WHY THE CHANGE?
SHSU’s learning management system (LMS), Blackboard Learn, is mission critical for students, faculty, and staff at Sam Houston State University. Starting summer 2022 we will introduce a new, streamlined landing page in Blackboard Learn that allows students and instructors to more easily access important course information, including course materials, grades, assignments, activities, notifications, and relevant links displayed in an activity feed.
This new layout (shown below) makes Blackboard more accessible for students using mobile devices and provides a simple, consistent experience regardless of how it is accessed.
WILL THERE BE CHANGES TO MY COURSES TOO?
Ultra offers a unique opportunity to host two different course design templates. You can either keep your course in its current, original format, OR, you can upgrade your course to the Ultra version.*
*In some instances, departments have made the decision to teach an entire program in Ultra Course View. In those Instances courses MUST use the Ultra Course View format. Any concerns should be directed to the department chair. We are always here to help, so contact SHSU Online for training and course readiness.
Keeping your course in its original format means there won’t be changes to how your course looks and functions now. In this scenario, only the landing page will change as a result of the upgrade.
Alternatively, Ultra grants you access to Ultra Course View. This is the new course layout rolled out most recently by Blackboard, Inc.
To explore an example of an Ultra course, please join one of our upcoming Ultra webinars or demonstrations.
Note: There are tool and training implications when switching to an Ultra course. We recommend working with your instructional designer for a demo of what an Ultra course has to offer, prior to making the decision to switch over.
WHAT OTHER ASSISTANCE WILL SHSU ONLINE PROVIDE DURING THIS CHANGE?
In addition to demos, trainings, and webinars, you can also visit this evolving Blackboard Learn Ultra Transition webpage. There you can find videos featuring the upcoming changes, as well as How-To tutorials.