Welcome to MC’s Blackboard Learn Ultra Transition Hub!
Blackboard Learn Ultra News
Self-paced training is now available! Register in Workday at the links below:
- All faculty have the option to choose to teach in Blackboard Learn Original, Blackboard Learn Ultra, or a combination of both in Winter 2025, Spring I & II 2025, and Summer I & II 2025.
- It is encouraged but not required to explore teaching one or more courses in Ultra in early 2025. The college will move to teaching 100% of our courses in Ultra in Fall 2025.
- Although no new courses will be taught in Blackboard Original after Summer II 2025, content from old courses in Blackboard Original can still be copied into Ultra courses as needed.
- We encourage everyone to get familiar with Ultra by attending trainings and exploring the updated system as early as possible.
- If you choose to teach one or more of your courses in Ultra, please review our step-by-step guides.
- Please note, once you have made the conversion of a live course from Original to Ultra, it is not possible to revert the course to Original. Courses also cannot be switched from Original to Ultra once they are available to students. Please refer to our Key Dates overview for more information.
- If you are unsure whether you wish to teach one or more of your courses in Blackboard Learn Ultra, this graphic is a resource for you.
- Even if you do not want to teach any courses in Ultra in Winter or Spring 2025, 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/Summer 2025, or at latest in Fall 2025.
- If you have questions about this, please refer to our FAQs section or contact us.
Not sure who to contact? This guide is here to help!
If you are scheduled to teach in Winter 2025 or Spring 2025, please review the key dates and information in this printable document.
Training and Office Hours
The Blackboard Learn Ultra Transition Team at MC is here to support you with a range of virtual trainings and office hours opportunities.
Where should I start?
- If you are brand new to Blackboard Learn Ultra, we encourage you to request a development course and then complete our Basics Training.
- If you already have a development course, we encourage you to complete any of our other trainings.
- For specific questions or topics that are not covered in our standard trainings, we encourage you to join our Virtual Office Hours or attend an In-Person Open Lab.
- Still not sure? Reach out to us by email: Ultratransition@montgomerycollege.edu.
Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics
This training covers the basics of Blackboard Learn Ultra, from the interface and navigation to best practices when building a new course. On completion, participants will be able to:
- Navigate an Ultra course as an instructor and via Student Preview;
- Create a range of content types from scratch;
- Copy existing content from outside of Blackboard;
- Access additional information and training resources.
Copying Content and Courses in Blackboard Learn Ultra
This training introduces two copy approaches for copying existing content and courses within Blackboard, whether you are copying from Blackboard Learn Original to Blackboard Learn Ultra or between two Blackboard Learn Ultra courses. On completion, participants will be able to:
- Identify a content and course copy approach to utilize;
- Explain the process of both Piecemeal Copy and Full Course Copy;
- Identify differences between copying from Blackboard Original to Blackboard Ultra and from Blackboard Ultra to Blackboard Ultra;
- Demonstrate the importance of reviewing exceptions and verifying settings via Student Preview;
- Access additional information and training resources.
Blackboard Learn Ultra Gradebook Overview
This training provides an overview of the Gradebook in Blackboard Learn Ultra, including best practices, workflows and how to set up the gradebook. The MC Learn Ultra Transition team will provide answers to FAQs and information about additional resources. On completion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Navigate within Gradebook sections;
- Access Gradebook settings;
- Configure Overall Grade calculation;
- Set up Accommodations;
- Navigate grading and posting submitted work;
- Access additional information and training resources.
Blackboard Learn Ultra: 10 Key Tips & Tricks
Join the MC Learn Ultra Transition team for a virtual tour of 10 key things everyone needs to know about Blackboard Learn Ultra. From accessibility and setting up overall grades to copying content and scheduling announcements, we will walk you through the highlights of this upgraded system. We will also have time for Q&A at the end of the session. On completion, participants will be able to:
- Identify at least three features of Ultra to emulate in their courses
- Access and navigate Ultra resources at MC
- Answer FAQs about our transition
Scheduled Virtual Office Hours
The MC Learn Ultra transition team invites you to join us via Zoom for virtual office hours. Office Hours are structured as Q&A sessions where we work with each attendee in turn to provide feedback and resources around MC’s transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra. We encourage everyone to ensure you have access to a development course sandbox in Blackboard Ultra before attending office hours if possible.
