As UMBC gears up to fully adopt Blackboard Ultra by the Spring 2025 term, multiple training and support resources are available to help instructors become familiar with Ultra and successfully navigate the migration process. Ultra is designed with ease of use in mind, offering an intuitive interface and user-friendly features. Whether you are new to Ultra or need a refresher, many of these resources are designed to help leverage Ultra's innovative functionality. 

Training

Our training allows participants to learn directly from experts, ask questions, and gain insights in real-time. Instructional Technology offers Ultra Essentials, a series of five specific workshops tailored to various aspects of Ultra such as course design, assessment tools, grading, communication, and planning your migration roadmap. Other topics available include Ally and accessibility and deeper dives into tests and question banks, rubrics, managing groups, and supporting large courses.

Additionally, we offer: 

• Extensive recording archives for faculty to access training materials to revisit - Available Now

• Our What's New in Ultra for Teaching and Learning webinars provides the latest information about new features in Ultra - Offered in January, May, and August every year.

• A course migration and design guide to help instructors migrate their courses from Original to Ultra - Available in December 2023

Our training formats support the unique needs and preferences of the UMBC community including live webinars, faculty show and tell, and multi-model (e.g., hyflex). Typically scheduled during the lunch break, training can also be customized to meet department needs or schedules.

Support & Outreach

UMBC offers multiple options for getting help and staying informed. 

• Users can submit an RT ticket to address specific concerns or issues or browse the comprehensive FAQs for quick answers to common questions.

• Take advantage of virtual drop-in hours to receive real-time support. The Ultra Ambassadors program and Instructional Technology's consulting services also offer personalized guidance. 

• Monthly Ultra updates are posted to the FAQs and myUMBC to provide the latest information about enhancements and features. We also share effective practices for using Ultra and other instructional technologies.

• The DoIT News Bulletin, distributed via email, keeps the UMBC community updated on the latest news and development. You may observe contextual messages within Blackboard when you log in or mouseover certain areas or tools.

By leveraging these varied training, support, and outreach formats, the UMBC community remains informed, connected, and equipped to adapt to the evolving landscape of Blackboard Ultra as we progress towards full adoption in Spring 2025.