Blackboard Ultra Updates: February 2025

1. Gradebook - Improvement to Rendering in Bb Annotate

We enhanced how files submitted by students are rendered in Bb Annotate. Previously, formatting changes during the rendering process made grading more challenging for instructors. Now, files display with the exact same formatting as when they were submitted, ensuring a smoother grading experience. This feature was well-received by customers in a tech preview! 

Supported file types include: 

• PowerPoints 

• Excel worksheets 

• PDFs 

• Other common formats 

Additionally, the warning about potential formatting changes during the conversion process has been removed.

This improvement is now available in both test/stage and production environments for Ultra and Original courses.

Image 1. A PowerPoint file rendered by Bb Annotate now displays in the original format, ready to be annotated.

2. Change Folders to Learning Modules or Learning Modules to Folders

Instructors can now change a folder to a learning module or a learning module to a folder. Benefits of changing a folder to a learning module include: 

• Thumbnail images: Learning modules come with thumbnail images, which provide a visually appealing course experience 

• Forced sequencing: Instructors can ensure that students navigate learning modules in linear paths 

• Progress bar: Learning modules have a progress bar for students that highlights the number of items that they need to complete and their progression on those items 

• Previous and next navigation: Students can quickly navigate to the next or previous item in a learning module 

Image 1. The new option to change a folder to a learning module in the dropdown menu.

To give instructors more control over their courses, they can also change learning modules to folders. Instructors are advised that all learning module functions are removed when converting a learning module to a folder. 

3. Upload Images to Documents Using the New Image Block

We added an image block to Documents. Instructors can use image blocks to upload their own images, use the AI Design Assistant to generate images, or select images from Unsplash. Image blocks can be moved throughout a Document, just like other block types. Instructors have the option to resize images, set height, and maintain aspect ratios in image blocks. A dedicated image block makes adding images more apparent. Adding images via the image block also reduces white space around images and provides greater control over content design. 

Image 1. The new image block option in Documents.

Image 2. The preview of an image within a Document.

4. IP Addresses in Student Activity Log

IP addresses are now in the student activity log for assessment submissions and drafts. This new information can help with comparing data while reviewing a student’s test taking behavior.

Image 1. The new IP address column that is included in the student activity log.

Tests & Assignments

5. Mask access code for an assessment

When an instructor or exam proctor enters an access code for an assessment on a student's computer, the code is masked (*******) to ensure enhanced security. Previously, the code was visible when entered on a student's screen, compromising the secure testing environment. An option to view the code is available but the default state keeps it hidden, providing better privacy and protection during testing.

Image 1: Masked access code

6. Enhancements to course groups

To simplify group management and enhance usability for instructors, we made several improvements to course groups: 

• Activity-level groups are now course-level: All new groups are now course-level. Instructors can create course-level groups directly from a content item, eliminating the need to manage groups at the activity level. 

• More warnings and restrictions: To prevent the creation of empty group sets during group assignments, we added restrictions and additional warning messages. This helps instructors make informed decisions and avoid disruptions in group management. 

Image 1. The new warning for when an instructor creates a group assignment with an empty group.

• Simplified group creation: The option to reuse activity-level groups was removed. This change encourages instructors to focus on course-level groups and reduces confusion. 

Existing activity-level groups in a course will remain activity-level. 

7. Improvements to grading interface

To optimize the use of screen space and to give graders a larger view of the student submission, we redesigned the grading interface for assignments and tests.

We implemented the following design changes:

• Relocated the Previous Student and Next Student navigation controls next to the attempt grade pill and removed the gray bar that these buttons were on.

• Replaced the Previous Student and Next Student buttons with <> arrows.

• Moved the avatar, student name, and submission information to the existing black bar and removed the white bar where the information was previously listed.

Image 1: Grading interface prior to design changes

Image 2: Newly designed grading interface

8. Improved accuracy when uploading grades and feedback 

Instructors can now upload grades and feedback for assignments, journals, and discussions with improved accuracy. Previously, when instructors uploaded grades, they were always stored at the override level, which left the underlying attempts or submissions ungraded. This caused the Needs Grading and New Submission flags to remain visible, even when grading had been completed offline.

Uploaded grades and feedback are now correctly mapped to the corresponding attempt or submission whenever possible. This reduces confusion and provides better clarity for instructors.

Assignments with Single Attempts

• Ungraded Attempts. When an ungraded attempt is found, the grade is stored at the attempt level, the Needs Grading and New Submission flags are cleared, and any auto-zero is removed.

• Graded Attempts. If the attempt is already graded, the existing grade is updated accordingly.

• Existing Overrides. If an override already exists, only the override is updated. No changes are made to the attempt grade.

• No Submission. If a student has not submitted an attempt, the grade is stored as an override.

Assignments with Multiple Attempts