Introduction
1. What is Blackboard Ultra?
Blackboard Ultra refers to the modernized version of Blackboard, which includes both Ultra Base Navigation (UBN) and the Ultra Course View.
- Ultra Course View is the modernized course experience within Blackboard Ultra. It features a clean, mobile-friendly design with streamlined workflows, making it easier to manage and participate in courses compared to the Original Course View.
- Ultra Base Navigation (UBN) is the overall navigation system that provides a consistent menu on the left side of Blackboard, allowing users to easily access courses, grades, messages, and tools without excessive clicks. UBN enhances usability across the entire Blackboard platform.
2. How do I access Blackboard Ultra?
You can access Blackboard Ultra through your institution’s Blackboard login portal. Simply log in using your credentials to navigate to the Ultra interface. If you need assistance, contact your college’s designated Point of Contact.
3. What is the Activity Stream?
The Activity Stream is a real-time feed that keeps you informed about course updates, upcoming deadlines, and instructor announcements, helping you stay organized and on track.
4. How do I find my courses?
Once you log in to your institution’s Blackboard portal, you will land on the Ultra Base Navigation (UBN) page. From there, select the Courses tab to view all your enrolled courses. Each course card displays the course ID, course title, and instructor’s name.
5. Can I customize my course list?
Courses are automatically organized alphabetically and grouped by term, and while manual reordering is not available, you can filter the list by course ID, title, or instructor’s name. To easily access frequently used courses, you can mark them as favorites by selecting the star icon. Favorited courses will appear at the top of your list for quick access. To remove a course from your favorites, simply deselect the star icon.
Course Management
1. How does Blackboard Ultra improve course organization?
Blackboard Ultra features a streamlined Ultra Course View, making it easier to organize content using Learning Modules and Folders. These tools help faculty create a structured, clear learning path for students, improving navigation and engagement.
2. How do I create a course in Ultra?
To create a course, contact your institution’s Point of Contact for assistance and specific setup details.
3. What is an Ultra Document?
An Ultra Document is a dynamic, interactive content format that allows instructors to combine text, multimedia, and embedded resources into a single, cohesive presentation. This feature enhances student engagement by integrating diverse learning materials.
4. How do students submit assignments in Ultra?
Students can submit assignments directly through the Ultra Course View using various file types, including documents, images, and multimedia. Instructors can also provide options for offline submissions if needed.
5. Can I hide course content from students until I’m ready?
Yes. Instructors can control content availability by making items hidden until they are ready to be viewed. Additionally, content can be released based on specific dates, times, or student performance on other graded assignments.
6. How do I make my course content more accessible?
Every class includes students with diverse learning needs. Ensuring accessible content allows students to choose formats that best suit them. If your institution uses Blackboard Ally, you can leverage its tools to improve accessibility. Ally provides accessibility score indicators and alternative formats next to course documents and tests.
7. Can I integrate third-party tools or apps into Ultra?
Yes. Blackboard Ultra supports integration with third-party tools and applications using LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) standards, allowing seamless incorporation of external resources.
Communication and Engagement
1. How do I communicate with students in Ultra?
Instructors can communicate with students using Announcements, Messages, and Discussion Boards. Announcements allow instructors to share important updates with the entire class. Messages can be sent privately to individual students or the entire class, ensuring direct communication. Discussion Boards provide a space for interactive conversations and peer engagement, fostering collaboration and deeper learning.
2. Can I track student progress in Ultra?
Yes, Blackboard Ultra includes several tools to monitor student engagement and performance. The Gradebook tracks student grades and submission statuses. Analytics provides insights into student activity and course engagement, helping instructors identify trends and areas of concern. Progress Tracking allows instructors to see which students have accessed specific content and completed assignments, ensuring they stay on track.
3. What tools are available for collaboration in Ultra?
Blackboard Ultra offers multiple collaboration tools to enhance student interaction. Discussion Boards encourage structured discussions, while Group Assignments facilitate teamwork on projects. Journals provide a space for reflective writing and personalized instructor feedback. Instructors can also use Webex or Microsoft Teams for live video conferencing, enabling real-time discussions and virtual classroom experiences.
Technical Considerations
1. Is Blackboard Ultra mobile-friendly?
- Yes, Ultra is designed to be fully responsive, allowing students and instructors to access it on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
2. How secure is Ultra?
- Blackboard Ultra adheres to strict data security and privacy standards, including compliance with FERPA regulations.
3. What are the browser requirements for Blackboard Ultra?
- Ultra works best with modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Ensure your browser is up to date for optimal performance.
4. What are “safe” characters to use when naming items in Blackboard?
When naming assignments, tests, groups, smart views, or files in Blackboard, use only the following characters: Letters (A-Z, a-z), Numbers (0-9), Dash (-), Underscore (_), and Dot (.)
5. How much storage space does a Blackboard Ultra course have?
The content collection holds 500 MB.
6. What support is available for Ultra users?
- Support resources include online help guides, video tutorials, and institution-specific help desks. Blackboard also provides a comprehensive knowledge base and community forums.