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Center for Instructional Technology

An Overview of UA’s Ultra Transition

Ultra Overview Slides

The powerpoint, PDF, and slide image files below offer a 10 minute overview of UA’s Ultra project. Current as of 16 April 2025.

Ultra-10min – PPT

Ultra-10min – PDF

Blackboard Ultra Information for Faculty from the Center for Instructional Technology, A203 Gordon Palmer Hall, cit.ua.edu, 205-348-3532, cit@ua.edu, cit.ua.edu/ultra

About UA's Move to Ultra All UA classes using Ultra course view starting Spring 2026 No active Blackboard Original courses after Fall 2025 2 years + 1 semester – LMS course retention policy CIT and OTIDE working together – all OTIDE courses in Ultra for Fall 2025 All courses can use Ultra now (don’t change mid-semester!) Accessed via myBama or ualearn.blackboard.com as with Original Ultra is built around many of the same components as Original and most course content converts without issue Copy individual items or entire courses from Original to Ultra or create from scratch

What's New in Ultra Simpler, more modern course experience for instructors and students. Mobile-first design that adapts to user’s screen size. Standard navigation of course content, allowing consistency across courses. Designed with accessibility in mind and supports the use of assistive technologies. Updated grade book that is easier to read and navigate. New analytics and tools for student performance and engagement. Workflows and tools are easy to find and use with frequently used pages on the navigation bar and search function for course content. Instructors and students need little experience to teach and learn with Ultra.

Exploring Ultra Common icon patterns include plus sign to add content, options via ellipses, and settings via gear

Learning and Support Opportunities Ultra Café Days start April 23 Ultra Office Hours Topic-based workshops Self-paced workbook On-demand webinars UA Ultra Practice Course cit.ua.edu/ultra