Ultra Ambassador Feature

How Wendy McBride is Gaining New Perspectives on Student Learning Experiences with Ultra

Wendy McBride is an instructor in English Language and Cultural Studies, a division of the Graduate School and International Education and an Ultra ambassador. With over ten years of experience using Blackboard at two different institutions, she has seen many changes and innovations in the LMS. Since converting her courses to Ultra in Fall 2023, Wendy has gained a new perspective on Blackboard by pushing her to view it from the student experience. Read more below about her experiences with Ultra and how it’s enhancing her teaching.   

How long have you used Blackboard Ultra?  

Since Fall 2023.  

What size is the enrollment in your courses that are in Blackboard Ultra?  

My classes are usually between 10-15 students per section.  

How long did you use Blackboard Original, and what was the transition like for you?  

I have used Blackboard Original (two versions at two institutions) for over ten years. The transition remains challenging. Rethinking the organization of the materials was tricky; I am still trying to manage this.  

Was there a feature that you couldn’t directly reproduce in Blackboard Ultra? What did you do to get a similar functionality?  

The Ultra discussion board uses language (respond for an initial post and reply for peer-to-peer interaction) that my students have found confusing. The option for an instructor to privately respond to a student post (or to email a student from the discussion board) has been eliminated. I have made comments in the grading feedback field instead, which is clunky and less effective, I think.  

What is your favorite feature in Blackboard Ultra?  

The prompt to “post” grades is my favorite; in Original, I was hiding assignments until they were all graded and then revealing them.  

How has Blackboard Ultra improved your teaching and course design?   

It has pushed me to look at the platform from the student perspective.  

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