is referenced”.
Select the .csv file you want to import, then click Open.
Click Continue. You will see a Processing… message while your file is loading.
If new grade items are recognized they will be listed in Step 2: Create New Grade Items.
Review the new items and select the grade type (Numeric or Pass/Fail)
After clicking Continue, Step 3: New Grade Item Properties is where you will set properties for the grade item: category, max points, can exceed, bonus.
Click Continue. Next you will see a page displaying any errors and warnings that were found.
Screenshot of errors page no errors
The Errors and Warnings page will appear even if there are ZERO errors.
You will see a preview of the new grades for each student. Review here for accuracy before continuing.
Click Import. You will see an “Imported Successfully” message and your imported grades will appear under the Enter Grades tab of your Gradebook.
FAQ
Can I import grades after making changes to an grades export file? Yes - if saved and uploaded as a CSV
Can I import excel (XLSX) files? No - unless saved as a CSV
Can I add students with an import? No
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