Blackboard Ultra Learning Opportunities and Resources
CMU’s journey with Ultra begins with learning Blackboard Ultra’s features, functionality, and setup. Robust training opportunities are offered on various days and times to balance busy schedules and teaching times. Additional resources are also provided to reinforce learning and application.
NOTE: Blackboard, Inc updates the LMS environment regularly, providing patches and fixes and releasing new features and tools. Therefore, some features and screen shares shown in videos and trainings may not reflect the latest capabilities or current Blackboard environment.
Independent learning resources by topic
Multiple resources have been created to aid you in your journey to Ultra. In addition to webinars, short training videos are available to reinforce your learning and allow for easy reference any time of day or night. The full video collection is searchable by keyword. Additionally, a collection of knowledge base articles has been created to provide step-by-step guidance to instructors in using and setting up an Ultra course. For ease of use, resources have been organized by the topics listed below.
The Ultra training plan
The following learning opportunities are designed for faculty as they transition their course content from Blackboard Learn to Blackboard Ultra. We recommend that faculty attend these sessions to increase their knowledge and confidence with Blackboard Ultra before migrating their content.
Ultra Basics
Join CIS staff to begin your journey with the updated Blackboard user interface Ultra Course View. In this session, we will explore the navigation of Ultra, including its functions and features. This foundational training will prepare learners for subsequent training on Ultra and eventual course migration.
Creating and Managing Content Using Sound Principles of Course Design
Ready to take your course to the next level? In this session, learners explore sound course design principles while learning how to build, copy, and manage content and maintain accessibility. We will also demonstrate how to build course content, such as modules, documents, web links, etc.
Mastering Graded Activities in Blackboard Ultra
Elevate your teaching by efficiently creating and managing graded activities in Blackboard Ultra. This workshop will show how to create and manage discussions, assignments, and assessments within the Ultra Gradebook. Discover the potential for using question banks, question pools, and other question types to enhance assessment options and streamline the grading process.
The Ultra Gradebook
Discover a world of new features and capabilities in the Ultra Gradebook. Join us as we demonstrate how to set up and organize the gradebook to maximize the flexibility of Ultra's new features. We will highlight the differences between grid and list views and explore how to filter to see students and their scores. We’ll also share the various grading options, such as grading by student or by question.
Unleashing Ultra Analytics for Data-informed Instruction
The power of Ultra shines in the analytics it provides. Join us as we illuminate the hidden gems of Ultra's robust analytics, unlocking the potential to quickly identify your top-performing students and those who would benefit from compassionate outreach and support. Discover the activity, engagement, and performance metrics available to support your data-informed instruction of an Ultra course.
Reaching the Summit: Ultra Course Migration
Designed for faculty who are ready to leap into course migration. This workshop demonstrates how to optimize the course migration process with pre-migration course preparation, streamlined copying of content, and how certain features can be used to leverage sound course design principles. We will also share essential considerations within a post-migration course review.
One-on-one assistance
Need more one-on-one assistance with an issue you are facing with Ultra? The following opportunities will be available throughout the semester. No appointment is necessary.
Virtual Drop-in (VDI)
Need a little extra help with a Bb Ultra issue? Drop in virtually on Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to ask Ultra-related questions. See CIS Events for available dates. (CMICH Login Required)
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Bring your laptop to Park Library 413D and meet with a CIS team member for one-on-one assistance. Extra monitors will be available to allow you to view your course in Original and Ultra simultaneously. Throughout the semester, CIS staff will be on hand to assist on Fridays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. See CIS Events for available dates.