Haven’t used PLATO? Get started here!

Faculty New to PLATO/Brightspace:

NOTE: if you are scheduled to teach in an online, hybrid or remote sync format you will need to register for the Virtual Web Camp Training. Web Camp is required for anyone teaching at WSU in these formats.

To get started using PLATO/Brightspace to supplement your face-to-face courses, you will need to take an introductory virtual training that can be done quickly from anywhere. Once you are officially registered to teach a course at WSU, you will be able to log into PLATO/Brightspace. To log in go to the WSU PLATO homepage and click the Log Into PLATO button. You will use your WSU credentials to log in.

Once logged in, you will find the training course on your PLATO/Brightspace course list.  You may have to sort by ALL or Always Available on the top of the My Courses widget to find the Training: Going Green Brightspace Quickstart  course.

If you don’t see this course on your PLATO course list, please email us at cit@westfield.ma.edu

In this training, you will learn the PLATO/Brightspace basics:

  • Navigate the PLATO/Brightspace system.
  • Customize the WSU 15 week template providing a familiar virtual environment for your students.
  • Upload your syllabus and class handouts for students to view online.
  • Create an assignment “drop box” for students to turn in papers and documents.
  • Create a discussion forum and topic to enhance the understanding of course materials.
  • Add web links to various web sites, YouTube videos, and more.
  • Create online quizzes to test student knowledge.
  • Use the PLATO/Brightspace Grade Book.

Learn about all of the great tools you can use to enhance your course site such as:

  • CopyLeaks for Plagiarism
  • InfoBase Learning Cloud for video tutorials
  • Panopto to create screen capture lectures, and short tutorials.
  • Respondus LockDown Browser/Monitor and Respondus Testing
  • ThinkingStorm – free eTutoring for WSU students
  • VoiceThread to create interactive video assignments.
  • Yuja for ADA Compliance
  • Zoom for virtual office hours, and virtual meetings.
  • and more!

Feel free to or send an email lclark@westfield.ma.edu with any questions you might have about accessing the training!