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Tips for Blackboard Ultra Courses

Blackboard Learn Ultra is the most modern, intuitive, and personalized Blackboard user experience. Learn Ultra is characterized by simplified workflows and an accessible, fully responsive design—making it easier than ever to teach and learn from any device.

Ultra Guides and Videos

Navigate to the appropriate section below to find the guide or video you need, then click the + button to open it.

Images:
Learning Modules and/or Folders:

NOTE: Learning Modules are the primary container of choice in Blackboard Ultra and provide features that are not available in Folders.  Our recommendation is a Learning Module, with subfolders and content.  Think of Learning Modules as a filing cabinet drawer, and within that drawer, you have folders and then documents in those folders.  We only have three layers available and you cannot have subfolders within those folders.  For accessibility and usability purposes, all content should be accessible to students within three clicks.

A typical Learning Module may look like this:

Week 1 (Learning Module)

  • Readings Lectures & Videos
    • Video
    • PowerPoint
    • Document
  • Learning Activities
    • Quiz
    • Assignment
    • Discussion
    • Journal

How you organize your course is up to you, but be sure it is consistent so students can easily find content.

Announcements:
Messages/Email:
Files:
Videos:
Create your Own Documents:
Tests/Quizzes:
Assignments:
Discussions:
Journals:
AI Conversations:

Respondus Lockdown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system. When students use Respondus Lockdown Browser, they are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications.

Respondus Monitor is an automated proctoring solution that works with Respondus Lockdown Browser to provide an additional layer of security for online exams. It uses a student's webcam and microphone to record the exam session and flag suspicious behavior for instructor review.

Key Features

Respondus Lockdown Browser
  • Prevents students from accessing other websites, applications, or system functions
  • Disables printing, screen capture, and copy/paste functions
  • Integrates seamlessly with major learning management systems
  • Customizable security settings for different exam requirements
Respondus Monitor
  • Automated proctoring through webcam and microphone recording
  • Facial recognition technology to verify student identity
  • Intelligent flagging system for suspicious behaviors
  • Post-exam review tools for instructors
  • Detailed analytics and reporting

Recent Updates & New Features

MS Excel Integration

Faculty can now allow students to use Microsoft Excel during exams when using Respondus Monitor. This feature enables math, statistics, and business courses to incorporate spreadsheet calculations into their assessments while maintaining exam security.

Enhanced Device Detection

A new flagging system has been implemented that automatically detects when a test taker is holding a phone or other device during the exam. This provides instructors with better visibility into potential security concerns and helps maintain exam integrity.

Expanded Publisher Integrations

Respondus Monitor now offers seamless integrations with additional educational publishers:

  • WebAssign (Cengage) - New integration available
  • Hawkes Learning - New integration available
  • Pearson MyLab - Previously available
  • McGraw Hill ALEKS - Previously available

These integrations streamline the exam setup process and provide a more cohesive testing experience for both instructors and students.

Getting Started

For Instructors
  1. Create your test in Blackboard Ultra
  2. Go into the test options (gear icon) and scroll down to Respondus and click on the link: LockDown Browser Dashboard
  3. Click the drop-down arrow next to the assessment you wish to use the Lockdown Browser for > Settings
  4. Select "Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam"
  5. If you wish to enable proctoring, select "Require Respondus Monitor (automated proctoring) for this exam"
  6. When done, click Save and Close.

For Students

Students will need to:

  • Download and install Respondus Lockdown Browser
  • Test their webcam and microphone (for Monitor)
  • Ensure they have a stable internet connection
  • Follow pre-exam setup instructions provided by their instructor

System Requirements

Minimum Technical Requirements
  • Windows: Windows 10 or higher
  • Mac: macOS 10.13 or higher
  • Webcam: Required for Respondus Monitor
  • Microphone: Required for Respondus Monitor
  • Internet: Stable broadband connection

Support & Resources

Need Help?
  • Technical Support: Contact actech@hartford.edu
  • Training Resources: Available through your learning management system
  • Best Practices: Consult with your instructional design team
Respondus Account Management

For questions about features, integrations, or account management, you can:

Best Practices for Faculty

  • Test Before Go-Live: Always test the exam environment before the actual exam date
  • Provide Clear Instructions: Give students detailed setup and troubleshooting guidance
  • Review Flagged Content: Regularly check Monitor reports for flagged behaviors
  • Communicate Requirements: Clearly communicate technical requirements to students in advance
  • Have a Backup Plan: Prepare alternative arrangements for students experiencing technical difficulties

For additional information about implementing Respondus solutions, contact your account manager (above) or the Office of Academic Technology & Digital Innovation at actech@hartford.edu.

Follett Discover

Follett Discover is an integrated textbook selection and adoption platform that streamlines the process for faculty to choose and manage course materials directly within their Blackboard courses. This tool enables instructors to easily browse, compare, and adopt textbooks while providing students with seamless access to required materials. Faculty can elect their textbooks for the Campus Access program, which automatically charges students and ensures every student has access to required materials from day one of class, with students able to opt out if they prefer. The Campus Access program also includes OpenStax materials, providing access to high-quality, open-source textbooks.

