“Blackboard Ultra” Set to Surpass, Replace Original Model

Photo by Ian Murphy

Blackboard, an online educational service relied upon by students and educators worldwide, including those at Elmhurst University, now has an advanced model, which is intended to eventually replace the original system.

As many courses at EU are using “Blackboard Learn Ultra,” also known as “Learn Ultra” or “Blackboard Ultra,” numerous teachers and students have already experienced the supposed successor to the standard version of Blackboard. Both formats can currently be accessed via Blackboard’s base navigation and the site’s mobile app.

The upgraded version of Blackboard features a revamped layout, as well as multiple other visual differences from the service’s basic counterpart. These aesthetic changes include a sidebar that appears whenever certain assignments are clicked, displaying the assignment’s due date, how many attempts are allotted, and how many points the assignment is worth.

According to Anthology, the software company behind Blackboard, Learn Ultra “was designed by educators, for educators—resulting in easier and more effective teaching and learning.” Furthermore, the company describes Learn Ultra as more “flexible,” “inclusive,” and “insightful” than its predecessor.

Although Learn Ultra is currently merely an alternative to Blackboard, Anthology’s website suggests it may soon replace the original system entirely, offering several digital resources and programs, such as webinars, to help “complete your move to Learn Ultra.”

Other academic institutions, such as the University of Arkansas, have already announced intentions to completely transition to Learn Ultra by Fall 2024.

According to the university, the decision to fully transition to Learn Ultra followed a multifaceted “comprehensive review” of the site conducted in 2023–2024, as well as positive feedback from students who used the advanced model during an early testing phase, complimenting the site’s interface and ease of use.

Although EU said the deluxe format of Blackboard “provides more accessibility and is user friendly” in addition to being “more consistent across courses,” the university has decided upon “a gradual approach” for transitioning to Learn Ultra; it is currently recommended for instructors to offer at least one course in the advanced model, though this is not mandatory.

Nevertheless, EU reported that 49% of sections are utilizing Learn Ultra in the Fall term, with some departments and programs having opted to completely transition to the advanced model.

In other cases, it is the discretion of a class’s instructor when it comes to which format is preferable for the course subject and material, at least for now. According to EU, although Anthology still supports both the Original and Ultra versions of Blackboard, the university anticipates the company eventually mandating the use of the latter, and its goal is to have a majority of courses implement Learn Ultra for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Per the offices of Academic Affairs and Information Services, instructors have been provided with a variety of resources to help familiarize themselves with the use of Learn Ultra, including workshops and a three-week long course, with additional resources to be provided this year. Students will not be required to take any steps on their own to prepare for the transition.

Students and faculty with additional questions concerning the transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra can consult the site’s FAQ page (https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student/Ultra/FAQ). Additionally, individuals experiencing technical difficulties with either version of Blackboard can contact the university’s Service Desk at [email protected].