Why is Blackboard being upgraded to Ultra?
Blackboard Ultra has been available for several years, and offers several benefits to the current version, including a more modern design and easy-to-use workflows. Blackboard has been encouraging its customers to upgrade in order to take advantage of the new features and better support. Blackboard Ultra is composed of two distinct components: Base Navigation and Course Sites. At this time, we are only adopting Base Navigation.
What is Blackboard Ultra Base Navigation?
Ultra Base Navigation is a modern, intuitive navigation menu that lives outside of courses. Ultra Base Navigation includes links to new pages, such as the Activity Stream, Messages, Grades, etc., that provide quick access to the most critical information consolidated for your courses.
When will the upgrade occur?
Ultra Base Navigation was enabled on Dec. 20, 2023.
Will my courses change with Ultra Base Navigation?
Your courses will remain in the “Original” course view. Only the main navigation of Blackboard will change.
Do I have to use Ultra Base Navigation?
Yes. All courses will have Ultra Base Navigation starting with the Spring 2024 term.
Will Ultra affect my courses?
Ultra Base Navigation does not change your courses. It only changes the main navigation of Blackboard. How you get to your courses and utilize tools in them will change slightly but your courses will stay the same.
Will my integrations still work with Ultra Base Navigation?
To our knowledge, there are no issues with Ultra Base Navigation interfering with Blackboard integrations. We will let all users know if there are any issues we find as the upgrade progresses.
How long will Blackboard be unavailable?
It is unlikely that you will see any disruption in your courses during the upgrade.
Will there be support after the transition?
Of course! We will be offering support sessions, training, and supplemental materials throughout the Spring 2024 term. You can access our asynchronous training model. You can also submit a help request ticket to the Instructional Design and Technologies team, or email EVMSOnline@evms.edu.
Will I lose access to any course shells from previous semesters when we switch to the new navigation?
You will not lose any content from previous, current, or upcoming semesters that was not already due to be removed from our servers. Only the navigation to those courses is changing.
If I start building my courses for the upcoming semester, will I lose my progress?
You will not lose the progress you have made building your courses for the upcoming semesters. No course content is being affected.
How can I get more information about the upgrade or assistance with Blackboard?
Submit a help request ticket to the Instructional Design and Technologies team, or email EVMSOnline@evms.edu.