Blackboard Ultra (Faculty) - Blackboard Ultra Transition Guide and Feature Comparison
- Course Copy, Migration, and Known Considerations
- Transition Period and Blackboard Original Learn Access
- Preparing and Migrating Content
- Feature Comparison
- Additional Support
Course Copy, Migration, and Known Considerations
|
Topic |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Content Migration |
The recommended practice is to use the Copy Content tool in your Ultra course to migrate your course content. Do not use the export/import process for your course content from previous semesters. Most Original content will migrate, but some item types (e.g., HTML content, complex quizzes, embedded tools) may require adjustments. |
|
Unsupported Tools |
Blogs, Wikis, Legacy Tests using unsupported questions, and certain partner integrations may not migrate cleanly. |
|
Folder Depth |
Ultra limits folder nesting to two levels. Courses using deep folder hierarchies will need reorganization after migration. |
Transition Period and Blackboard Original Learn Access
Spring 2026:
- Early adopting faculty members are learning and using Ultra course shells to pilot the modernized version of Blackboard. Students enrolled in these courses are experiencing the new version.
- ITS KnowledgeBase articles are updated and created to support students and faculty through the transition.
- Webinars and Open Labs are available for all faculty and staff to prepare for the Fall 2026 implementation date.
- Blackboard Sandboxes are available by request for any faculty or staff to explore and convert their own content.
Summer 2026:
- Webinar recordings will be available from Spring training opportunities.
- Open labs continue.
- Blackboard Sandboxes are available by request for any faculty or staff to explore and convert their own content.
Fall 2026:
- All new course shells created for Fall 2026 and later are the modernized Ultra version.
- All students and faculty are using the new version.
Preparing and Migrating Content
To ensure a smooth move to Ultra, consider using this helpful checklist.
Beginning in your Blackboard Original course:
- Review your current course structure and make note of deep folder nesting or tool types that Ultra no longer supports to address in the Ultra shell organization.
- Do not use the export package function with intent to import into the new Ultra course. The recommended process is to copy specific folders or items into the new course shell for a cleaner, immediate result during migration.
In your Blackboard Ultra course:
-
- Import the Bb Course Template created by IDLT to your empty course shell and use the template recommendations to guide your content development. (2-10 minutes)
- Use the “Copy Items” function to move your Blackboard Original content to your Ultra course in smaller amounts and review as you copy. Do not use the export/import process for your course content from previous semesters. (5-20 minutes)
- Review “Exceptions” (“Adaptive Release” in Original) to the copied/imported items.
- Focus on the “High priority” items listed. (time dependent on number to review)
- Confirm Discussions are visible on the Course Content page. (1-10 minutes)
- Consolidate and streamline 3-nested folder structure and item grouping. (Time dependent on original course complexity)
- Use Learning Modules in Ultra to build clear, sequential learning pathways, or convert your existing Content Folders to Learning Modules with one click.
- Set File Uploads to View and Download or View Only. (1-30 minutes based on number)
- Review fonts and formatting in Content Documents. (1 minute to 1 hour)
- Adjust assignment instructions to match Ultra Course View. (1-30 minutes)
- Set up Overall Grade and Delete Original Total/Weighted Total Columns. (3-10 minutes)
- Review and Update Course Dates. (10 minutes)
- Review and Update Availability and Visibility (1-30 minutes depending on adaptive release) using the Batch Edit feature.
- Review and Confirm Availability of External Tool Links. (1-45 minutes)
- Update Announcement Dates and Delete Outdated Announcements. (1-10 minutes)
Final Steps:
- Reevaluate workflows (grading, communication, content delivery) to take advantage of Ultra’s streamlined design.
- Run a migrated course audit, checking Tests, Rubrics, Assignments, and Documents for formatting issues.
- Plan for accessibility by using headings, alt text, and integrated media—features better supported in Ultra Documents.
- Run an Accessibility Report and remediate content before opening the course to student view.
