eLearning Commons (eLC) is the University of Georgia’s official learning management system, powered by Brightspace’s D2L software.
It serves as a comprehensive digital hub where students and faculty can access course materials, assignments, discussions, and grades in one centralized location.
Once students register for classes, they are automatically enrolled in corresponding eLC courses, creating a seamless academic experience. For faculty, eLC offers powerful tools for content delivery, assessment, student analytics, and communication.
The platform enhances education by making learning more accessible, interactive, and efficient while supporting various teaching styles and student needs. Its mobile compatibility ensures students can engage with coursework anytime, anywhere.
What is UGA eLC?
UGA eLC (eLearning Commons) is the University of Georgia’s learning management system, powered by Brightspace’s D2L platform.
It provides an online environment where instructors can post course materials, assignments, quizzes, and communications. Each course section in Athena automatically has a corresponding eLC course.
Students are automatically enrolled in their eLC courses after registering for classes, while instructors are added when confirmed as Instructors of Record. Courses in eLC follow a specific naming format: prefix, course number, semester, and CRN (Course Reference Number).
The system is jointly supported by the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS).
Key Features and Functionality of UGA eLC
UGA eLC offers faculty a robust set of tools to manage their courses. Instructors can upload content in various formats, create assignments with custom rubrics, design quizzes with different question types, and track student progress through the gradebook.
The platform also allows for creating discussion boards, sending announcements, and providing feedback on student work.
Students can access course materials, submit assignments, participate in discussions, take quizzes, and check their grades.
The system sends notifications about upcoming deadlines and new content. Students can also communicate with instructors and classmates through the built-in messaging system.
eLC integrates with several UGA systems including Athena for enrollment, Kaltura for video hosting, Turnitin for plagiarism detection, and Zoom for virtual meetings.
It also connects with library resources and various publisher content platforms, creating a complete learning ecosystem.
How to Login to UGA eLC?
To access UGA’s eLearning Commons (eLC), visit the official login page at https://uga.view.usg.edu. Enter your UGA MyID (your UGA email username without the “@uga.edu“) and password.
After entering your credentials, click the Login button to proceed to your eLC dashboard where you’ll find your courses and assignments.
UGA uses a two-factor authentication system, so you’ll need the Duo mobile app installed on your phone. When logging in, you’ll receive a push notification to your phone through Duo, which you must approve to complete the login process.
Navigation Basics
Once logged in, you’ll see your courses displayed on the dashboard. The main navigation uses what’s informally called the “waffle” – the nine little squares that display your courses4.
The course navigation bar (navbar) provides access to tools relevant to each course, including content, discussions, assignments, and grades.
Faculty and students can customize their navigation experience. Instructors can modify the course navbar by adding existing links, creating custom links, or organizing links into groups to better structure course resources.
Mobile Accessibility Options
UGA eLC is fully optimized for mobile devices, allowing students to access the platform anytime and anywhere.
The mobile-friendly design enables users to check announcements, review course materials, and submit assignments directly from their smartphones or tablets.
In 2024, EITS integrated eLC with the UGA Mobile App, enhancing the student experience. This integration allows students to view upcoming assignments, tests, and quizzes in their schedule through the app’s MyUGA Dashboard.
Assignments and assessments are marked with a purple bar in the “My Week” and “My Day” views, with detailed information available in My Day details.
The mobile compatibility doesn’t compromise functionality—the platform works just as effectively on mobile devices as it does on computers, ensuring students can stay productive regardless of their location.
How to Use UGS eLC for Academic Success?
UGA’s eLearning Commons organizes course content through its intuitive dashboard, allowing easy access to materials, announcements, and tasks.
Students can submit assignments through file uploads, text submissions, or physical copies depending on instructor preferences.
The platform offers robust communication tools including discussion boards, private messaging, and announcements to connect with instructors and classmates.
Students can track their academic progress through the gradebook feature, while instructors can use advanced analytics to monitor student engagement and identify areas needing improvement, helping both parties optimize the learning experience.
eLC Support Resources
UGA offers multiple technical support options for eLC users. Students can submit a ticket online or contact the EITS Help Desk at 706-542-3106 during regular operating hours.
When the EITS Help Desk is closed, the University System of Georgia (USG) D2L Help Desk provides 24-hour assistance. Faculty members have additional support through their college-specific eLC support teams or the Center for Teaching and Learning.
For new users, UGA provides comprehensive training resources. Students can access the eLC Environment Orientation Video to familiarize themselves with the platform.
The Help eLC website offers detailed guides and video tutorials covering essential functions like submitting assignments, uploading videos, and managing notifications. These resources help new users navigate the system efficiently.
Common troubleshooting issues with eLC often involve access problems. If you can’t log in, first verify your UGA MyID credentials at myid.uga.edu. For those who don’t see enrolled courses, checking the “View All Courses” option and using the search bar can help locate missing classes.
Browser-related issues can often be resolved by clearing your cache, which is the most common fix for access errors. If receiving an “Error: Not Authorized” message when trying to access eLC email, check if you have a quiz in progress that needs to be completed first.
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eLC in Context of UGA’s Digital Learning Environment
eLearningCommons (eLC) is central to UGA’s digital learning ecosystem, powered by Brightspace’s D2L platform. It integrates with numerous UGA systems including Kaltura for video hosting, Zoom for virtual meetings, and the UGA Mobile App.
The platform connects with UGA’s English Language Center (ELC) programs, supporting international students with language learning resources. The Intensive English Program (IEP) uses eLC to deliver engaging language instruction to non-native English speakers.
Looking ahead, UGA plans to enhance eLC with AI-driven personalized learning recommendations and advanced analytics to track student performance, with these improvements scheduled for implementation in 2025.
Conclusion
UGA’s eLearning Commons (eLC) is essential to the university’s academic experience, centralizing course materials, communication tools, and assessments in one platform. It enhances accessibility, efficiency, and engagement for both students and faculty.
To maximize benefits, students should regularly check announcements, actively participate in discussions, and utilize all available resources. Instructors can plan content in advance, encourage interaction through forums, and leverage analytics to identify areas where students need additional support.
