Blackboard’s May updates focus on improving everyday instructor workflows by making course management faster, grading more efficient, and navigation easier across the platform. Several of these enhancements are especially helpful for instructors managing large courses, multiple sections, or active discussion and group work. Here’s a look at what’s new this month in Blackboard Ultra:
New Groups Management Experience
Blackboard has redesigned the Groups management experience to improve usability, organization, and performance. The updated interface makes it faster and easier to create, organize, and manage groups—particularly in large enrollment courses.
Key improvements include:
- Clearer group enrollment options
- Improved sorting and visibility
- Better reliability and performance at scale
- Reduced manual setup effort
These changes streamline group creation and help instructors manage collaborative activities more efficiently.
Discussion Second Due Dates Now Visible in Gradebook
The second due date for Discussions now appears directly in the Gradebook’s:
- Overview tab
- Gradable Items tab
This update gives instructors better visibility into upcoming discussion grading needs and helps reduce confusion around participation deadlines and follow-up engagement requirements.
Group Filters Carry into Flexible Grading
When instructors filter the Gradebook by a specific group, that filter will now carry directly into Flexible Grading.
Previously, instructors had to reapply group filters after switching views. This update helps reduce extra clicks and streamlines grading workflows for group-based assignments and activities.
Resized Accommodations Icon
The Accommodations icon has been updated to a smaller, more consistent size across Blackboard Ultra.
This visual adjustment supports spacing improvements in the new Gradebook Grid view while creating a more uniform interface experience throughout the platform.
White Space Improvements in Documents
Blackboard Documents now make better use of vertical space, reducing unnecessary white space and improving readability.
These updates apply when:
- Creating new documents
- Editing existing content
- Using AI-generated layouts
The result is a cleaner, more balanced content experience for both instructors and students.
Improved Search and Navigation in the Course Switcher
The Course Switcher now includes a built-in search feature that allows instructors and students to quickly locate courses by:
- Course name
- Course ID
Combined with quick access to recent courses, this update makes moving between courses faster and more efficient—especially for users managing multiple courses each term.
These updates continue Blackboard’s focus on improving usability, streamlining instructor workflows, and creating a more intuitive experience across the Ultra platform.
If you would like assistance exploring any of these new features or incorporating them into your courses, the Academic Technology & Digital Innovation (ACTECH) team is happy to help. Email actech@hartford.edu.