Please review the Blackboard Ultra Updates for Fall 2024 email that was sent to all Faculty on August 23, 2024 from UltraTransition@montgomerycollege.edu. 

1. 1. It is not required to transition live Fall 2024 courses to Ultra. Faculty have until 2025 to begin teaching live courses in Ultra. We encourage everyone to get familiar with Ultra by attending trainings and exploring the updated system as early as possible.
   2. Starting in Fall 2024, all faculty can choose to teach in Blackboard Learn Original, Blackboard Learn Ultra, or a combination of both. If you choose to teach one or more of your Fall 2024 courses in Ultra, please review our step-by-step guides.
   3. Please note, once you have made the conversion of a Fall 2024 course from Original to Ultra, it is not possible to revert the course to Original.
   4. The graphic at right summarizes the steps to take depending on whether or not you wish to teach one or more of your Fall 2024 courses in Blackboard Learn Ultra. A larger version of the graphic is also available here.
   5. Even if you do not want to teach any courses in Ultra in Fall 2024, we still encourage you to review the step-by-step guide to make sure you do not accidentally enable this feature. This will also help you be ready to teach in Ultra in Spring 2025, or at latest in Fall 2025 when the college will move to teaching 100% of our courses in Ultra.

Blackboard How-To Guides

For general Blackboard Support or assistance related to the Blackboard Learn Ultra Transition, check out the supports below: 

Blackboard Learn Ultra Quick Start Guide:  

• Get Started with Blackboard Learn Ultra 
• Blackboard Learn Ultra Quick Start Guide for Instructors 
• Video playlist: Get up and running with the Ultra Course View 

Copying Courses and Course Content

• Overview: Copy Content from other courses
• Copy an entire course
• Copy individual course items
• Video: Copy content from Learn Original courses to Learn Ultra Courses

Interactive Tool Guides: 

• Navigate Inside a Course  
• Introduction to the Base Navigation 
• Creating Assessments in Learn Ultra Course 
• Grading & Managing the Gradebook in Learn Ultra Course 
• Ultra-Advantage – Converting a Learn Original Course to Learn Ultra 
• Using Groups in Learn Ultra 
• Answers to Common Questions 

Best Practices in Blackboard Learn Ultra 

• Attach Files 
• Discussion Questions 
• Presenting Content & Accessibility 
• Group Assignment 
• Help students succeed 
• Interactive Tools 
• Intro Videos 

Self-Paced Online Blackboard Learn Ultra Training via Blackboard Academy

Anthology, Blackboard’s parent company, has a self-paced training on the basics of Blackboard Learn Ultra that is available to the MC community. This training may take around 20 hours to complete. It is not required and is indented as a resource. Once you access the training for the first time, it will be available for 180 days. Instructions to access are below: 

1. Start here: https://bbacademy.blackboard.com/
   – If you have a Blackboard Academy account, you can go straight to logging in and step 2 below. 
   – If you do not yet have an account, click on View Course Catalog and then Sign Up on the top right-hand side. Follow the prompts to create an account and log in. 
2. Once you are logged in, search for the following course name: “Learn Teaching Essentials for Ultra – 2024” and click on “Enroll Now”. 
3. Logging into Blackboard Academy is separate from your regular Blackboard log in process. The “Learn Teaching Essentials for Ultra – 2024” course will not show up under your courses when you log in via MyMC, only when you log into Blackboard Academy.

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**Spring 2025 Office Hours & Open Lab Schedule Coming Soon**

The MC Learn Ultra transition team invites you to join us for virtual office hours and on-campus open labs throughout the semester. Virtual sessions are offered weekly, and in-person sessions are monthly on all three campuses. We are here for you to answer questions and connect you to resources around MC’s transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Please email ultratransition@montgomerycollege.edu if you have any questions. 

Instructions for Faculty

1. We encourage everyone to ensure you have access to a development course sandbox in Blackboard Ultra before attending office hours if possible.
2. Please review the schedule below and register in Workday.
3. In person office hours note: We encourage you to bring your own laptop, charger, and mouse (if desired) to in-person office hours if possible. We will also have a limited number of laptops or computers available on site

Virtual Office Hours Schedule (via Zoom)

– Register for virtual office hours (Workday)

• 9/6/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 9/13/2024, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
• 9/20/2024, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
• 9/27/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 10/4/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 10/11/2024, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
• 10/18/2024, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
• 11/1/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 11/8/2024, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
• 11/15/2024, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
• 11/22/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 12/6/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

In-Person Open Lab Schedule: Rockville Campus

– Register for in-person office hours in Rockville (Workday)

• 8/23/2024, 1:30-3:00pm
• 9/27/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 10/25/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 11/22/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

In-Person Open Lab Schedule: Takoma Park Campus 

– Register for in-person office hours in Takoma Park (Workday)

• 9/27/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 10/25/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 11/22/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

In-Person Open Lab Schedule: Germantown Campus 

– Register for in-person office hours in Germantown (Workday)

• 9/27/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 10/25/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• 11/22/2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Questions about office hours or open labs?

