FAQ's - Gradebooks

What is the Ultra Gradebook?

  • The Ultra Gradebook is a streamlined and intuitive interface within Blackboard Ultra that allows instructors to manage grades, track student performance, and provide feedback efficiently.

How do I access the Ultra Gradebook?

  • You can access the Ultra Gradebook by navigating to your course in Blackboard Ultra and selecting the Gradebook tab from the course navigation menu.

Can I customize the grading structure in the Ultra Gradebook?

  • Yes, you can create custom grade settings such as schemas, weighted categories, and adjust how grades are displayed (e.g., percentages, points, or letter grades) to match your course’s grading policies.

How can I add grades to the Ultra Gradebook?

  • You can manually enter grades, upload them using a spreadsheet, or have grades automatically populate from Blackboard activities like assignments, tests, and discussions.

What should I do if a grade column doesn’t appear in the Gradebook?

  • Ensure the assessment is linked to the Gradebook and that grading is enabled for that activity. If the issue persists, check the visibility settings or contact support. For not submitted to Blackboard you can manually create a Grade Column.

Can I provide feedback through the Ultra Gradebook?

  • Yes, you can provide detailed feedback for each assignment, test, or activity directly within the Gradebook. You can also use inline comments, annotations, and rubrics to give personalized feedback.

Can I use rubrics with the Ultra Gradebook?

  • Yes, rubrics can be attached to assignments, tests, and discussions. Once you use the rubric to grade, the results are automatically populated into the Gradebook.

How do I handle missing or late assignments in the Ultra Gradebook?

  • You can configure settings to automatically apply penalties for late submissions or mark missing work as zero. These rules can be customized in the Gradebook settings.

Is it possible to drop the lowest grade for a category?

  • Yes, the Ultra Gradebook allows you to set rules to drop the lowest grade(s) for specific categories, such as quizzes or assignments.

How do I archive or back up grades?

Can I export or import grades from the Ultra Gradebook?

  • Yes, grades can be exported to a spreadsheet (CSV) for offline use or reporting purposes. You can also import grades back into the Gradebook from a compatible file.

How do I view grade trends or analytics?

  • The Ultra Gradebook provides tools to analyze student performance trends, such as average scores, grade distributions, and progress tracking for individual students or the entire class.

Can students see their grades in real-time?

  • Yes, students can view their grades and feedback in real time through their My Grades view. However, you can control when grades and feedback are released.

How do I grade group assignments in the Ultra Gradebook?

  • Group assignments allow you to grade all members of a group at once or assign individual grades. The grade for group submissions automatically populates the Gradebook.

Can I set up extra credit in the Ultra Gradebook?

  • Yes, extra credit can be added as additional columns or incorporated into assessments. Be sure to enable the extra credit option when setting up the grade item.

How do I resolve grade disputes or adjustments in the Ultra Gradebook?

  • You can adjust grades directly within the Gradebook or add override grades if needed. All changes are logged for transparency and record-keeping.

Can I communicate with students directly from the Ultra Gradebook?

  • Yes, you can send messages to individual students or groups based on their grades or assignment statuses (e.g., missing or late submissions).
Print Article