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Center for Academic Technology

Digital Learning

Blackboard Learn Ultra

Blackboard Learn Ultra Logo

The Center for Academic Technology at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is excited to introduce Blackboard Learn Ultra, set to transform our online learning environment starting Spring 2025. We completed a pilot in Spring 2024 with over 21 faculty and 46 courses participating.  Faculty will have the opportunity to experience the enhanced features and intuitive design of Ultra during our soft launch phases in Summer 2024 (Soft Launch 1) and Fall 2024 (Soft Launch 2). This gradual transition ensures ample time for adaptation and support, enabling faculty to familiarize themselves with Ultra's innovative tools and streamlined interface. By embracing Blackboard Learn Ultra, we are committed to elevating the educational experience for our students and faculty, fostering a more engaging, efficient, and collaborative learning environment. We encourage all faculty to get all faculty to participate in the soft launch and take advantage of the support resources available to make this transition as smooth and beneficial as possible. 

The decision to switch to Blackboard Learn Ultra over other Learning Management Systems (LMS) was made with careful consideration of the needs of faculty and students' consideration. Blackboard Learn Ultra offers a modern, user-friendly interface and robust features that align with our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience. The continuity with the existing Blackboard ecosystem ensures a smoother transition, minimizing disruptions and preserving familiar functionalist while introducing enhanced tools for teaching and learning.  

Switching to Blackboard Learn Ultra can significantly enhance the teaching and learning experience, providing a more modern, efficient, and effective platform for all users. 

If you are interested in joining the soft launch for Summer or Fall 2024. Please create a support ticket and let us know the course(s) that you would like to deliver in the Ultra format. In the ticket, please provide the full course ID, ex. ARTS1301_600_202430 and if you need any content from a previous semester migrated as well. See the accordion link below for Help Desk contact information.

Switching from Blackboard Learn Original to Blackboard Learn Ultra can offer a range of benefits for institutions looking to enhance their online learning environments. Here are ten top reasons to make the switch: 

  1. **Modern, Intuitive Interface**:

   - Blackboard Learn Ultra features a clean, modern design with an intuitive user interface that enhances the user experience for both instructors and students. The streamlined navigation makes it easier to access and manage course materials. 

 

  1. **Responsive Design**:

   - Ultra is fully responsive, providing a seamless experience across all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. This ensures that users can access their courses and materials anytime, anywhere. 

 

  1. **Enhanced Collaboration Tools**:

   - Ultra includes improved collaboration tools such as integrated video conferencing (currently zoom), messaging and email, and group collaboration spaces, fostering better communication and interaction among students and instructors. 

 

  1. **Simplified Course Management**:

   - The Ultra experience offers simplified course management with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easier for instructors to create, organize, and update course content. 

 

  1. **Improved Assessment and Grading**:

   - Ultra provides enhanced assessment and grading tools, including inline grading, customizable rubrics, and advanced analytics, allowing instructors to efficiently evaluate student performance. 

 

  1. **Advanced Analytics and Reporting**:

   - The Ultra experience includes advanced analytics and reporting features that provide valuable insights into student engagement and performance, helping instructors and administrators make data-driven decisions. 

 

  1. **Better Integration with Third-Party Tools**:

   - Ultra supports seamless integration with a wide range of third-party tools and applications, including Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) tools, enabling institutions to customize and expand their learning environments. 

 

  1. **Personalized Learning Experience**:

   - Ultra offers personalized learning pathways and adaptive release options, allowing instructors to tailor the learning experience to individual student needs and preferences. 

 

  1. **Enhanced Accessibility Features**:

   - Ultra is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring improved support for screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other accessibility tools, ensuring a more inclusive learning environment for all students. 

 

  1. **Continuous Updates and Improvements**:

    - Blackboard is committed to continuously updating and improving the Ultra experience, ensuring that institutions benefit from the latest advancements in educational technology and best practices in online learning. 

CAT will be providing a variety of training resources for faculty in the upcoming weeks and months as we continue through the soft launch. The list below will be continually updated.

1. TAMUK Blackboard Learn Ultra - Soft Launch Guide.
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/wPL9GCxMk4RRsfSC?ref=Link

2. Blackboard's online help guides
https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Instructor/Ultra.

3. Blackboard video playlist of guides for Ultra.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLontYaReEU1tCbsCDP-u_wsKdkDBegIhH

Help Desk Information:  

ITS Support is staffed by Client Support Specialists, as well as trained student employees. Help Requests may be submitted online by logging into: itsupport.tamuk.edu  

For urgent issues call (361) 593-4357. 

Contact the ITS Helpdesk at: 

361-593-HELP (4357) 

Come by: 
By appointment (call 361-593-4357) 
Location: Jernigan Library, Library Commons