The transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra is structured in three phases (from Spring 2024 to Fall 2025), each tailored to progressively prepare and engage our college community with the tools and training needed for a seamless experience. From initial capacity building within our core teams to a college-wide rollout and full adoption, this structured approach ensures everyone at MC is supported and empowered throughout this journey. We are committed to supporting our faculty and students through each phase of this transition. By Fall 2025, MC will have completed the transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra, marking a new era of innovative and responsive education.

As we begin our Blackboard Learn Ultra journey, the first phase of our focuses on building our internal capacity. This spring, we are engaging in a comprehensive training and development program designed for our support staff and early adopters. Key activities during this phase include: 

• Specialized workshops and training sessions led by Blackboard Learn Ultra experts to equip our core team to support with the transition and promptly address any technical challenges along the way. 
• Creating a cohort of early adopters (our First Movers group) composed of select faculty who will lead the way in exploring and implementing Blackboard Learn Ultra in their courses while providing feedback and spreading the word with their colleagues.  

In the second phase of our transition, we will expand our efforts to encompass the wider MC community. This phase is marked by: 

• A structured rollout of curated trainings and resources to all faculty, including how-to guides, online learning modules, and live Q&A sessions. 
• Active monitoring and evaluation of the training implementation to ensure effectiveness, with as-needed adjustments to support faculty and students. 

Phase 3: Intensive Training and Support (Spring 2025 – Summer 2025) 

The final phase of our transition is focused on preparing for full adoption across MC in Fall 2025. This phase will ensure that: 

• Personalized and advanced training opportunities and support are available for all faculty and staff, catering to different levels of expertise and department-specific needs. 
• The entire MC community is ready for full Blackboard Learn Ultra adoption as the central hub for all courses and online learning activities. 

• 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.