Blackboard Resources
Welcome to the Blackboard Ultra Experience
Important Announcement: End of Support for Original Courses
Blackboard has officially announced the end of support for Original Courses!
Please review the timeline and resources below to understand what this change means for you, your remaining Original courses and how to transition to Ultra.
Blackboard Modernization with Transition to Ultra
Blackboard Ultra is the modern, streamlined version of the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS), designed to offer a more intuitive, responsive, and engaging experience for both instructors and students.
Since UTMB's initial move to Ultra Base Navigation in December 2023, most schools have transitioned to Ultra Courses—or are in the process.
UTMB's deadline to transition to Ultra is Fall 2026.
We strongly recommend making the move well before this date to ensure adequate time for training, design, and support.
Read More: Blackboard: End of Support for Original Courses (.docx)
Review: Transition Timeline | Resources | FAQ | Retention Policies
Ultra Transition Timeline & Original Course End-of-Life
Note: scroll left to view full table on mobile devices.
| Dec 2023 | Ultra Base Navigation enabled – a modern, intuitive menu outside of courses. No change to existing course format (Original courses remain). |
| Spring 2024 | Explore Ultra Courses – AC provides sandboxes and resources and works with schools/groups to facilitate transition planning and to provide support for early adopters. |
| Summer 2024 | Ultra Courses available for pilot groups. |
| Fall 2024 | Ultra Courses officially supported; depending on a school/program transition plan, instructors may choose Ultra or Original format. |
| Fall 2026 | UTMB's official deadline to transition to Ultra: All courses must be transitioned to Ultra by the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Blackboard ends support for Original Courses. Learn what this means for you and your Original courses. |
| Jan 01, 2027 | Remaining Original Courses become Read-Only in the system. |
| Jan 2028 | Remaining Original Courses are automatically converted to Ultra format. |
Resources and Training
Ultra Courses
Ultra Base Navigation
A place for Blackboard users to collaborate and engage with Blackboard users from all around the world. Joining the Anthology Community gives you access to many Ultra groups including webinars, recordings, slides, and documentation.
This extensive video playlist provides short Instructor tutorials. New content gets added frequently.
Webinars (On-Demand)
Official Blackboard Ultra webinars
Blackboard Modernization Webinar Series
Watch On-Demand
Sessions include:
- Blackboard Essentials for Instructors: Exploring Course Structure and Content Creation
- Blackboard Assessments Simplified: Training for Instructors and Course Designers
- Streamlined Grading in Blackboard: Best Practices for Educators
- Navigating Gradebook: Tips for Instructors and Course Builders
- Smart Course Creation: Leveraging AI Design Assistant in Blackboard
- Inclusive Design in Action: Maximizing Accessibility in Blackboard
Blackboard Ultra Course Seminar
Watch On-Demand
90-minute session
Transitioning to the Ultra Course View requires thoughtful preparation and the right strategies to maximize its benefits, and our product experts are here to outline best practices. This webinar provides a step-by-step guide to create a great Ultra course from scratch. You'll see the new Blackboard Course Designer, AI Design Assistant, Flexible Grading and much more, and leave with all the necessary knowledge to apply these tools in your classes.
Teaching in Learn Ultra
Watch On-Demand
90-minute session
Topics include:
- Learn how to easily create native content in Learn Ultra
- Understand how Learn Ultra course-based analytics can support class retention
- Discover tried and tested best practices for collaborative learning and engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my course is in Original or Ultra?
To determine if your Blackboard course is Original or Ultra, check the appearance of the navigation menu. Original courses have a gray navigation menu on the left, while Ultra courses have a top menu with a right-side panel listing with Course Faculty and Details & Actions modules. Additionally, from the Course list page, Original courses have "Original Course View" text next to the course name. View the Blackboard: How do I know if my course is Original or Ultra? document for visuals.
Read More: Blackboard: How do I know if my course is Original or Ultra? (.docx)
Can my previous Original course be copied for my Ultra course? Can an Ultra course be created from a copy of an Original course?
No, the first iteration of your course in Ultra will be built from scratch. Moving forward, your Ultra course can be copied for the next iteration/semester - depending on your departments procedures for Blackboard courses, if any. You do have the option to copy content from both Original and Ultra into an Ultra course. It's recommended that you select items individually rather than the entire course. Also be aware for Original content copied into an Ultra course that it will be flattened and not all settings will be applied.
Learn More: Copy Items | Table of content types converted from Original to Ultra | Issues and exceptions copying content | Content nesting and flatting logic in Ultra
Can my original course be converted to Ultra?
No, however materials from Original and Ultra can be copied into an Ultra course – with caution. It's recommended that you select items individually rather than the entire course. Also be aware for Original content copied into an Ultra course that it will be flattened and not all settings will be applied.
Learn More: Copy Items | Table of content types converted from Original to Ultra | Issues and exceptions copying content | Content nesting and flatting logic in Ultra
Is there an Ultra course template?
No, there is not an institution-wide Ultra template. It is at the discretion of each school/program/department on whether to apply a template or to require specific course content and design elements. Email Academic Computing at edtech@utmb.edu to request an Ultra shell that can be used to build a template. For help building Ultra courses, consider using the resources mentioned above (e.g. webinars, help docs, and micro vids).
What does "Original Courses become Read-Only in January 2027" mean?
The course will be View-Only for all users. No changes or new submissions can be made. Instructors are restricted from all grading and content edits. Students are restricted from participating – submissions, discussions, etc.
Learn More: Blackboard: End of Support for Original Courses (.docx)
What does "Remaining Original Courses are automatically converted to Ultra format in Jan 2028" mean?
A Blackboard process will convert all Original courses into Ultra and the courses will be flattened. Instructors and students can use the search functionality to assist with locating materials. Certain user data such as gradebooks scores, assignment submissions, and rubric scores are planned to be retained post-conversion for end-user-access.
Learn More: Course Flattening
Contact Academic Computing at edtech@utmb.edu for questions, consultations, and additional resources including Sandboxes.