In-Person Open Labs
The MC Learn Ultra transition team invites you to join us in-person on all three campuses for open labs. Open labs are structured as Q&A sessions where we work with each attendee in turn to provide feedback and resources around MC’s transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Virtual office hours are also available.
- 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.
- Everyone is encouraged to ensure you have access to a development course sandbox in Blackboard Ultra before attending office hours if possible.
Group Training Requests and 1:1 Faculty Consultations
Customized Group Trainings
If your department, division, unit, discipline or team would like to request a custom group training, please fill out the request form below. We will review your request and follow up with you by email to confirm.
- When requesting timeslots, please keep in mind that we will do our best to accommodate your schedule, but cannot guarantee availability.
- Requests must be submitted a minimum of five business days in advance for consideration.
1:1 Faculty Consultations (Virtual or In-Person)
If you are unavailable during our scheduled open lab or office hours times, you can request to meet with a team member 1:1 at a different time. Choose the link for virtual consultation for the most flexibility, or select your campus to request an in-person consultation.
- When requesting a timeslot, please keep in mind that we will do our best to accommodate your schedule, but cannot guarantee availability.
- Requests must be submitted a minimum of one business day in advance for consideration.
- Please provide at least three date/time options in your request.
Faculty Resources
MC Step-by-Step Ultra Training Guides
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
Gradebook Resources
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 intended as a resource. Once you access the training for the first time, it will be available for 180 days. Instructions to access are below:
- 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. - Once you are logged in, search for the following course name: “Blackboard Teaching Essentials 2025-1” and click on “Enroll Now”.
- Logging into Blackboard Academy is separate from your regular Blackboard log in process. The “Blackboard Teaching Essentials 2025-1” course will not show up under your courses when you log in via MyMC, only when you log into Blackboard Academy.
Thank you for your interest in requesting a Blackboard Learn Ultra development course (also sometimes referred to as a “sandbox”). The purpose of a development course in Blackboard Learn Ultra is for Faculty to familiarize themselves with the interface, explore creating/copying course content, and to develop materials for real courses they are scheduled to teach in upcoming semesters.
Development Course Information
- Development courses are for Faculty use. Due to a high volume of requests, we are not currently able to offer development courses to Staff.
- Development courses are not to be used for course content storage. Please save course content on your computer, Yuja, YouTube, OneDrive, Google Drive, DropBox, MS Teams site, etc.
- Faculty who teach multiple courses may request one development course per course subject (e.g. ENGL 101 and ENGL 102). We cannot provide development courses for individual sections of the same course.
- Development courses are reusable and semester-independent, meaning you can update or clear content and rename a development course site for multiple purposes regardless of the semester/or year.
- Development courses are not connected to a CRN and are not for use with students.
- All course sites for real courses with CRNs are created automatically 60 days in advance of the first day of the term, using the course listing information in the Banner system.
- Development courses are custom created, and requests will take 3 – 5 business days to process and complete.
Faculty: To request a development course, please complete the Blackboard Learn Ultra Development Course Request Form.
Questions about Development Courses? Please email ultratransition@montgomerycollege.edu
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.
Not sure who to contact? This guide is here to help!
- 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
Self-paced training is now available! Register in Workday at the links below:
Transition Plan
MC is ready to take our learning management system (LMS) to the next level as we transition from Blackboard Learn Original to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Our move to Blackboard Learn Ultra is more than an upgrade; it’s a significant step forward in our commitment to providing accessible, flexible, and innovative educational opportunities. Blackboard Learn Ultra features a fully responsive (mobile friendly) and streamlined navigation with a modern, clean design. The Blackboard Learn Ultra experience makes it easier for instructors to create, deliver, and manage courses and for students to access content and resources that support their learning journey.
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.
Student Resources
We understand that a smooth transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra is as important for our students as it is for our faculty. To support you in this change, the ELITE team has compiled a variety of resources designed to help you navigate and make the most of the upgraded learning management system.
How-to Guides for Students
Video Tutorials
Frequently Asked Questions
Feedback
- The ELITE team values your input on the new Blackboard Learn Ultra experience. Share your feedback with us.
- 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
- 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
Feedback and Contact Us
To share comments, ideas and general feedback with the Blackboard Learn Ultra transition team at MC, please complete our Feedback Submission Form.
Not sure who to contact? This guide is here to help!
- Faculty and Staff questions: please email UltraTransition@montgomerycollege.edu
- Student questions: please email DL@montgomerycollege.edu