Originally published July 31, 2019With the End of Life announcement for Internet Explorer usage within Brightspace, clients may be concerned about how to prepare their organizations for the upcoming change. This article highlights specific timelines and changes as well as suggested areas to invest time to prepare your user base. Timelines August 2019 Existing Clients Text on the System Check page and the retro browser pop-up dialog box has been updated to indicate the January 1, 2020 end of life dateThe retro browser pop-up dialog box will appear when users access Brightspace using any version of Internet Explorer, regardless of prior dismissal. The pop-up dialog box can be dismissed again and will not reappear with subsequent updatesOrganizations that turned off the retro browser pop-up dialog box are not affectedNew Clients Access to Brightspace using any version of Internet Explorer will no longer be supportedThe Unsupported Browser page will appear when accessing the site using Internet Explorer October 2019 For all users across all clients if Brightspace is accessed using any version of Internet Explorer a warning banner will be displayed above the navigation bar on every page within Brightspace. See screenshot of the warning banner below. January 1, 2020 For all users across all clients access to Brightspace using any version of Internet Explorer will be blockedUsers attempting to access Brightspace with Internet Explorer will see an unsupported browser page and will not be able to proceed. See screenshot of the unsupported browser page belowReferences to Internet Explorer in the System Check, retro browser pop-up dialog box, and browser compatibility documentation will also be removed Transition Planning Individual User Preparation Ensure users are informed about the January 1, 2020 End of Life date as well as the October 2019 Warning Banner dateIf users are concerned about the Warning Banner, encourage switching to a supported browser rather than simply dismissing the bannerMost users will be able to simply switch to another installed browserFor Windows 10 users, Microsoft Edge is automatically installed as an alternative to Internet ExplorerSome users may need to download an alternate browserIf the browser is mandated by the user’s organization, communication about timelines for providing an alternate option should be provided to reduce support callsIf your organization has a separate Helpdesk, the Helpdesk staff should be provided with details about the change and what actions are needed by the individual user or what actions are being taken by your organizationIf your organization uses Brightspace End User support, the Helpdesk will recommend using an alternate browser when users call in with questions. If you need separate details provided please contact your TAM, CSM, or Customer Support to discuss the changes needed IT Department Preparation Ensure Helpdesk staff is prepared with details about the upcoming change and any changes your organization is makingIf Computer Labs are used or your organization issues computers to your staff or users, ensure all the computers have an alternate browser installed and Internet Explorer is not the default browserIf you currently mandate Internet Explorer as the default browser or you have restricted the ability for users to download alternate browsers, ensure you are updating your computers to have an alternate browser installed and update your security policy to use an alternate browser as the default browserIf Internet Explorer is currently used due to other web applications that require it for compatibility, use the Microsoft Enterprise Mode Site List to allow users to use an alternate browser for most usage and only use Internet Explorer when needed for compatibilityThe Enterprise Mode Site List can be used with Edge or using a Browser Extension for ChromeIf you have distributed IT Departments that need to be interfaced with, it is recommended that the same communication and recommendations be provided. However, it may be necessary to coordinate more closely. If D2L support is required to assist with these efforts, please contact your TAM, CSM, or Customer Support to be put in contact with our Client Transition Team Brightspace Changes Unsupported Browser Page The Unsupported Browser Page will display for any users attempting to access Brightspace using any version of Internet Explorer when it is activated for a particular environment. The page is customizable using Language Management to allow clients flexibility in messaging the change to users. The default text on the page will include links to download alternative browsers as well as a link to the End of Life Announcement for Internet Explorer. How to modify the Unsupported Browser Page text Text on the Unsupported Browser page can be adjusted using Language Management. The Package is Framework and the Collection is BrowserDisable. The title, details, and links can all be updated as needed. More details about how to customize language terms can be found in the documentation site under Language Management Administration. Browser Warning Banner The Browser Approaching End of Support Warning Banner will display to all users accessing Brightspace using any version of Internet Explorer across all clients. The banner will advise users of the upcoming end of life date for Internet Explorer use within Brightspace. The text is customizable using Language Management. The warning banner cannot be disabled. Users can dismiss the banner for their active session, but it will appear again the next time the user logs in with Internet Explorer. How to modify the Browser Warning Banner text Text on the Browser Warning Banner can be adjusted using Language Management in the October 2019 Release (20.19.10). The Package is Framework and the Collection is BrowserDisable. Similar to the Browser Unsupported Page, the title, text, and link will all be editable.More details about how to customize language terms can be found in the documentation site under Language Management Administration. Valence APIs API calls are not affected by browser support changesClient or third-party applications that require direct Brightspace login may be affectedThe login to Brightspace will be blocked if it occurs using Internet ExplorerIt is recommended that applications do not mandate a browser to allow users to move to updated browsers as recommended Retro Browser Pop-Up Dialog Box Text has been updated in the retro browser pop-up dialog box to indicate the Internet Explorer End of Life dateThe pop-up will appear to any users accessing the site using Internet ExplorerUsers who have previously dismissed the pop-up dialog box will see it again after the August 2019 releaseThe pop-up is dismissableThe pop-up dialog box will remain disabled for organizations who have already disabled the same System Check Text in the System Check has been updated to indicate the Internet Explorer End of Life date Other Transition Concerns D2L can help clients who need additional transition assistance. Contact your TAM or CSM, or reach out to Customer Support to be put in contact with our Client Transition team.
