What’s New

Fall 24 Blackboard Courses to Use Ultra by Default

However, faculty can still use Original upon request

In consultation with the Deans as well as the Faculty Senate Computer Policy Committee (CPC), DoIT will make Ultra the default version of Blackboard for all Fall 2024 course shells that are...

Posted: May 7, 2024, 10:04 AM

4 Reasons to Use Copy Content to Prepare an Ultra Course

Choose an easy path to Ultra course readiness

It’s the start of a new semester and you open Blackboard to discover a new Ultra course. As you look over your course materials, gathered and perfected over years of teaching, the thought of...

Posted: May 2, 2024, 2:39 PM

Learning Analytics Mini Grants CFP Due 6/7/24

Prior LA workshops may help inform proposals

UMBC’s Division of Information Technology (DoIT), in partnership with the Office of the Provost, is pleased to announce the call for proposals for the 2024 Learning Analytics (LA) Mini Grants....

Posted: May 2, 2024, 9:00 AM

Panopto Mandatory Recorder Upgrade for Mac Users

Mac users required to upgrade recorder version

Panopto has announced that beginning July 19 at 4:00 AM EDT, Mac clients will be required to upgrade their recorder to version 14.0.  The next major Panopto for Windows and Remote Recorder...

Posted: May 2, 2024, 7:35 AM

SU2024 Courses Created in Blackboard on April 22, 2024

Blackboard course shells for Summer 2024 were created on April 22, 2024. UMBC is committed to providing a consistent learning experience for everyone. The Ultra Course Preview setting is enabled...

Posted: April 30, 2024, 11:57 AM

Advanced release conditions customize Ultra content in May

Improvements to gradebook calculations, reduce animations

With the latest update to Ultra in May, instructors can design a learning pathway where students must demonstrate proficiency in multiple content areas (e.g., at least 80% mastery on separate...

Posted: April 29, 2024, 2:38 PM

Deeper Feedback Options & Anon Discussions in Ultra

Improvements to grade calculations with BigFraction update

The April update to Ultra features several enhancements designed to improve the teaching and learning experience. This update, driven by user feedback from UMBC and the broader global community,...

Posted: March 26, 2024, 12:02 PM

Ultra Adoption by Faculty Eclipses Original for SP2024

Instructional Technology ready for Ultra migration support

In the final nine months of UMBC's Ultra migration, the overall faculty adoption rate continues to grow. For the spring 2024 term, Original course usage decreased by 33% between fall 23 and spring...

Posted: March 12, 2024, 2:43 PM

Select Course Materials and Tech Tools For Upcoming Terms

Leverage CMI, OER, and available technologies for Fall 2024

Instructors have many options available when they select course materials each term. As you select materials for the upcoming term, will you participate in the Course Materials Initiative (CMI),...

Posted: March 11, 2024, 8:36 AM

Ultra Courses to Support Additional Level of Nested Folders

Availability to begin after spring break

Designed for mobility, Ultra supports a condensed hierarchy for content nesting on the main course content page. Student preference and support were the primary purpose for Blackboard to reduce...

Posted: March 7, 2024, 9:19 AM