To add Follett Discover to a Blackboard Ultra course:

  1. Go into their course
  2. Click the + button where they want to add it > Content Market
  3. Find Follett Discover. If they want the link at the top of their course, click the + in the lower right-corner. This will put the link for the Follett Discover in the course
  4. Click the Follett Discover link in the course and choose their textbooks. They may need to filter for the correct term first.

Faculty can view a demonstration of the adoption process: https://follett.com/video/follett-discover-the-faculty-experience/

Cengage

Cengage learning platforms like MindTap and WebAssign integrate with Blackboard Ultra, allowing instructors to access and manage Cengage content and activities directly within their Blackboard courses. This integration streamlines the learning experience by enabling single sign-on, grade synchronization with the Blackboard gradebook, and deep linking to specific Cengage learning materials.

  1. Accessing Cengage Content:
    • Navigate to a content area within your Blackboard Ultra course.
    • Click the plus sign ( + ) and select "Content Market".
    • Choose "Cengage Content" from the list of providers.
    • Sign in to your Cengage instructor account if prompted.
  2. Adding Cengage Content:
    • Select the desired Cengage product (e.g., MindTap, Owlv2).
    • Choose the specific textbook or resource.
    • Filter results by product type (e.g., MindTap) or license type (e.g., Student Purchase Required).
    • You can also choose to link to an existing Cengage course or create a new one within Blackboard.
  3. Deep Linking to Activities:
    • To link to specific activities (e.g., assignments, quizzes) within a Cengage course, navigate to the module you wish to put content into, then click the plus ( + ) and select "Cengage Content".
    • Choose the specific activities you want to include.
    • Select the desired category for the activities (e.g., assignments, homework).

Cengage's Integrate with Your Blackboard Course Guide

McGraw-Hill

To use McGraw Hill Connect within Blackboard Ultra for instructors, you'll need to pair your Blackboard course with your Connect account. This allows you to seamlessly integrate McGraw Hill content and assignments into your Blackboard Ultra course, with grades automatically syncing to the Blackboard gradebook.

Here's how to pair and use McGraw Hill Connect with Blackboard Ultra:

  1. Pairing your Connect Course:
    • Access Blackboard Ultra: Log into your Blackboard account and navigate to the desired course.
    • Locate Tools: Under "Details & Actions," find and click on "Books & Tools".
    • Browse Course Tools: Scroll down and click "Browse all course tools".
    • Select McGraw Hill Connect: Locate the "McGraw Hill Education" tile and select "Connect".
    • Launch Connect: Click the Connect launch button in the lower right corner.
      Sign In/Create Account: If you have a Connect account, sign in. Otherwise, create a new account.
    • Pair with a Connect Section: Choose to pair with a new or existing Connect section. If you choose an existing section, select the specific section you want to pair.
    • Save: Click "Save" to complete the pairing process.
  2. Accessing and Using Connect within Blackboard:
    • Access Connect:
      Return to the "Books & Tools" section and select "Connect" to access your paired Connect course.
    • Add Content:
      You can now add content and assignments from McGraw Hill Connect directly into your Blackboard course content area.
    • Deep Linking:
      The deep linking functionality allows you to link to specific content within Connect that matches your course needs.
    • Grade Sync:
      Grades for all McGraw Hill Connect assignments will automatically post to the Blackboard Grade Center.

McGraw-Hill's Connect Your Section with McGraw-Hill Guide

Pearson

Pearson's MyLab and Mastering (MLM) content can be integrated with Blackboard Ultra courses for instructors, allowing for single sign-on, deep content linking, and manual grade synchronization. To set this up, instructors need to add the Pearson Course Pairing link within their Blackboard Ultra course and then link their Pearson and Blackboard accounts. This integration works with both Ultra and Original course views, providing flexibility for institutions transitioning to Ultra.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  1. Linking Pearson and Blackboard Accounts:
    • Link Accounts:
      Click on the Pearson Course Pairing link, and if prompted, select "Get Started" to link your accounts.
    • Login to Pearson:
      You'll be asked to log in to your Pearson account (or create one if you don't have one).
    • Pair Courses:
      After linking accounts, you'll need to pair your Blackboard course with the corresponding Pearson course.
  2. Accessing Pearson Content:
    • View Course and Institution Tools:
      Under "Books & Tools," select "View course & institution tools".
    • Choose Pearson Integration:
      Select "Access Pearson" or "Pearson Revel and eText" depending on the specific integration.
    • Open Pearson:
      If prompted, select "Open Pearson" to access the content.

Pearson's Get Started with Blackboard Ultra Guide

Wiley

Wiley and Blackboard Collaborate Ultra offer an integrated experience for instructors, streamlining course management and enhancing student engagement. WileyPLUS, a research-based online learning platform, integrates with Blackboard to provide access to a wide range of learning resources, including practice assignments, homework, and exams. This integration aims to create a unified learning experience for both instructors and students.

This video demonstrates how to use WileyPLUS assignments within Blackboard Ultra:

Here’s where you’ll find the newest insights into the latest features and improvements of our award-winning course experience. As a dedicated educator, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future—and we want to ensure that you have everything you need to make the most out of Blackboard.

Check back regularly for the latest updates

Want to see new things or features/tools for instructing students?  Faculty and Staff are welcome to contribute their ideas -- in fact, we encourage it!  Anthology/Blackboard is very responsive about adopting our ideas.

Submit and vote for your ideas on the Idea Exchange