Blackboard is on a continuous delivery schedule for updates. Some updates/fixes are pushed out as needed and others are rolled up into a more significant update. This article covers specific changes to functionality in Blackboard Ultra courses that were included in the August 2024 and September 2024 updates released by Blackboard Anthology.
Relocation of the Details and Actions Column and other Content Presentation Enhancements
The Details and Actions column will move from the left side to the right side of the screen. This will be a noticeable change to students and instructors, especially since this menu has traditionally been located on the left. While it may take some time to adjust, this change aims to improve overall navigation once everyone is familiar with it. Additional Course Content presentation improvements include improved page structure (with more intuitive navigation), better differentiation among course elements (folders, content items, etc.), and enhanced presentation of top-level and nested content.
Learn more and see examples of the September 2024 Ultra Course Content Page Enhancements
Changes to Assignments
The August 2024 Blackboard update included significant changes to Creating Assignments, including the ability to set up assignments using questions (similar to an exam format). Assignments previously set up using questions may no longer be editable. The Settings panel now includes only options relevant to assignments. We understand this may impact how you currently structure your assignments. Moving forward, we recommend exploring the available options within the assignment tool to meet your course needs. If you need guidance on how to adapt your assessments, our support team is here to help.
Additional changes to Assignments include a new Instructions box where instructors can use the full content editor to add assignment instructions. Students now have the ability to view assignment instructions without generating a blank assignment attempt. Please note that there is a current known issue with previewing attached files in Assignments and students will only be able to download the attachment at this time. The attached files in Assignments also do not generate a Bb Ally (Accessibility) score. We have a ticket in with Blackboard regarding this issue.
Learn more and see examples of the August 2024 updates for Creating Assignments
Knowledge Check Block in Documents
A new Knowledge Check block is available in Documents, allowing students to engage with content through multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions, receiving immediate feedback. Although this feature does not yet support grading, instructors can view Knowledge Check metrics. This can be both an effective way to reinforce student learning and a way for instructors to gauge overall student comprehension of a specific topic.
Learn more and see examples of the September 2024 updated Knowledge Check Feature in Documents
Student Activity Log
Instructors now have access to a Student Activity Log, a useful tool for tracking student engagement and participation within courses. This feature can aid in academic decisions and provide valuable insights into student behavior.
Learn more and see examples of the September 2024 Student Activity Log Update
Gradebook Overview Tab
The Gradebook tab now includes an indicator that shows when there are new submissions to grade. The indicator will display the number of assignments that need grading. There is also a new Overview tab that will help to improve grading efficiency. This tab contains two sections: Needs Grading and Needs Posting.
Learn more and see examples of the September 2024 Gradebook Overview Tab Update
For a complete overview of previous and upcoming changes, please refer to the official Blackboard Update release notes