Blackboard Ultra
Blackboard
Blackboard Learn Ultra is Here!
As part of our continued efforts to improve the technology experience for faculty and students, we are pleased to announce that we have finalized the transition to Blackboard Ultra. All Spring courses are in the Ultra Course View, which will significantly enhance your teaching experience and improve the way students interact with course materials. Blackboard Organizations will be transitioned at a later date.
Frequently asked Questions
Why the Change?
Anthology (Blackboard) has announced the end-of-life support for their legacy system, Learn Original, December 2026. However, previous courses will still be accessible for content retrieval in a ‘read only’ mode.
What’s Changed?
Blackboard Learn Ultra is a new Learning Management System (LMS) experience by Anthology. It features simplified navigation, a mobile-friendly experience, intuitive workflows, and data-driven learning analytics, making it easier for you to keep your students engaged and on the path to success.
Project Timeline and Rollout Process: Has Been Completed
The timeline below helps give you an overview of the transition process for enabling Ultra courses within our current Blackboard LMS.
Spring 2025
- Core team (IT&I Blackboard staff and Western’s Instructional Designer) received training with Anthology’s Education Consultants
- Worked with Phase I early adopters (SPS and few others) to prepare for and build Fall courses using Ultra
Summer 2025
- Continued work with Phase I group to build their Fall Ultra courses
- Worked with select faculty to build their Summer and Fall Ultra courses.
Fall 2025
- Phase I group using Ultra for all their Fall courses
- Training sessions for remaining faculty in preparation for Spring courses
Spring 2026
- Final migration and all courses taught in Ultra
- Continued training
Recap Information
While our team continues to receive training and hands-on experience with the new interface, you may wish to review some of Ultra’s key features by watching this video.
Please also find some resources that may be helpful:
- Blackboard’s Instructor Tutorial Videos let you check out the new design and workflows within Learn Ultra.
- Find out more about Blackboard Learn Ultra from the Blackboard Help site.
- Watch recordings from past training sessions.
Support:
We are here for you every step of the way. We are excited about this transition and its potential to enhance both your teaching and student learning. If you have any questions about Blackboard Learn Ultra, please reach out to us by contacting our service desk at RequestIT@wcsu.edu, or submitting a ticket via our service portal.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to improve the educational experience at Western.
Useful Resources:
One of the hallmarks of the Blackboard Ultra Experience is the speed with which new features are developed and released. In fact, new features become available every month! Some of these features are large updates with entirely new functionality, others are very small enhancements that improve the teaching and learning experience. Below are some resources you may find helpful.
Blackboard Learn Help for Instructors – Ultra Course View
Blackboard Learn Original and Ultra Terminology
Navigate Inside an Ultra Course
Quick Reference Guide on How to Build an Ultra Course