A more modern version of Blackboard Learn is available to faculty and students at the U of A. Blackboard Learn Ultra provides a modern, intuitive and personalized Blackboard Learn user experience. Learn Ultra is characterized by simplified workflows and an accessible, fully responsive design — making it easier to teach and learn from any device. 

By fall 2024, all courses at the U of A will be transitioned to Blackboard Learn Ultra. 

Starting in summer 2023, instructors were able to switch to the Ultra Course Experience from the default Original Course Experience, which opened more possibilities for course redesign and simplification. Instructors can also preview a course to see differences between a current course and the course in Blackboard Ultra. In the fall 2023 semester, 25% of U of A courses that utilize Blackboard are now taught in Ultra. 

Want to get started now for your spring courses? Email bbadmin@uark.edu and request to be added to the self-paced training course. The Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center (TFSC) will issue a certificate for those who complete the self-paced Ultra Training course. 

Teaching online? Global Campus will be supporting instructors through the conversion process. Be sure to reach out to your instructional designer before converting your online courses. 

Teaching Innovation and Pedagogical Support (TIPS) will also provide workshops for interested faculty to support the conversion to Ultra every other Monday and Friday. 

As always, TIPS is here to help! Email questions, comments and concerns about Blackboard Ultra to tips@uark.edu or visit tips.uark.edu/ultra to find videos, articles, FAQs and more.