Upcoming Learning Sessions
An Ultra Extravaganza—The Remix
April 1st, 9am - 4pm in WA I. Light Refreshments and Swag Available!
| 9-10:15am: Ultra 201: Deep Dive into Course Design and Document Creation | This session will provide a brief refresher on the basic functions of Blackboard Ultra for those new to the platform, while also exploring some best practices in course design. Topics will include the differences between Modules and Folders, as well as an in-depth look at using Documents to create engaging and interactive content. |
| 10:30-11:45am: Set up and Manage Gradebook, Groups, and Assignments | This session will cover how to create various types of assignments, setting up grading criteria and rubrics, and effectively using groups. We'll also explore different grading methods, how to align assignments with these options, configure the overall grade, and dive into advanced features and settings for a more streamlined grading experience. |
| 1:15-2:30pm: AI Design Assistant: Features, Examples, and Use Cases | This session will provide an in-depth exploration of the AI Assistant, highlighting new features, upcoming updates, and practical examples of how to use AI tools within the Ultra interface. Faculty will have the opportunity to share ideas and collaborate with colleagues on the best ways to incorporate these modern AI features into their teaching. |
| 2:45-4:00pm: Roadmap and Q&A | The Anthology Team will address a series of questions and issues submitted by the campus community, offering solutions and insights. They will also be available to answer any questions you have and provide an update on the new and exciting features coming soon! |
Open Office Hours
This is a set time each week where faculty can drop in to get assistance with their Ultra classes. One or more Ultra experts will be available to answer any questions you might have. Each week, there will be a face-to-face session and a virtual session.
- Tuesdays at 2:00pm (F2F): Rice Library Lab A
- Fridays at 10:00am (Zoom): Meeting ID: 986 3696 4585 – there will be no session on 2/21 due to Anthology Day: An Ultra Extravaganza
Resources for Students
Blackboard Ultra Knowledge Base
Internal help and documentation for instructors and students using Ultra course view in Blackboard. Covers getting started, adding content to courses, and navigating the platform.
The starting point for everything Learn Ultra for you, as a student. Find how to start as a new user, common questions, and a guide for troubleshooting. You can also choose to explore and learn about accessibility on Learn, assignments, course content, grading, tests, pools and surveys, and how to better interact with instructors and your track performance, among other interesting topics.
YouTube Playlist for Blackboard Ultra
A collection of video resources for students produced by both Anthology and the CTLE for Blackboard Ultra. Contains short videos covering navigation and interaction.
On-Site Help and Troubleshooting
Our helpdesk technicians are here to assist you with anything that you can't get figured out. Navigating, account issues, and general questions are all welcome. Just submit a ticket or stop by the lower level of the Wright Admin Building (just across from the Orr Center, near the Forums and Red Mango).
Resources for Instructors
While the project is still in the initial phases, being primarily led by self-taught super users, we seek to provide transparency and welcome communication from the campus community. All instructors have been provided with a blank Ultra course shell to play around in, and any questions beyond what the resources below provide can be directed to Shannon Hoehn, Project Manager or Juzar Ahmed, Product Owner
Blackboard Ultra Knowledge Base
Internal help and documentation for instructors and students using Ultra course view in Blackboard. Covers getting started, adding content to courses, and navigating the platform.
The starting point for everything Learn Ultra for you, as an instructor. Find how to start as a new user, common questions, and a guide for troubleshooting. You can also choose to explore and learn about accessibility on Learn, assignments, course content, grading, tests, pools and surveys, and how to better interact with students or how to set up a course and track performance, among other interesting topics.
The Anthology Idea Exchange allows you to share, like, vote, and comment on your favorite ideas, proposed and submitted by Anthology clients. Drive change in the EdTech community by sharing your ideas today. You will need to sign up for an account to share your ideas and you can sign up to receive status updates for any of the product suggestions available.
Instructor Webinar Series: Teaching in Blackboard Learn Ultra
This webinar series is designed for Instructors who are new to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Includes links to videos on topics including assessments, gradebook, student engagement, and more.
Anthology Day Recordings
Recorded Sessions from 2/21. Organizational Account Required
Ultra 101: Hierarchy & Basic Course Design
Refining Your Course - Lessons Learned
A Deep Dive into Exams and the Gradebook
YouTube Playlist for Blackboard Ultra
A collection of video resources for instructors produced by both Anthology and the CTLE for Blackboard Ultra. Contains short videos covering content creation and navigation.
Proctoring Solutions Zoom Recording
Instructions and troubleshooting for setting up proctoring in Blackboard Ultra
On-Demand Webinars and Info Sessions
Looking for inspiration and guidance on your Blackboard® Learn Ultra journey? Discover best practices and uncover meaningful insights from upcoming and on-demand webinars. Includes topics on navigation, course planning, and more.
Project Information
In the spring of 2024, as part of our mission to improve student success, USI began the process of transitioning our LMS to Blackboard Learn Ultra. As part of the project process and in accordance with our desire for transparency, this page will serve as a timeline for the transition and a resource for members of the project team and faculty.
Why move to Blackboard Learn Ultra?
Supports teaching workflows, making it easier for instructors to teach and improve student outcomes
Simplified navigation
Data-driven learning analytics
Intuitive mobile-friendly experience.
Created in collaboration with real-life instructors and students
Proposed Timeline – Development to Full Adoption
FALL 2024 – DEVELOPMENT
Three Groups
- IT Led (Scheduled & Drop-in Sessions, Website)
- Online (OCDP, Online Training)
- Super Users (Self-Taught)
SPRING & SUMMER 2025 – DEVELOPMENT & TEACHING
- Same development opportunities as Fall 2024
- Fall 2024 and SPRING 2025 developed courses taught in Spring & Summer
FALL 2025 – FULL TRANSITION TO ULTRA
- All course shells for Fall 2025 provisioned in the Ultra Course Experience
- All faculty teaching on Ultra course experience
Active Project Timeline
Project team, lead by Shannon Hoehn, presented initial proposal and solicited feedback from Faculty Senate.
A common concern raised about making the transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra is why not start the process of moving to another learning management system (LMS), such as Canvas or D2L.
- USI has significant history and experience with Blackboard Learn as its enterprise LMS, transitioning to Blackboard Learn Ultra offers a smoother, more organic migration path, allowing users to leverage their existing knowledge while benefiting from advanced features
- This will also allow USI to maximize its return on investment by leveraging the current infrastructure and familiarity with Blackboard
- The comprehensive features of Blackboard Learn Ultra may create cost-benefits over time as we may be able to decrease the additional tools or software needed
- We still have three years left on our existing contract, so moving to a new LMS would be premature at this time.
- The continuity Blackboard Learn offers enables uninterrupted teaching and learning, as students only access one system, even if they see two different course experiences.
Ultra Transition Core Project Team
Shannon Hoehn, IT Project Manager
Juzar Ahmed, Director of Endpoint & Academic Technology
Walter Fisher, Senior Applications Administrator (LMS Lead Admin)
Laurie Wilson, Senior Applications Administrator (LMS Admin)
Kyle Tharp, IT Business Manager (Business Analyst, Website Lead)
Dr. Brian Crose, Director of Online Learning
Robert Dickes, Assistant Professor of Photography and Digital Imaging
Spence Farmer, Online Learning