Introduction:
Replace Strings enables instructors to customize course content and communications in Brightspace by including students' personalized information, such as their name or user ID, in various elements such as announcements, content, and intelligent agent templates. This feature can be used wherever the HTML Editor is available. By utilizing replace strings, instructors can foster stronger student connections, boost engagement, and enhance the overall learning experience.
Replacement Strings can be used in:
- Announcements
- Content descriptions (modules, topics, etc.)
- Intelligent Agents templates
- Grades when adding bulk feedback
Replacement Strings for Announcements, Content, and Topics:
| Replace String |
Description |
Example |
| {FirstName} |
First name of the user |
John |
| {LastName} |
Last name of the user |
Smith |
| {UserName} |
Username of the user |
john.smith01@utrgv.edu |
| {ExternalEmail} |
Email address of the user |
john.smith01@utrgv.edu |
| {OrgUnitName} |
Course name |
MATH-1301-01-Spring 2025 |
Replacement Strings for Intelligent Agents:
| Replacement Spring |
Description |
For use in |
| {InitiatingUser} |
The user that meets the agent’s criteria |
Intelligent Agent email address field |
| {InitiatingUserFirstName} |
First name of user that meets the agent’s criteria |
Intelligent Agent email body |
| {InitiatingUserLastName} |
Last name of user that meets the agent’s criteria |
Intelligent Agent email body |
| {LastCourseAccessDate} |
The date the initiating user last accessed the course |
Intelligent Agent email subject or Email body |
| {OrgUnitStartDate} |
Start date specified for the org unit |
Intelligent Agents, Email body text |
| {OrgUnitEndDate} |
End date specified for the org unit |
Intelligent Agents, Email body text |
Sample:
Create an Announcement with Replacement Strings
You can use a replace strings and add it to the text field or HTML editor area inside D2L of the Announcements tool (like in the Headline or Content). Then later when someone views your Announcement, D2L will replace the strings with the appropriate information about that viewer.
- Replace string: {FirstName} will display the viewer’s first name.
- Replace string: {LastName} will display the viewer’s last name.
- Replace string: {UserName} will display the viewer’s username in D2L.
- Replace string: {ExternalEmail} will display the viewer’s email address.
- Replace string: {RoleName} will display the viewer’s role in your course.
For example: In the Headline, we add {RoleName} and in the Content, we add {FirstName}
When a student views this announcement, the Headline will show Student and the Content will show the student’s first name.
Additional Resources:
Support:
For additional support, please contact our COLTT Help Desk at 956-665-5327 or 956-882-6792.