Ultra Ambassador Feature
Dr. Kasey Walker Shares How Ultra is Supporting Timely Grading and Better Organization
Dr. Kasey Walker is a teaching assistant professor in the Department of Communication. Two semesters into her Ultra journey, she is discovering valuable features that are helping her stay caught up with grading in her classes. Read the TIPS interview below about her Ultra transition experiences, advice to faculty about making the transition easier, and how Ultra is helping her and her students stay more organized.
How long have you used Blackboard Ultra?
This is my second semester using Ultra.
What size is the enrollment in your courses that are in Blackboard Ultra?
My classes are usually between 25-38 students.
How long did you use Blackboard Original, and what was the transition like for you?
I’ve used Blackboard Original since I arrived at the University of Arkansas in 2006 (at least, I think we were using it then). The transition wasn’t smooth, and learning a new system has been rough at times and easier with others.
What did you struggle with most in your transition to Blackboard Ultra, and what advice would you give to fellow instructors about how to overcome that struggle?
I’ve struggled the most with the Gradebook. I recommend carefully reviewing each assignment and setting up your assignments and Overall Grade column from the very beginning. If you have to add an assignment as you go along, make sure the category is correct and that it adds in correctly.
Was there a feature that you couldn’t directly reproduce in Blackboard Ultra? What did you do to get a similar functionality?
I’ve not yet been able to reproduce the average for each assignment/test. I download it into Excel and do my calculations there.
What is your favorite feature in Blackboard Ultra?
Ironically, the Gradebook. I love the feeling of getting a “complete,” and it helps me keep track of what I’ve yet to grade. I would also like the Question Analysis function, but my classes appear too small to receive an analysis of my multiple-choice exams.
How has Blackboard Ultra improved your teaching and course design?
I stay caught up with grading. I like the folder aspect of Ultra; I feel like my course is more organized and it is easier for students to find what they’re looking for. I do wish it had a Homepage instead of just the main Content page.
What impact has Blackboard Ultra had on student engagement and learning outcomes in your course?
Students seem to spend more time in Ultra. I don’t know if this is good or bad. That is, are they finding the material interesting, or are they having trouble navigating? I’m still getting complaints because they don’t know how to use it yet. However, those who have figured it out seem to like it.
What future enhancements would you like to see in Blackboard Ultra?
I would like to know the difference between Total and Overall Grade. I would like to see greater functionality of the Question Analysis feature. I would like a Homepage and to see statistics on individual assignments and the Overall Grade Column.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about Blackboard Ultra?
It’s slowly growing on me. I think it will improve once all the features are added and I, and my students, are more familiar with them.
Want to stay ahead of the curve with your Ultra know-how? Interested in exploring features to increase student engagement? Register for an Ultra Monday Introduction or Follow-Up Friday to learn more.