Please email ultratransition@montgomerycollege.edu. 

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The Basics: What, When and Why

• What is Blackboard Learn Ultra?
  Blackboard Learn Ultra is the latest version of Blackboard’s Learning Management System (LMS). It offers a more modern, intuitive, and streamlined user experience, with enhanced features that make online learning and teaching more efficient and engaging
• When will the option to teach one or more courses in Blackboard Learn Ultra be available?
  Starting in the Fall semester of 2024, all instructors can teach one or more courses in Blackboard Learn Ultra. It is not required but strongly encouraged to familiarize yourself with Blackboard Learn Ultra as early as possible during this transition. 
• When will ALL courses be fully taught in Blackboard Learn Ultra at MC?
  From the beginning of the Fall semester of 2025 (August), all courses at MC will be fully taught in Blackboard Learn Ultra. No new courses will be created in Blackboard Learn Original from that point forward. 

• Why is MC moving to Blackboard Learn Ultra?
  We are transitioning to Blackboard Learn Ultra to provide a better online learning experience for both students and faculty. The updated platform offers a responsive design, improved navigation, and various tools to enhance the educational process

Building and Converting Courses 

• Will my current courses be affected during the transition?
  We are taking great care to ensure a smooth transition and that your current courses are not adversely affected. Course migrations are being planned to minimize any disruptions.
• When transitioning from Blackboard Learn Original to Blackboard Learn Ultra, will I need to recreate my course content from scratch, or can I copy my existing courses directly into Blackboard Learn Ultra?
  Blackboard is designed with tools and features that allow for the conversion of courses from Original to Ultra Course View. This process includes copying your existing courses into Ultra Course View, where they can then be adjusted or enhanced to take full advantage of Blackboard Learn Ultra’s features and user interface. It’s important to note that while course conversation aims to preserve the integrity of the original content, some manual adjustments or reconfigurations may be necessary to optimize the course for Blackboard Learn Ultra. It’s advisable to review the converted courses to ensure they meet your expectations and the learning objectives of your students.
• As a faculty member, how do I transfer my course content to Blackboard Learn Ultra?
  The ELITE team has curated and prepared support resources to help faculty transfer their course content. Visit the Faculty Resources section for more information.

Learning about Blackboard Learn Ultra 

• How can I learn to use Blackboard Learn Ultra?
  MC provides various training resources, including workshops, online tutorials, and one-on-one support sessions. Check out our curated Faculty Resources and Student Resources sections. 
• I want to get started early with familiarizing myself with the Blackboard Learn Ultra experience. What should I do?  We encourage you to explore the resources on this webpage as a first step. Faculty have the option to request a development course in Blackboard Learn Ultra. There is also a self-paced training available through Blackboard Academy (access instructions in the Faculty Resources section). 
• I would like to take a self-paced online training on Blackboard Learn Ultra. How do I do this?  Anthology, Blackboard’s parent company, has a self-paced training on the basics of Blackboard Learn Ultra that is available to the MC community. This training may take around 20 hours to complete. It is not required and is indented as a resource. Once you access the training for the first time, it will be available for 180 days. Instructions to access are in the Faculty Resources section).

Features of Blackboard Learn Ultra 

• Can I access Blackboard Learn Ultra on my mobile device?
  Yes, Blackboard Learn Ultra is designed to be fully responsive, which means it can be accessed and used on any smartphone or tablet with an internet connection, in addition to desktop computers and laptops
• Are there any new features in Blackboard Learn Ultra that will help with online assessments?
  Blackboard Learn Ultra includes various new features designed to enhance online assessments, including improved test-building tools, more options for question types, and enhanced analytics to track student performance

Technical Questions and Support  

• What does this mean for Organizations in Blackboard? 
  Until Spring 2026, Organizations will continue to function in Original Course View as we are focusing on courses in our three-phase plan. More information will be forthcoming on this.

• Will there be any downtime during the transition?
  The ELITE team is working diligently to minimize downtime. Any necessary downtime will be scheduled during off-peak hours and with advance notice to all impacted users

• What should I do if I encounter issues with Blackboard Learn Ultra?
  If you experience any issues, please contact the MC IT Service Desk. Faculty and students can contact the Blackboard Help Desk for assistance any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week):
  – Email: montgomerycollege@edusupportcenter.com
  – Phone: 240-567-7222, select option #2 for Blackboard Support 

• As a faculty member, where should I direct students who have questions?
  Students can contact the Distance Learning team at MC by email: DL@montgomerycollege.edu. Students can also reach out to the Blackboard Help Desk for assistance any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week):
  – Email: montgomerycollege@edusupportcenter.com
  – Phone: 240-567-7222, select option #2 for Blackboard Support 
• I work in the MC Library and I have questions about the transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Who should I contact?
  Please reach out to your supervisors or UltraTransition@montgomerycollege.edu for more information and resources specific to the library. 

