Setting up your module in Blackboard Ultra in Module Manager

From September 2024, all new Blackboard modules/courses will use the Blackboard Ultra interface. Modules are not automatically allocated to your Blackboard account and you will need to request access to each of your modules every academic year. You request access via the the Module Manager web application.

Some partnership programmes such as Global Online Education or QA Education may have slightly different workflows so if you are unsure please email Blackboard Help Desk for advice.

The Blackboard Ultra interface has changed substantially and therefore existing processes for rolling content over will not work. You can only copy entire modules if they are also in the Ultra interface, for instance Ultra Development areas or other Ultra courses.

This may seem overwhelming at first, starting afresh is always daunting but your existing modules will continue to be available in Blackboard and you can COPY CONTENT from previous modules once the new module area has been set up.

Instructions

 

  1. Navigate to the Module Manager

Screenshot of Module manager login screen
  1. Enter your staff number and Network (Blackboard and Portal) password and click on the login button.

 

  1. Next mouse over the Modules tab and then select Access.

Screenshot of Module manager navigation bar with modules access highlighted

 

The Module Access page then provides options for requesting access.

 

  1. Enter your module code in the Module code input box.

Make sure you chose the correct academic year for your module.

 

The page will automatically update to show you the versions of the module available in the academic year selected. Check the CRN of your module then select the Instructor access level from the dropdown menu.

 

Check the CRN of the module.

There may be several versions of the same module running on different campuses or semesters, but each will a unique Course Reference Number CRN. Use the CRN to identify the right course and double-check the start date and the campus to make sure your selection is correct. If you are unsure, contact the module co-ordinator, their name appears beside the start date in Module Manager (see example above).

  1. Copy content
    If none of your colleagues have set up the Ultra module, you will have the option of copying content from other Ultra areas or set up an Ultra template.

    Select CLICK HERE FIRST and you will be presented with the options below.

    Select the relevant Ultra area and click Update, in the example below we have selected a blank Ultra template.

  2. Change Start Date

You can also change the start date of the module, this date coincides with the start of the semester. Only change the date if your module falls outside the standard teaching dates.

 

Then press submit. This will create a your new Ultra area for the Autumn 24 semester.

Your new empty module template will look like this:

Now you are ready to:

 

You can add content from scratch or copy content from a previous module. Note the Blackboard Ultra structure is only two folders deep so you may need to redesign or redistribute your learning material.

Related articles

Useful links

 

Centre for Digital Learning Enhancement
ulster.ac.uk/learningengancement/cdle