Ultra Transition Tips

We recommend manually rebuilding your course in the Ultra Course format to avoid technical issues and familiarize yourself with Ultra’s features.

Tips for a Successful Ultra Transition:

1. Request:
   Start by requesting a Sandbox. Use the default Ultra Template for course planning. Department heads may request an ID consultation for custom departmental templates.
2. Recreate Your Content:
   Open your Original Course alongside the Ultra sandbox. Begin uploading content, ensuring all files are accessible. Use Word’s, PowerPoint’s, & Adobe’s accessibility checker and add alternative text to images.
3. Import Question Banks:
   Efficiently move large question banks into Ultra. Remember to add alternative text to images.
4. Test with Student Preview:
   Utilize the Student Preview feature to test content and grade center calculations.
5. Ensure Accessibility:
   Use Ally, Blackboard Ultra’s built-in accessibility checker, to ensure all materials are inclusive.
6. Enhance Visuals:
   Enrich your course by adding images to learning modules and creating a captivating course banner.
7. Leverage Video Features:
   Take advantage of Kaltura’s new video functionalities for a more interactive learning experience.
8. Consult the eLearning Team:
   For technical issues, end user support, & training, contact BlackboardHelp@uams.edu
9. Consult Instructional Design:
   Request a consultation through the Request Form or directly for course redesign assistance. Our team can help you plan your course from start to finish and incorporate formative assessments, active learning strategies, and scaffolding techniques.
10. Utilize Course Reports
    Harness Blackboard Ultra’s analytics to adapt your teaching methods based on student performance metrics