Want to know what the newest features are in Blackboard Ultra? We’ll list the newest releases here each month and provide links to past releases for you to review. Click on the links to take a deeper dive into each feature.
January 2025 Release Highlights (Released on January 9)
- The AI Designer outputs have been improved, giving instructors more thorough descriptions for facilities using the AI Designer (modules, assignments, etc.).
- The quality of AI-generated images has been improved.
- Improved content block functionality in the Content Designer that prevents the block from collapsing.
- File uploads have been improved in the Content Designer. Files automatically default to View and Download, and the feature also includes Undo and Redo options.
- Attempt Submitted has been added as a Release Condition performance option.
- Primary course instructors now have better control of the visibility of grade book columns for other instructors, such as GAs.
- Direct grade entry allows instructors to enter grades in the grid view of the grade book or to override rubrics, which will now result in the New Submissions and Needs Grading status to disappear.
- Instructors have better control over course access in the Course Setting panel, making it easier to open and close courses.
December 2024 Release Highlights (Released on December 5)
- Rubric generation improvements for the AI Design Assistant that allow for more complex outputs than the previous version.
- “New” indicator in the Discussion module to better highlight posts and replies the user hasn’t seen.
- Easier access to the attempt log for an assignment with an Attempt Log button associated with each item.
- An Override indicator will now be visible on overidden grades for Discussions.
- Easier identification of late assignments with a clear Late indicator.
November 2024 Release Highlights (Released on November 7)
- AI Conversations allow students to engage in Socratic Questioning and Role Playing. You can set up scenarios for students to gain valuable industry practice by defining roles for both the student and the AI persona.
- Improvements have been made to block resizing in Documents. Instructors can now resize using the vertical bar for tall blocks of content.
- Instructors can now print tests that include questions from Question Pools. The answer key and corresponding test are now also combined to ensure a matching test and answer key.
- Indentations in the Discussions environment make it easier to distinguish between responses and replies.
- Student activity logs can now be downloaded to assist in cases of academic disputes.
