Avenue to Learn course content is regularly backed up by our vendor, D2L.

However, it is strongly recommended that instructors create their own backups as an added precaution.

Downloading Content

Course content can be downloaded on a module-by-module basis using the Content tool (Classic Content Experience and The New Content Experience) in Avenue to Learn. This allows for easy retrieval of individual files.

Exporting a Full Course

Instructors can also back up an entire course as a ZIP package. This package can later be re-imported into Avenue to Learn (or into any LMS that supports this type of course package).

To perform a full course export, use the Import/Export/Copy Components tool:

https://avenuehelp.mcmaster.ca/exec/import-export-copy-components/
(Scroll down to “Exporting your course” for instructions.)

Additional vendor documentation is available on the D2L website:

https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/16771-import-export-or-copy-course-components

Storing Your Backup

The exported course package can be uploaded to OneDrive, MacDrive, or another secure storage location.

This is a recommended workflow when making significant changes to course structure, or to maintain a backup copy for disaster recovery (e.g., if content is accidentally deleted by another instructor or TA).

Backing Up Grades

Regularly exporting your gradebook is also considered best practice.

For instructions, visit:
https://avenuehelp.mcmaster.ca/exec/exporting-or-importing-grades-using-a-spreadsheet/