Friday 24 March saw the Spring Term meeting of the TEL Practitioner Forum – our community of practice comprised of colleagues from across the university with an interest in, or a responsibility for, TEL.
Theme: Blackboard Learn Ultra
The natural theme for this term’s meeting was our planned transition from Blackboard Learn to the improved version: Blackboard Learn Ultra for Organisations and Courses. It was a great opportunity to share with the group an overview of the timeline, outline the benefits and improvements Ultra has to offer, and glean feedback on how the project team can best help engage and support staff with the transition.
Many other universities have already moved to Blackboard Learn Ultra and are taking advantage of its more modern look and feel, along with other benefits:
- An improved user experience
- New and revised features and functionality (which staff and students have been asking for)
- Better accessibility
- Greater consistency for students
- Integration with Microsoft 365 & Teams
- A fully responsive experience on mobile devices
Champions
As part of the project, a team of champions is being set up and we shared what’s involved in the role of a Champion and encouraged colleagues to apply. Applications for Champions is now open – you can find more information and the application form on the Ultra Champions web page. We’re keen to have representation from across the university and particularly encourage applicants from the university’s Diversity and Inclusion staff networks. Applications close on 28 April.
Feedback
Initial feedback from forum colleagues was positive, appreciating that the move has been aligned to PRP implementation, and reinforced the need for simple and clear instructions and timescales to help them and their colleagues engage effectively. Our forum members all seemed keen to get ‘hands-on’ and start trying out the new Ultra courses!
What’s next?
The project team will be keeping colleagues updated with regular communications and via the project website.
If you have questions relating to Blackboard Learn Ultra, please contact the project team via the DTS Self-Service Portal.