• How can I provide feedback about Blackboard Learn Ultra?
  Your feedback is important to us. Please share your thoughts and suggestions with us.

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• Search the MC Blackboard Help Center 
• Faculty can contact the Blackboard Help Desk for assistance any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week):
  – Email: montgomerycollege@edusupportcenter.com
  – Phone: 240-567-7222, select option #2 for Blackboard Support 

• Schedule an in-depth faculty consultation with Blackboard Support 

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Continuity  – This modern learning management system (LMS) is an extended and upgraded version of what we are used to in Blackboard Learn Original. Because Learn Original and Learn Ultra both fall under the same LMS, transitioning to Blackboard Learn Ultra will ensure an uninterrupted teaching and learning experience for faculty, students, and staff at MC. 

Streamlined Interface – Blackboard Learn Ultra offers a more organized and consistent course layout, facilitating course development and enhancing student learning experience. The modern, intuitive interface simplifies navigation, making it easier and quicker for faculty to find what they need and allowing students to focus on learning rather than navigating. 

Mobile-friendly Design – The Blackboard Learn Ultra experience is centered on a responsive, mobile-friendly design that allows faculty and students to access their courses easily from the devices at their fingertips. Blackboard Learn Ultra works seamlessly across desktops, tablets, and smartphones, ensuring access anytime, anywhere. 

Accessibility Improvements – Transitioning to Blackboard Learn Ultra furthers MC’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Built-in accessibility features ensure that all students have equal access to course tools and materials, and the streamlined interface allows students to focus on the content they are learning without distractions. 

Enhanced Communication Tools – Enhanced discussion boards, messaging systems, and real-time notifications connect students and instructors. These tools foster a collaborative learning environment and ensure more straightforward and effective communication. 

Advanced Analytics – Faculty will benefit from advanced analytics that provide insights into student performance and learning trends. This data-driven approach supports informed decision-making and the ability to tailor instruction to meet the needs of all students. 

Integrated Learning Tools – Blackboard Learn Ultra continues to seamlessly integrate a range of learning tools and third-party applications that enhance the educational experience for students and faculty. 

Strategic Alignment – This transition aligns with MC’s transformational aspirations and our 2023-2028 strategic plan goal of enhancing educational and organizational effectiveness.  

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How-to Guides for Students

• Quick Start Guide for Students 
• How to use the Blackboard Help Center  

Video Tutorials

• Navigate inside a course  
• Video playlist: Getting starting with the Ultra Course View for Students 

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Browse answers to FAQs

Feedback  

• The ELITE team values your input on the new Blackboard Learn Ultra experience. Share your feedback with us. 

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• Search the MC Blackboard Help Center 
• Students can contact the Blackboard Help Desk for assistance any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week):
  – Email: montgomerycollege@edusupportcenter.com
  – Phone: 240-567-7222, select option #2 for Blackboard Support  

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• What is Blackboard Learn Ultra?
  Blackboard Learn Ultra is the latest version of Blackboard’s Learning Management System (LMS). It offers a more modern, intuitive, and streamlined experience, with enhanced features that make online learning more efficient and engaging. The version of Blackboard before this transition was called Blackboard Learn Original. MC is gradually moving our courses over to Blackboard Learn Ultra in phases, and we will be fully transitioned by the Fall semester of 2025.  
• Will some of my classes be in Ultra Course View and some in Original Course View?
  During MC’s phased transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra, you may notice some of your classes have the Ultra Course View, and some have Original Course view. This is because instructors and support staff need time to transition all of MC’s classes to Blackboard Learn Ultra. we will be fully transitioned by the Fall semester of 2025.
• Can I access Blackboard Learn Ultra on my mobile device?
  Yes, Blackboard Learn Ultra is designed to be fully responsive, which means it can be accessed and used on any smartphone or tablet with an internet connection, in addition to desktop computers and laptops.
   
• What should I do if I encounter issues with Blackboard Learn Ultra?
  If you experience any issues, please contact the MC Help Desk. Students can contact the Blackboard Help Desk for assistance any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week):
  – Email: montgomerycollege@edusupportcenter.com
  – Phone: 240-567-7222, select option #2 for Blackboard Support 

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To share comments, ideas and general feedback with the Blackboard Learn Ultra transition team at MC, please complete our Feedback Submission Form. 

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• Faculty and Staff questions: please email UltraTransition@montgomerycollege.edu 
• Student questions: please email DL@montgomerycollege.edu

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