What’s New

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

First Course Earns QM Certification with 7th Ed. Rubric

Eileen O'Brien Among 19 Faculty to Satisfy Peer Review

The first faculty member from UMBC has earned Quality Matters (QM) certification for an online course utilizing the new 7th Edition Higher Education Rubric as part of the Quality Matters Impact...

Posted: March 4, 2024, 9:13 AM

Deadline Extended! M.O.S.T. 2024 OER Grant Program

Proposals now due on Friday, March 8th

The Maryland Open Source Textbook (M.O.S.T.) Initiative is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals for the 2024 OER Grant Program. For 2024, M.O.S.T. is seeking proposals for two grant...

Posted: February 29, 2024, 11:11 AM

Gradebook statistics coming to Ultra courses in March

Additional features include AI enhancements, new settings

In continuous effort to improve the digital learning environment for both faculty and students, the March update to Ultra features several improvements designed to streamline course management,...

Posted: February 27, 2024, 3:02 PM

Call for Proposals for USM 2024 OER Grant Program

Proposals due Friday, March 1st