Feature Comparison
Course Interface and Navigation
|
Feature Area |
Original |
Ultra |
|
Course Menu / Navigation Structure |
Left side course menu with customizable links and content areas |
Single-page Course Content area; no left menu Navigation through top and in-content layers |
|
Overall Layout |
Multi-window layout with separate Control Panel, Grade Center, and tools |
Clean, modern design with layered panels that slide in and out |
Content Creation & Organization
|
Feature |
Original |
Ultra |
New Location |
|
Content Structure |
Content organized into folders, items, learning modules; heavy reliance on Build Content |
Content added via “+” menu anywhere on the page; streamlined folders and learning modules |
Hover your cursor in the content area to identify the "+” menu, or use the 3-dot menu in Course Content |
|
Availability and Date Management |
Date Management tool |
Batch Edit tool adjusts visibility and due dates |
Located in the 3-dot menu in Course Content |
|
Items vs. Documents |
Items in Build Content |
Documents replace Items; support integrated text, media, files, and layouts |
Located in the “+” menu in Course Content |
|
Learning Modules |
Optional, not recommended |
Learning modules are recommended to allow for forced sequence |
Located in the “+” menu in Course Content |
|
Content Reuse / Copy |
Import/Export process and Copy Item tool with multistep selection. |
Simplified copy workflow from within Course Content |
Located in the “+” menu in Course Content |
|
Automated Content Visibility |
Adaptive release on folders, items, assignments |
Option for forced sequencing of modules and release conditions for items |
Located in 3-dot menu within “edit” on the individual module and in visibility options on individual items |
Assessments & Assignments
|
Feature Area |
Original |
Ultra |
New Location |
|
Assignment Tool |
Assignments from Assessment toolbar |
Redesigned Assignments with cleaner submission interface and progress indicators |
Create using "+” menu in Course Content. Edit in the assignment or grade center |
|
Tests & Question Types |
Variety of question types, pools, and surveys |
Modern assessment interface; many, but not all, Original question types supported, forms replace surveys |
Located in the “+” menu in Course Content |
|
Question Banks |
Pools and Question Sets |
Question Banks replace Pools |
Located in the “Details and Actions” in the right-side menu |
|
Rubrics |
Rubrics Tool |
Modern rubric interface embedded more closely within the grading workflow |
Rubrics managed in the Gradebook settings, in individual assignments, or test questions |
Grade Center / Gradebook
|
Feature |
Original |
Ultra |
New Location |
|
Grade Center Layout |
Spreadsheet-style table |
Simplified gradebook with list and grid views, customizable filters, and Gradebook Settings panel |
Located in Gradebook tab in the top menu for faculty and students |
|
Calculated Columns |
Custom calculated columns (weighted, total) |
Equivalent calculated options via Gradebook Settings |
Located under “Gradable Items” or “Grades” tabs in Gradebook |
|
Needs Grading |
Dedicated Needs Grading page |
Grading Status indicators built into Grade Book workflows |
Summary workflow located in Gradebook “Overview” or in “Grades” per individual student |
Communication Tools
|
Feature Area |
Original |
Ultra |
New Location |
|
Announcements |
Instructor announcements displayed in course and optionally emailed |
Announcements appear as popups, in Activity Stream, and in course menu |
Located in Announcements tab in course menu |
|
Discussion Board |
Traditional threaded forums with forum-level settings |
Modern interface with analytics, inline replies, and grading tools |
Top navigation tab includes group and whole-class discussions |
|
Course Messages |
Optional course tool |
Persistent top navigation “Messages” for quick access |
In Course Navigation with default set to include an email copy |
Collaboration Tools
|
Feature Area |
Original |
Ultra |
New Location |
|
Groups |
Manual group creation, Group tools and assignments available |
Streamlined group creation and use of groups before or after creation of Discussions and Assignments |
Located in top menu Groups tab and within all Discussions and Assignments |
|
Class Conversations |
Not available |
Conversations can be enabled on individual Documents and Assignments |
Located in Document settings and Assignment settings |
Additional Support
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk:
- Call: (618) 650-5500
- Email: help@siue.edu
- Visit: Lovejoy Library Room 0005 during regular business hours.
This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!