A project to implement the transition from Blackboard Learn (our Virtual Learning Environment) to the improved version: Blackboard Learn Ultra concluded in October 2024. Blackboard Ultra retains familiar aspects but has a more usable and intuitive interface and introduced new features and functionality. Organisation spaces were moved to Ultra ready for use in September 2023. Blackboard Courses (modules) began to use Ultra for the start of the 2024/25 academic year. This page provides information about the project and links to other key pages.
What is Blackboard Learn Ultra?
For information on what and who was involved, and the rationale for this work and its timing, please see: Blackboard Learn Ultra – an improved version of Blackboard Learn.
Timeline
The Blackboard Learn Ultra project timeline was aligned with the implementation of the Portfolio Review Pathway (PRP). This meant that whilst you were producing your modules ready to be taught in 2024/25, you could also consider the new features and options in Blackboard Learn Ultra. The high-level timeline was:
- for the start of academic year 2023/24: All Blackboard Organisations (for supporting learning beyond a module) were moved to Blackboard Learn Ultra.
- for the start of academic year 2024/25: Blackboard Courses (for all modules) used Blackboard Learn Ultra (to correspond with when the new PRP-redesigned modules started being taught).
Course Template
Moving to Blackboard Ultra provided an opportunity to agree and introduce an institutional level course template to improve consistency and the student experience. Find out more.
Project Champions
There was a community of Ultra Champions comprised of colleagues from across the university, providing a forum to share experiences and ideas around Blackboard Learn Ultra and an opportunity to engage with new and existing features.
Who do I contact re: Blackboard Ultra?
If you have any questions about Blackboard Learn Ultra, please log via the DTS Self-Service Portal.