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Blackboard Learn Ultra staff development & support

View a graphical representation of how the training sessions relate to each other. 

Sessions for academics

  1. Ultra: Plan and start building your 2024-25 Course (Essential). This 2hr in-person, hands-on workshop will equip you with the skills to start building your 2024/25 course. Companion online resource . Details and Booking: In-person session, Webinar.
  2. Ultra: Assessment Overview (Recommended). This 90 min webinar will give you a tour of assessment tools and processes in Ultra. Companion online resource. Details & booking.
  3. Ultra: Creating Learning Activities (Recommended).  This practical 90 min workshop will give you an introduction to creating learning activities in your Ultra course. Companion online resource. Details and booking: In-person session, Webinar.
  4. Ultra: Communicating with Students, Monitoring Progress and Using Course Analytics (Recommended). This 1 hr webinar will introduce the revised course communication tools and the new functionality on monitoring student activity and progress. Companion online resource .  Details & booking.
  5. Ultra: Re-using Blackboard Original Tests in 2024/25 Courses (Optional). This 75 min webinar, will focus on the re-designed Ultra Tests and  the best options for re-using Original Tests in Ultra courses. Companion online resource . Details & booking.
  6. Question & Answer Session: Ultra: Creating your 2024-25 course: Q&A. This 40 min session will answer your questions and share tips.  Details& Booking
  7. Ultra: Course Building Retreat to progress your course building (Optional).  (Not a training session) Come along to work on your 2024/25 course and receive on-hand support by the TEL team. Best if you attend 1st session above. Book a Retreat.
  8. Ultra: Groups. This self-access resource provides everything you need to know about creating and managing groups in Ultra.

Training Sessions for Programme Administrators

  1. TEL: Ultra: Part 1 for Administrators: Introduction to Courses and Communication tools (Webinar) .  During this session participants will have an overview of Blackboard Ultra, with a focus on their role in administrating the courses and communicating to students. Book a place
  2. TEL: Ultra: Part 2 for Administrators: Assignments, Tests and Groups (Webinar) This will be a “hands on” webinar where you will have the opportunity to experience setting up assignments and group functions. Prerequisite: Part 1. Book a place
  3. TEL: Ultra: Part 3 for Administrators: Gradebook and EMA workflows (Webinar) In this session we will look at the functionality of the Gradebook and how it can be used. We will then look at various Modes of Submission, what will be provided in Blackboard and how you will manage each scenario to return the marks to RISIS. Prerequisites: Part 1 and Part 2 . Book a place
  4. TEL: Ultra: Surgery (For Administrators) (Webinar) A chance to ask questions about Ultra Book a Place

Ultra: Course Building Retreat (Information and Booking)

The Ultra Course Building Retreat session is designed for academic staff who are building their new 2024-25 Ultra courses. This session offers colleagues who already have a basic, hands-on knowledge of Blackboard Ultra, dedicated time and support to further develop their courses.

Format

  • Self-Directed: This session is not a training workshop. Rather it’s time set aside to work independently on building your 2024-25 Ultra course. There will be no formal instruction provided during the session
  • Supportive Environment: Members of the (TEL) team will be present throughout the session to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer advice as needed. The session will be held in a PC room, but participants are welcome to bring their own devices if preferred.

Requirements

  • Basic Level of Experience with Ultra: Participants should have a basic level of hands-on experience with Ultra, either through attendance at relevant Ultra training workshops, or having worked with Ultra Organisations.
  • Enrolment in 2024-25 Ultra Course: It is essential for participants to be enrolled in their new 2024-25 Ultra course to actively engage in course development during the session.

Outcomes

  • Participants will have dedicated time and support to work on building their 2024-25 Ultra course.
  •  Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive advice from TEL team members.
  • Participants will make progress on their Ultra course development and gain confidence in using Ultra course features.

Notes

  • Participants are encouraged to come prepared with any materials or content they wish to incorporate into their Ultra courses.
  • Participants without a basic level of hands-on experience with Ultra or who haven’t attended Ultra training, may find it challenging to fully participate in the session. It is recommended that they seek training or support before attending.

Book a Retreat