We are finally at the finish line – all Blackboard courses will use the Ultra Course View this semester! Don’t worry, though, because your courses from previous semesters will remain exactly as they are so that you can continue to retrieve assessment data and course materials from them.
For anyone new to the Ultra Course View this spring or looking to learn more about it, the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning has a number of programs available for you.
Workshops
Making the Move to Blackboard Ultra Course View
1-hour online workshop that introduces the Ultra Course View and how to move or build your course
Using the Blackboard Ultra Gradebook
1-hour online workshop that introduces how to set up the Gradebook, grade assignments, and calculate grades
Self-Paced Workshop on Transitioning to Blackboard Ultra Course View
- Online, self-paced, scaffolded content to introduce building a course in the Ultra Course View (same content as our previous 3-week Ultra Transition Academy)
- Check it out
Blackboard Ultra Drop-In Support
Drop-in opportunity to meet individually with CITL staff and ask questions about setting up your course in the Ultra Course View; registration is not required, but registering will provide you with a calendar appointment and reminder of the session
In-Person Drop-In
- January 10, 12 – 1 PM in Art Building, Room 310A | Register or just drop in
- January 12, 1 – 2 PM in Dusable Hall, Room 140 | Register or just drop in
**This session will be held online due to the anticipated winter storm** - Available at other times based on staff availability by stopping by our building or via appointment; email citl@niu.edu to request an in-person appointment
Virtual Drop-In
One-on-one Consultations with CITL staff
- Schedule a dedicated time to meet online or in-person with CITL staff to ask questions about your courses
- To schedule an online consultation: citl.niu.edu/conversations
- To schedule an in-person consultation: email a request with potential meeting times to citl@niu.edu
Other Resources
Optional Course Template
- Optional and fully editable templates with best practices for using Ultra Course View baked in
- Provides a structure you can use to start building your course (which is sometimes easier than starting with a blank page)
- Request at citl.niu.edu/ultra-templates
Tutorials and Documentation
In addition, CITL has provided extensive documentation and tutorials on the Teaching and Learning with Blackboard website, including a guide with Tips for Building Effective Courses in Blackboard.
The Ultra Course View creates a more modern, accessible, and mobile-friendly learning environment for our students, which helps us all be more student-centered. For the latest information, support and resources on Blackboard Ultra Course View, visit niu.edu/blackboard/ultra
