D2L Brightspace Session Timeout

Tags D2L

D2L Session Timeout Information for Students and Instructors 

Brightspace enforces a 60-minute session timeout for inactive users. This means that if there is no qualifying activity within 60 minutes, the system will require you to re-authenticate to continue.   

What counts as “activity”? 

Not all actions keep your session active. According to D2L, actions that keep your session active include: 

  • Navigating to a new page

  • Clicking items that trigger saves
  • Typing in text fields (e.g., Written Response questions)
  • Responding to the “Are you still there?” prompt

The following actions do not keep your session active: 

  • Scrolling

  • Passive actions (e.g., watching a video without interaction)
  • Random or repeated clicks that don’t trigger system activity

What will students experience? 

  • If you are inactive for over 60 minutes, you will see a prompt asking if you are still there. You must interact to continue your session.  
  • If the timeout is exceeded, you will need to log back in to Brightspace. 
  • In most cases (e.g., quizzes), your work is preserved and can be continued after re-entry.  

However, there are important exceptions (see below). 

Known impacts and current issues 

We are actively working with D2L on known issues related to session timeouts, including: 

  • Quiz auto-save actions may not extend the session 
  • Video playback or interaction may not extend the session 

Special consideration: Respondus LockDown Browser 

When using Respondus LockDown Browser: 

  • If a session timeout occurs during an exam, students may be logged out and unable to log back in within the testing session 
  • The only available option is to exit and restart the LockDown Browser session 

This is a known limitation and may require adjustments to testing practices.  

Guidance for Students 

  • Interact with the system regularly (click, type, or navigate) at least every 50-55 minutes 
  • Do not rely on passive activities (e.g., watching long videos or working offline without interaction) 
  • If timed out during a quiz:  
  • Log back in as soon as possible 
  • Re-enter the quiz attempt if allowed 

Guidance for Instructors 

To reduce disruption: 

  • Design assessments with interaction in mind 
  • Break long tasks into multiple pages (pagination) 
  • Ensure quizzes contain 5 or fewer questions per page 
  • Include periodic interaction points 
  • Be mindful of timing settings 
  • Avoid tight end dates/times when long periods of inactivity are expected 
  • Consider allowing re-entry or using “Exceeded Time Limit” options where appropriate 
  • Communicate expectations to students 
  • Let students know they must remain active in Brightspace during long quizzes or activities 
  • Use LockDown Browser carefully 
  • Be aware that session timeouts can prevent students from continuing an exam 
  • Consider longer timeout settings (where configurable) or alternative assessment approaches 

Reporting Issues 

If you encounter session timeout issues: 

  • Include:  
  • What occurred 
  • Who was impacted 
  • Course/example 
  • Approximate number of students affected 

This helps track impact across institutions and relay that information to the system office and D2L. 

 

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