In preparation for the transition to Blackboard Ultra, the Centre for Digital Learning and Enhancement (CDLE) ran a series of pilot studies with academic staff.
The migration of the university’s digital learning environment to Blackboard Ultra will occur in September 2024, with all Autumn 2024/25 semester modules released in the new Ultra template. The move has been prompted by the need to reflect a diverse student population and an increase in student access to Blackboard learning content via mobile devices. According to the university’s latest JISC Student Digital Experience survey, 77% students regularly use a smartphone to access their Blackboard learning materials. Blackboard Ultra’s simplified structure and streamlined interface complies with accessibility standards and facilitates access on mobile devices.
Blackboard Ultra pilot study
The aim of the pilot, which began in Summer 2023, was to inquire into staff and student’s experience of Blackboard Ultra. Lecturers from the schools of Nursing and Paramedic Science, Education, Arts and Humanities, Sport and Learning Enhancement migrated a selection of their undergraduate and postgraduate courses to Blackboard Ultra for the Autumn 2023/24 semester. The resulting information allowed CDLE to refine the Blackboard Ultra system, to identify optimum workflows, and training and support requirements.
Early feedback gathered from the pilot study surveys suggested that the streamlined Ultra interface had improved the digital learning experience for many students and staff. The majority of survey participants reported that their students were able to access online learning materials more quickly and efficiently:
Streamlined Ultra interface
“[The Ultra interface] ensured the students were able to find the information they needed.”
Brian Mulligan, Lecturer in Paramedic Science
“My students … were very positive about the clarity of layout.”
Dr Sarah Floyd, Reader in Higher Education Practice
“The layout of Ultra is easier for the student … the ability to have a one page with information for students is excellent … for students to see the presentation and/or other materials opening in the same page is really positive.”
Tandy Haughey, Senior Lecturer, School of Sport
Simplified workflow
The new Ultra interface has simplified course development workflows. The majority of surveyed staff reported that the new interface was easy-to-use, facilitating the efficient addition of learning content:
“I found it interesting using the two versions [off Blackboard] in tandem. I found Ultra crisper and easier to navigate.”
David McCartney, Lecturer in Paramedic Science
“Ultra was a great platform to use, all aspects were easy to use …” Brian Mulligan, Lecturer in Paramedic Science
“Overall this has been a positive experience so far. It will take more time to become familiar and completely comfortable with the new interface, however … it is clean and smoother than BB original … and it has been easy to create content”.
Angela Dynes, Lecturer of Education
Pilot participant's advice for staff
Finally, we asked the pilot participants’ for advice for those who are about to begin their transition to Blackboard Ultra. They recommended that staff set up an Blackboard Ultra development area, plan a new course structure, factor in additional time to migrate courses and seek support from CDLE:
“Have a development area and play with it! Seek support from the BBL team who are really helpful in assisting with any problems.”
David McCartney, Lecturer in Paramedic Science
“Be patient (it is worth it) and factor in additional time at the initial stages to get to grips with the basics”
Angela Dynes, Lecturer of Education
“Start from scratch if possible rather than trying to duplicate old course areas - you can add in key resources used before but think your design through.”
Dr Sarah Floyd, Reader in Higher Education Practice
🏃♂️ Get up and running with Ultra with our Getting started and Essentials guides