Improved Features in Blackboard Ultra - March 2025

These are the highlights of this month’s new and improved features in Blackboard Ultra that will be live Thursday, March 6. The most relevant updates are related to a few key key areas:

  • Instructional design
  • Mastery learning and learning pathways
  • Tests & assignments
  • and Gradebook

Learn more about the full update at Anthology's Blackboard website.

Instructional Design

AI Design Assistant Improvements

1. Energy-saving image generation improvements

Anthology has changed how the AI Design Assistant presents generated images. Instead of presenting four at a time, the AI Design Assistant now generates only one. Each time another image is generated, it is saved so that instructors can select previously generated images. When an instructor selects an image or exits image generation, all images are cleared. This new method saves processing power and is more environmentally friendly!

2. Learning module generation improvements

Anthology has made two enhancements to the user experience when generating learning modules. If an image isn't generated with a learning module, the title and description will no longer shift to the left. A placeholder image is now used to ensure a consistent reading experience.

The Auto-Generate Learning Modules screen, with 3 learning modules generated. The topmost module lacks an image and has a placeholder that prompts the user to retry image generation.

Mastery Learning & Learning Pathways

Release conditions panel: due dates now included

When instructors customize release conditions for a content item, the due date for the item is now included with the date and time fields. Instructors are no longer required to go back to the item to check the due date, which saves time and reduces errors.

Release condition rules, with the date/time section highlighted to show the red warning text about dates

Tests & Assignments

Improved student experience when test or assignment is changed to Hidden from Students

Anthology has enhanced the assessment workflow for students when an instructor sets a test or assignment to Hidden from students. If an instructor sets a test or assignment to Hidden from students while the students are actively taking the assessment, students who have the assessment open can continue working on it without interruption. This ensures that students can finish their work without disruption.

Previously, if an instructor set an assessment to Hidden from students while students were actively taking the assessment, the students were abruptly kicked out of the assessment and redirected to the course content page. So, students are not disrupted when working on an assessment, even if the instructor hides the assessment from students. If students save and close the assessment, they cannot access that assessment again because of the hidden status.

Usability improvements for discussions

Improvements for instructors and students

  • Improved visibility: Posts now have a gray background to stand out better against the page.

  • Full post display: Long discussion posts are now fully visible without the need for scrolling, enhancing readability.

Improvements for instructors only

  • Participation metrics: The number of posts and replies is now listed directly on the discussion home page, replacing the total response counter. This change makes important information more immediately available.

  • Direct edit option: The Edit button is now directly accessible from the post, saving instructors time.

The main page of a discussion, with the edit button for the topic highlighted, as well as the Participation section on the right

Gradebook

Pop-out rubric when evaluating an attempt

Instructors can now pop out the grading rubric into a separate window when grading an assignment submission. The pop-out rubric is a separate, moveable window and formatted in a grid view. Previously, the rubric was only available in a side panel and formatted in a stack.

This update makes it easier to navigate and grade student submissions by providing a clearer, more comprehensive view of the rubric. Popping out the rubric lets instructors view the student submission and the rubric side-by-side for a more efficient grading experience. Instructors can quickly select performance levels and provide feedback in the rubric while viewing the student submission.

Please keep these two points in mind:

  • Navigation Warning: A warning appears if instructors have unsaved changes in the pop-out rubric and they attempt to navigate to another student or attempt.

  • Grade Override Warning: If the grade is overridden, the rubric popout is inactive. A banner appears, showing that the grade was overridden, with an option to regrade using the rubric.

Submission view with rubric panel in one window, and the pop-out rubric in a separate window

Show/hide calculation columns in the gradebook

Instructors can now configure visibility for calculated columns from Items Management. This enhancement streamlines the grading process and creates a cleaner, more organized grading workspace. To ensure that essential grading information is always available, the Overall Grade column cannot be hidden.

Need support? Contact the Innovative Learning Support Centre. We are here to help!