These are the highlights of this month’s new and improved features in Blackboard Ultra that will be live Thursday, August 7th. The most relevant updates are related to a few key areas:
- Instructional design
- Communication & Collaboration
- Gradebook
Instructional Design
Enhance Documents with Block Styling Options
Anthology will be adding block styling to Documents, giving instructors new ways to enhance visual appeal and guide student attention. The styling options feature both color and icons to help create visually engaging content. The style options include:
- Question
- Tip
- Key points
- Next steps
- Highlight
Improved LTI tool management with flexible copy options
Previously, LTI tools were only included when performing a full course copy. With this update, users who have the appropriate permissions can now select and copy individual LTIs when doing a partial course copy. This enhancement provides greater flexibility and control for instructors using LTI tools.
While the LTI standard—particularly LTI 1.3 with LTI Advantage—supports copying tools between courses, the actual behavior of copied LTIs depends on how each provider has implemented the standard. Some tools may function immediately after copying, while others might require manual relinking or configuration to work properly in the new course.
To ensure a smooth experience, Anthology recommends testing all copied LTI links, especially those involving grade synchronization, user data, or other course-specific functionality.
Communication and Collaboration
Video Studio: Use Video Studio in Announcements
Instructors can use Video Studio in Announcements to record or upload video and audio. The redesigned Video Studio button launches the standard Video Studio workflow, which automatically generates captions and transcripts. This makes content more accessible and supports personalized, engaging communication. This Video Studio tool will replace the Capture tool.
Gradebook
Increased accessibility in the student Gradebook and student Overview page
To improve accessibility, Anthology has updated the student Gradebook to use a semantic HTML table structure. The new structure improves screen reader support and keyboard navigation. The same change will be completed for the student Overview page, as well.
Turn on DirectSubmit functionality
The DirectSubmit feature allows instructors to submit papers directly to SafeAssign for originality checking, even outside of student assignments. This update to DirectSubmit includes several additional enhancements:
- Instructors can delete submitted items.
- Mobile app callbacks improve integration.
- A new column provides direct links to download original submissions.
- A workflow for suggesting URLs enhances content comparison.
- Grading icons now align with updated design standards.
For more information, please read more at Anthology’s Blackboard website here!
Need support? Contact the Innovative Learning Support Centre. We are here to help!