How does Ultra differ from our current version of Blackboard?
Blackboard Ultra is designed to provide user-friendly and engaging online learning experience for students and teachers.
- Mobile-optimized design: Blackboard Ultra is designed to work well on mobile devices, making it easier for students and teachers to access course materials from their smartphones or tablets.
- Simplified navigation: The platform features a simplified, intuitive interface that makes it easier for users to find what they need.
- Collaborative tools: Blackboard Ultra offers a range of collaboration tools, such as virtual classrooms, discussion boards, and group projects.
- Enhanced grading and assessment features: The platform includes features, such as inline grading, rubrics, and plagiarism detection.
- Personalization: Blackboard Ultra allows users to personalize their learning experience by customizing the interface, setting notifications, and creating their own dashboard.
What support is available for my students during the transition?
Students have multiple options for support when it comes to Blackboard Ultra Course View:
- Every student is automatically enrolled the Blackboard Student Support Org, an Organization inside Blackboard where they can find helpful guides, walkthroughs, videos, and simulations on how to use Blackboard Ultra.
- Contextualized Help is available with a click of the mouse on any Blackboard page the student visits.
- The 24/7 Support Desk is available for students to contact with any Ultra-related need.
What support is available to me as we move to Bb Ultra?
Instructors will have multiple layers of support as we move to Blackboard Ultra Course View:
- Every Instructor is is automatically enrolled the Instructor Support Org, an Organization inside Blackboard where they can find helpful guides, walkthroughs, videos, and simulations on how to use Blackboard Ultra.
- Contextualized Help is available with a click of the mouse on any Blackboard page the instructor visits.
- The 24/7 Support Desk is available for instructors to contact with any Ultra-related need.
- Instructional Designers and Research Associates will be working with instructors on Ultra Course fine-tuning.
- SHSU Online will host hands-on face-to-face trainings, monthly webinars, Town Halls, and the TSUS Faculty Development Day in support of this transition.
Is there a training session I should attend to prepare?
SHSU Online recommends instructors attend 4 specific development webinars prior to teaching in the Ultra environment. There are multiple opportunities to attend these sessions. Just visit our Instructional Development sign-up page to enroll.
When will my course be moved to Ultra format?
SHSU Online is working with an external partner to ensure we move courses to Ultra in an efficient and timely manner. To meet the migration timeline, courses for LIT and LSCPA will be migrated during the Summer of 2023 and courses for SHSU, SRSU, and LSCO will be migrated during the Fall of 2023. We will reach out to you as soon as your courses have been migrated.
Will the user interface change for me and my students?
Yes, the platform features a simplified, intuitive interface that makes it easier for users to find what they need.
Is Ultra mobile compatible?
Blackboard Ultra is designed to work well on mobile devices, making it easier for students and teachers to access course materials from their smartphones or tablets.
Is Ultra secure?
Blackboard by Anthology uses several methods to protect its applications including "top-down" security assessments through Threat Modeling and analysis. They also use "bottom-up" code-level threat detection through static analysis, dynamic analysis, and manual penetration testing. Students and Instructors should feel confident that their data is safe and secure.