What is Blackboard Ultra?
Currently, all courses use the familiar 'Blackboard Original' course format. 'Blackboard Ultra' is the updated version of the platform, offering a modern, intuitive interface. While many core functions remain familiar, Ultra provides enhanced usability, streamlined navigation, and additional features that simplify course design and management for both faculty and students.
Key Dates and Updates
Official Deadline: The retirement of Blackboard Original is scheduled for December 31st, 2026. From January 1st 2027, all courses in the Original environment will be read-only, though you will still be able to copy materials into the Ultra environment as needed.
Migration Plan: Hamilton College is moving towards full adoption of Blackboard Ultra for all courses by the start of Fall 2026.
Trying Out Ultra
If you are interested in trying out Ultra, please send a request (including the course you'd like to convert) to blackboard@hamilton.edu. You will be able to check out the new format before deciding to commit to the Ultra view; once committed, the course cannot be reverted to the Original format.
Alternatively, you may request a dedicated 'Ultra Test Course' - a private sandbox where you can explore the Ultra format without affecting your live courses. This is a great way to get familiar with the layout and features at your own pace.
Migration Support and Training:
BB Academy Training Course
This is a highly recommended course for anyone transitioning from the Original to the Ultra course experience. It is a self-paced free online course designed to help faculty, instructors, and course builders navigate Blackboard Ultra. Learn how to build content, create assessments, and manage content/discussions efficiently in the Ultra course view.
Since the course itself is built in Ultra, it also offers valuable insight into course design and provides a student’s perspective on navigating an Ultra course.
Blackboard Teaching Essentials
In-Person Workshops
We are offering regular in-person workshops to support the migration to Blackboard Ultra. Please scroll down to view the full schedule and available materials in the 'Blackboard Ultra Workshop' section.
Webinars by Anthology
Anthology, the provider of Blackboard, hosts a series of webinars covering key topics related to the Blackboard Ultra migration. These webinars are designed to benefit all users, and we encourage everyone to join.
- Blackboard Modernization Webinar Series
- 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 Blackboard Gradebook: Tips for Instructors and Course Builders
- Smart Course Creation: Leveraging AI Design Assistant in Blackboard
- Inclusive Design in Action: Maximizing Accessibility in Blackboard
- Ultra Course Seminar
- 90-minute session - provides a step-by-step guide to create an Ultra course from scratch.
- On-Demand Recording
Ultra Bites
As part of our ongoing support, 'Ultra Bites' is a series of brief, focused tips highlighting key features of Blackboard Ultra. These will be sent via email and also published on this page for you to refer back to anytime.
Ultra Bites #1: Progress Tracking
'Progress Tracking' allows students to keep track of what they have done in your course and it gives instructors a powerful way to monitor student engagement.
Quick demo (55 sec):
How this helps faculty:
- Monitor student activity on individual content items to see who has accessed or completed them.
- Identify who might be falling behind
- Use insights to inform follow-ups
How this helps your students:
- Visual indicators of what’s done and what’s pending
- Encourages self-paced progress and organization
- Works across content, folders, and learning modules
Resources:
Ultra Bites #2: Class Conversations
Class Conversations: An interactive feature that brings discussion directly into course content. Whether it's asking questions, sharing ideas, or offering support, conversations stay linked to the item they’re about - keeping discussions focused and contextual.
Quick demo (45 sec):
Why it’s useful:
- Enables real-time discussions attached to specific content
- Helps students support each other and stay engaged
- Allows instructors to guide and clarify without leaving the flow of the course
You can enable 'Class Conversations' on:
- Documents
- Assignments & Group Assignments
- Tests & Group Tests
- Offline submissions
- Links to teaching tools
Conversations appear only within the relevant content item, keeping everything in context and out of the cluttered discussion board.
This interactive in-person workshop introduces faculty to the Blackboard Ultra course view. The session will provide an opportunity to explore the platform, test its features, and practice course customization with guided support. Participants will also learn how to navigate and use key tools to enhance teaching and learning.
Workshops-2025
- 14 January 2025
- 26 February 2025
- 30 April 2025
- 27 May 2025
- 20 August 2025
- 25 September 2025 - Register here!
Workshop Materials
Help Guides
Support Guides
Blackboard Help for Instructors
Blackboard Help for Students
Contact
Academic & LMS Applications Administrator:
Jasmine Hydrose
jhydrose@hamilton.edu
More information
For further questions or concerns, please reach out to the Research and Instructional Design team at askus@hamilton.edu.