Let's Take Ultra to the Next Level
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How's Your Bb Gradebook Look?

Do you need help organizing your gradebook? Are your assignments all accounted for? Are you using a weighted grading system? Do your points match those in your syllabus?  
We will be holding drop-in hours for questions and assistance as we get closer to final grades during the following:

  • 4/16/24 • 9:00am – 11:00am • Zoom Link
  • 4/16/24 • 1:00pm – 3:00pm • Zoom Link

    You are also encouraged to contact your eLearning liaisons to schedule a consultation to review your grade book at a time that works best with your schedule. 

From Surviving to Thriving!

Join us on Monday, May 13, 2024, for a special half-day event celebrating the first anniversary of our migration to Blackboard Ultra. 

Date: Monday, May 13, 2024
Time: 10 am – 2 pm 
Venue: Seidman 1008

This event will feature dedicated pedagogical topic tables for group discussions and opportunities for hands-on immediate application. Lunch will be provided. 
Registration closes on April 19, 2024.

Learn more and register!

2024 Spr/Sum Bb Courses

As of March 11, 2024, faculty listed in Banner as the instructor of record for the Spr/Sum semesters will have access to their Blackboard Ultra courses. If you don't see your course, please contact your department coordinator. 

Student enrollments will be added to Bb courses beginning April 15, 2024. Before you start building your Spring/Summer course site, we would like to highlight a few frequent requests that will help you for the next semester.

T-Squared: a Teaching and Technology Podcast

 

Curious about Artificial Intelligence and Education?

If you're curious about the impact of AI on higher education, we invite you to join the eLearning Technologies and Innovation and Research teams for a special season of the podcast "T-Squared: a Teaching and Technology Podcast."

Each episode takes a closer look at an aspect of artificial intelligence and education. In the second and third episodes of the season, Matt Roberts and Jacob Fortman talk to Dr. Eric Covey from Grand Valley's Department of History about the ethical issues raised by the use of artificial intelligence.

To listen to episodes, to subscribe with Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and to learn more please visit the podcast's website.

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What Works Better in Ultra

Sure, Blackboard Learn Ultra has a new and improved interface. More importantly, though, Ultra also works better than Blackboard Classic. Take a look at our list of "What Works Better in Ultra."


What your Students Say about Bb Ultra

At the end of the fall semester, Anthology and Information Technology teamed up to host an Exam Cram event, distributing over 2,000 donuts and hot chocolate to mark the transition to Bb Ultra across the Health, Devos, and Allendale campuses. Students expressed their satisfaction with Ultra, highlighting its user-friendly navigation, simplified assignment submissions, and modern design. Review their additional feedback with associated resources to help you maximize Blackboard Ultra.

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Check the Map!

Periodically, Anthology provides an update on what features will be added to Blackboard Learn Ultra. They refer to this as their "roadmap."

View the roadmap

Need ideas for organizing your Ultra course?  

Make the Most of Blackboard Ultra

New!

Monthly Release Schedule and Release Notes

Blackboard releases new features and functionality on the first Friday of each month.  See the Release Schedule and the Release Notes for monthly and upcoming features and improvements.

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Help Shape the Future! 

Anthology, Blackboard's parent company, loves hearing from its users. They've created a website where the community can share their thoughts on Blackboard's future. We encourage all faculty to sign up for the Idea Exchange so they can add their own suggestions and vote on ideas offered by others. Anthology staff regularly interacts with the Idea Exchange, providing updates on if and when new features and changes will be added.

Join now and help shape the future of Blackboard!

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Consult with your eLearning Liaisons

We welcome faculty to contact their dedicated eLearning Liaisons whenever you have questions regarding Bb Ultra features. Feel free to set up a consultation for additional guidance or troubleshooting assistance. Our top priority is timely support, and your feedback is essential.

 

Reminders for Faculty New to Ultra

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Remember the following:

 

  • eLearning has put together some tips and tricks for how to best copy content from your Classic courses to your Ultra courses
  • See this knowledge base article for best practices and tips for course design in Bb Ultra. 
  • Grand Valley State University uses the Continuous Delivery method, which provides new Bb capabilities and fixes known issues monthly. All system-wide updates are done automatically. Users experience the most recent version of Blackboard Learn Ultra without significant downtime or service interruptions. See the Release Schedule for the planned timeline and the Release Notes for current and upcoming features and improvements.

Learning Ultra Course View

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The eLearning Technologies team is offering a variety of training opportunities for faculty to learn Ultra Course view. Check out our webinar page to register for an Ultra training.

Learn from the Champions!

Many faculty have been using Blackboard Ultra Course View since Fall 2022.  They've gladly shared their experiences and advice with the rest of the university.

Learn more by visiting the Ultra Champions page

About eLearning

About eLearning

eLearning Technologies provides a wide array of services and resources designed to facilitate a cohesive and seamless digital learning experience for students at GVSU -  through supporting faculty in delivering high-quality, high-impact, high-engagement innovative teaching. 

We support faculty, contribute to teaching excellence, and enhance student success through:

  • IDeL
    Exemplary Instructional Design for Online and Hybrid Courses
  • Teaching with Technology
    Effective Application of Instructional Technologies
  • Blackboard
    Learning Management System Enhancement
  • Digital Studio
    Interactive Digital Media Development
  • We also partner with the Atomic Object Technology Showcase to bring innovative emerging technologies to GVSU.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP!
Email Us: [email protected]
Call: (616) 331-2101

Hours: 8:30 am - 4pm, Monday through Friday
24x7 After Hours Support is Available

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What's New from eLearning

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Grand Valley Hosts 2023 miBUG Conference

On Friday May 5, 2023 Grand Valley State University's eLearning Technologies team helped to host the spring 2023 conference for the Michigan Blackboard Users Group. Attendees from almost 20 institutions gathered in person and virtually to share best practices for teaching with Blackboard Learn and learn more about the product's future.

Learn More  Visit the Mobile App

Students share the value of online and hybrid learning at GVSU

“I have chosen to take a hybrid class due to the convenience of juggling a full time job as well as obtaining my masters degree in Healthcare Administration. Hybrid classes allow both in-class meetings as well as online learning making it easier to obtain a day to day job and to obtain goals through flexibility.”

- Karla Matejovsky

"Supporting faculty pursuing innovation in teaching and learning."

Credits: Bird Tangram Puzzle by irene hoffman from NounProject.com ; Light Bulb by Numero Uno from NounProject.com



Page last modified March 15, 2024