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Blackboard Training Sessions

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.

Upcoming Sessions

Read More: Blackboard Training Sessions - Draft (.docx)

Session 3: Course Creation & Management with AI Design Assistant

Date: March 26, 2026 | RSVP Today! | Meeting Link: https://utmb.us/fc8

What this session covers

  • Overview of the AI Design Assistant and its instructional capabilities
  • How to generate modules, assessments, rubrics and learning activities
  • Human-in-the-loop workflows for faculty oversight
  • Course revision strategies using AI for efficiency and consistency
  • Future consideration regarding AVA and licensing changes

Participants will gain

Time-saving techniques for course creation and a framework for monitoring AI-generated content responsibly.

Who should attend: ETA Group, Instructors, Course Builders, Instructional Designers, Program Coordinators

Blackboard Training Session - Course Creation and Management with the AI Design Assistant Event Banner Image

Blackboard Day #1

also known as: Instructor Onboarding Training Session

  • Date: May 21, 2026, Time: TBD
  • Platform: MS Teams
Session 4 - Groups & Group Assignments
  • Date: June 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm
  • Platform: MS Teams
Session 5 - Gradebook (Grading Discussions & Gradebook Reporting
  • Date: July 23, 2026, at 2:00 pm
  • Platform: MS Teams
Blackboard Day #2

also known as: Instructor Onboarding Training Session

  • Date: September 3, 2026,Time: TBD
  • Platform: MS Teams
Session 6 - Analytics & Student Activity (Illuminate)
  • Date: October 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm
  • Platform: MS Teams

Past Sessions

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.

DateMilestone
Dec 2023Ultra Base Navigation enabled – a modern, intuitive menu outside of courses. No change to existing course format (Original courses remain).
Spring 2024Explore Ultra Courses – AC provides sandboxes and resources and works with schools/groups to facilitate transition planning and to provide support for early adopters.
Summer 2024Ultra Courses available for pilot groups.
Fall 2024Ultra Courses officially supported; depending on a school/program transition plan, instructors may choose Ultra or Original format.
Fall 2026UTMB's official deadline to transition to Ultra: All courses must be transitioned to Ultra by the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester.
Dec 31, 2026Blackboard ends support for Original Courses. Learn what this means for you and your Original courses.
Jan 01, 2027Remaining Original Courses become Read-Only in the system.
Jan 2028Remaining Original Courses are automatically converted to Ultra format.

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