Frequently Asked Questions
When do I have switch to Ultra?
All University of Arkansas Blackboard courses will be created in the Ultra course experience starting Fall 2024. This means you’ll need to be ready to transition everything to Ultra before August 2024. Think about getting started in the transition now and request a development shell from bbadmin@uark.edu, so you are prepared for the change! You can start using the Ultra course experience for Fall 8W2, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024 courses.
Why are we switching to Ultra?
Ultra course experience is a more accessible, modern, mobile-friendly learning management system. It was designed with the learner in mind, so students can easily switch between their mobile devices and a laptop and experience content the same way. Even if your course is still in the Original course experience, students will see this course in the Ultra view when they are using the mobile app. When they switch to their computer and view the course in an internet browser, it will then switch back to the Original view. This can be a challenge for students to understand and navigate.
Instructors also get a lot of benefits, including the ease of creating and managing content, better organizational structures with learning modules, extremely easy accommodation setup, and an improved flexible grading experience.
What are the differences between Original and Ultra?
The most obvious difference is the look and feel. Ultra has a white background with a very simplified layout, which cannot be modified. Content is created and managed differently in Ultra, with all of the course content falling into one area called “Content.” There is no longer a left navigation menu with tool links and content areas. While some tools or functions have been removed from Ultra, most features still exist (just in a different location or with improved functionality.) Watch these short videos to get acclimated to Blackboard Ultra.
Can I see an example of an Ultra course?
Yes! Go to our Course Catalog and click on the drop-down under Browse Category. Select Ultra Training. Click Go. You will see a list of courses available for self-enroll. Click on the drop-down arrow beside the course and choose Enroll. Click Submit on the next screen. Feel free to browse these courses to spark your imagination for all that Ultra can do!
How can I get help?
First, sign up to attend an Ultra Mondays session to get an introduction to Blackboard Learn Ultra. During that session, you will be added to an Ultra training course and a sandbox course. These two courses will help you learn how to use Ultra. If you want a one-on-one session, sign up for a TIPS consultation with one of our TIPS team members. Throughout the 2023 – 2024 academic year, we will be hosting many training sessions and providing multiple opportunities to get more information. Follow the Trainings and Workshops calendar for more information.
Don’t forget to search through the TIPS website, as well, for many how-to articles related to Blackboard Learn Ultra.
What if I teach an online course? What do I do?
Start by attending trainings and getting more information. You will also be contacted by an instructional designer from Global Campus. The instructional designer will help you with getting the course converted and ready to go. If you don’t hear from your instructional designer and don’t know who to contact, please email tips@uark.edu, and we can get you in touch with the appropriate person.