Blackboard Ultra

Key Features – Assignments

• Includes a clean print option on assignments
• Students have easy access to submission receipts in multiple locations
• Maintains screens inside of screens, requiring users to negotiate multiple scroll bars nested inside of other scrolling areas up to three layers deep in places
• Course/Assignment copying from Original will sometimes have errors, shown as “exceptions.” Instructor is alerted to the existence of an “exception,” but are not directed how to fix the issue or what/where the specific issue exists in the assignment.

ID Takeaway – Assignments

Similar to Blackboard Learn Original, the assignment instructions and settings are in different locations and finding the settings requires recognizing the small gear icon. However, this icon does pull the settings up in a side panel overlaying the assignment instructions so that you never have to leave the assignment to continue editing. Any attachment a student includes in their submission is automatically converted to a pdf embedded into the Blackboard Annotate tool, allowing the instructor to mark up assignment submissions. However, this feature makes the student experience fairly disjointed. A couple of added bonuses are that Ultra allows for timed assignments and a peer review tool built into the regular assignment structure. Another benefit to students is the addition of back-end conversations being a potential (instructor-choice) piece of each assignment.

Key Features – Quizzes

• Eleven different question types with an improved Hot Spot format that offers mobile-friendly support.
• Automatic grading of some question types. Manual grading through the Ultra Gradebook. There is no Needs Grading section.
• Uses Release Conditions similar to Adaptive Release. Allows individual accommodations for time extensions and extra attempts directly in the Gradebook.
• Importing MS Word quizzes requires the use of Respondus 4.0. While QTI file imports are supported, clean-up is usually required.
• Uses Question Banks, which are different from Learn Original’s Pools and are not interchangeable.

ID Takeaway – Quizzes

We have found Blackboard Ultra’s quiz tool offers a simplified, modern interface that reduces the complexity found in the original Blackboard Learn version. While Ultra Quizzes provide fewer question types and customization options compared to some competitors, this often translates to faster quiz creation and less support needed for faculty. Many agree that grading works smoothly, though some have noted that the analytics capabilities aren’t as robust.

Key Features

• Dedicated work areas can be created for discussion, file sharing, and collaboration
• Announcements, messages, in-course email, and gradebook reminders
• Amount and timing of notifications depend on both instructor and student settings
• Individual tool access is determined at the administration level, limiting customization

ID Takeaway

Ultra group collaboration tools are extensive and similar to the other learning management systems being reviewed. Messages can be sent to individuals or groups, while announcements post to the activity stream and conversations allow in-course back-and-forth on individual assignments. These multiple channels may prove to be more confusing than useful if students are not well-informed about how to find each communication stream.

Key Features

• Straight-Forward Design: Content flows in a single-page structure, reducing excessive clicking and making it easier for students to navigate.
• Drag-and-Drop Content Management: Faculty can quickly upload, rearrange, and manage files with a drag-and-drop interface, eliminating some of the frustration from Blackboard Learn’s older system.
• Limited Formatting: Without access to HTML, formatting of modules and pages is basic, and there’s little flexibility for advanced layouts without external tools.

ID Takeaway

Blackboard Ultra offers a more modern, streamlined interface compared to the current Original Experience. It simplifies navigation and content organization, making it easier for faculty to build and manage courses without dealing with clunky menus. Faculty who prefer a structured, straightforward course layout will appreciate Ultra, but those who want more design control may find it limiting.

Key Features

• Easy to set up peer feedback and peer grading
• Wide variety of feedback and student notification options
• Some error icons do not have explanations attached
• Course content and gradebook link in one direction only

ID Takeaway

The Blackboard Ultra gradebook is easier to navigate and has a simpler interface than Blackboard Learn. There are multiple ways to view and access gradable items, but to fully utilize all of the gradebook’s features, users must be familiar with icons and submenus. Of particular note are the feedback tools and the progress tracking feature, both of which provide simple ways to engage more with students. Ultra gradebook does have some inefficiencies, such as retaining information on students who have dropped and requiring multiple click-throughs to change and post a previously existing grade.

Key Features

• Video recording capabilities within Ultra enable faculty to create and share video content more directly within announcements, discussions and feedback. However, video recording beyond the basic webcam option would require a third-party integration using a tool such as Kaltura.
• Generative AI Conversation Tool This tool is designed to facilitate deeper learning through interactive dialogues that simulate those conversations, which may take place in personal, academic and professional contexts.
• Personalized Activity Stream in Ultra provides more contextual alerts about course activity in a central location compared to the more basic notification options in Canvas and Brightspace.

ID Takeaway

Ultra allows for more seamless embedding of multimedia elements directly into course content, creating a more integrated experience than Canvas’s more modular approach.