Blackboard is developing a new and improved platform called Blackboard Learn Ultra (Ultra Course Experience). The University of North Dakota will be transitioning to the new version over the next several semesters. Other North Dakota University System campuses will also be transitioning, but each campus will have its own timeline.

The move to Blackboard Ultra Course Experience will be a gradual change and we do not expect a full transition until sometime after fall 2024. Blackboard Ultra can be enabled on a course-by-course basis, so instructors will be able to determine the timing of when the course Blackboard site is moved to Ultra.

Why transition to the new version of Blackboard?

The redesigned version of Blackboard is more user-friendly and mobile-friendly. Blackboard Ultra has a modern design and simplified workflows to make it easier to teach and engage students online.

Here are some of the highlights of Blackboard Ultra:

1. New and improved user experience with intuitive workflows. Learn Ultra offers a user experience that features a modern, intuitive, and consistent interface on any device. The features and workflows have been redesigned to be more efficient and save you time.
2. Simplified navigation. Everything is just one click away. The new Ultra Base Navigation provides immediate access to the most critical information you need to be successful.
3. Use on any device. Faculty and students will be able to easily access Blackboard from any device – including tablets and smartphones – using either the mobile web browser or the Blackboard mobile apps.
4. Content creation has never been easier. Simply point to where you want to add content and a plus sign appears. You can even drag and drop content to upload. With just one click, you can reorder, edit, or delete content.
5. Streamlined grading. The grading workflow has been simplified. On the new Grades page, instructors have immediate access to grading tasks for all courses.
6. Learning analytics. Embedded predictive analytics and alerts for instructors and students help drive student success. 

More Information

To learn more and view a tentative timeline, please visit our Ultra features and transition timeline webpage. We encourage you to also visit these helpful Blackboard websites:

• Check out the new design and workflows within Blackboard Ultra - Student Tutorial Videos   Instructor Tutorial Videos
• Assistance using the new Blackboard Ultra Course Experience - Blackboard Student Help  Blackboard Instructor Help
• Learn more about navigating within an Ultra Course - Ultra Course Experience

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