Back in Nigeria – in October 2020, when I received the email from BU International Admission that learning would take place online for my January 2021 postgraduate programme, I became really curious and perturbed. I wondered aloud and spoke to some friends who had completed their studies before the advent of Covid-19 in the UK, they had no idea of what it would be. I had a plethora of thoughts in my mind on the online learning alternative; I questioned myself unnecessarily how the use of the virtual library, online classes and the way testing and measurement of learning in a virtual environment would be. My tension was eventually dowsed by an introduction to the ‘Brightspace’.

Brightspace is an online learning solution at BU. It is the students’ virtual learning environment (VLE) that contains all the study materials, unit information and study skills resources. I will attempt to expose the Brightspace according to its functions as well as my experience as a BU PG student as follows.

Starting at BU – Upon my enrolment as a PG student, I was assigned with a student email as well password – those were my credentials to access Brightspace. I got vivid pictures of the process of easy adaption as an international student to the Bournemouth community and the UK as a whole. Brightspace has links to lots of inspiring stories of some previous international students about the new country I migrated into. I was also elated at the illuminating arrival activities/events, all of which were packaged into Brightspace and accessible upon enrolment; I got to know about the Student Union at BU, 24 hours IT service at BU and transportation around campus.

Online learning at BU – As I noted earlier, this was the source of my concern before I arrived in the UK. However, Brightspace amazingly provides the avenues to have seamless lectures and live seminars. It also afforded the access to download Microsoft Office 365. Brightspace gives tips, links and access to zoom and teams for video conferences such as seminars, tutorials, workshops and meetings. Brightspace is the gateway to the online library with complementary 24hours IT service should one need a solution to any technical problem.

Self-Care Tool Kits – Brightspace is my e-friend; it offers motivations ranging from regular wellbeing podcasts, talks on loneliness, tips for developing the mindset, managing stress and connecting with friends. Brightspace can be your e-companion too. It has functional tool kits for physical and mental wellbeing as well as practical skills for you to learn in managing your finance, cooking and time.

Study Skills Tool Kits – My interest in getting to know Brightspace very well helps me to research with ease and surf the space conveniently for academic matters like reference and citations, essay writing style and online library resources as quickly as possible. Amazingly, educators use Brightspace to also test students’ learning and measure our performances as well as issue our progress reports.

Brightspace is an online guide to a good life at BU.