Embedding OneDrive Files in Your Brightspace Course Content
Overview
The Microsoft 365 LTI integration allows lecturers to embed files stored in OneDrive directly into the Content area of a Brightspace course. This means students can view Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, and other supported files without leaving Brightspace.
Embedding content is particularly useful for:
- Course notes and handouts
- PowerPoint lecture slides
- Reading materials
- Excel data sets
- Policies and guidance documents
- Collaborative resources that require regular updates
A major benefit of using OneDrive files is that any updates made to the original document are automatically reflected in Brightspace without needing to re-upload the file.
Before You Begin
Ensure that:
- ✅ The Microsoft 365 LTI is enabled in your Brightspace environment.
- ✅ The file is stored in your Microsoft OneDrive.
- ✅ You have permission to access the file.
- ✅ You are logged into Microsoft 365 when prompted.
Step 1: Open Your Course Content Area
- Log in to Brightspace.
- Open the required Course Offering.
- From the course navigation bar, select Content.
Step 2: Navigate to the Desired Content Unit
- Select the unit where you want the file to appear.
- If necessary, create a new unit by clicking:
- New Unit
- Enter a Unit name and click Save.
Step 3: Add Existing Activities
- Within the chosen unit:
- Click Add Existing
- Select More and Select either:
- Microsoft 365 Document
- Microsoft 365 Document Collaboration
- Step 4: Sign in to Microsoft 365
- If prompted:
- Click Sign In.
- Enter your institutional Microsoft 365 credentials.
- Complete any required authentication steps.
- Once authenticated, Brightspace will display your Microsoft 365 file browser.
Step 5: Browse Your OneDrive Files
- Navigate through your OneDrive folders.
- Locate the file you wish to embed.
- Select the file.
- Supported file types include:
- Word (.docx)
- PowerPoint (.pptx)
- Excel (.xlsx)
- PDF (.pdf)
- Supported file types include:
Step 6: Insert the File
- After selecting the file:
- Click Attach or Insert.
- Brightspace creates a new content topic linked directly to the OneDrive file.
- The resource is now visible within the module.
Updating an Embedded File
One of the key advantages of the Microsoft 365 LTI is that you do not need to replace the file in Brightspace.
To update content:
- Open the original file in OneDrive.
- Make your changes.
- Save the document.
The embedded version in Brightspace automatically displays the latest version.
No re-upload is required.
