1. Learning Management System (Blackboard)
  2. Training Opportunities for Blackboard Ultra Courses

Training Opportunities for Blackboard Ultra Courses

Training Opportunities for Blackboard Ultra Courses

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Self-Paced Training Options

An Ultra self-paced Blackboard course is available to guide you through the different functions and features of Ultra courses.
Click to Enroll (login required)

You can also explore our Video Playlists

Assistance with any use of Blackboard or associated learning tools is always available. Submit a ticket at UnivITHelp@rochester.edu.

Workshops to Support your Teaching within Blackboard

 

What’s New in Blackboard

Discover what’s new in Blackboard! Join us for a look at the latest updates from the past six months and explore ways these new tools can enhance your courses. Come see what’s new, what’s changed, and explore some features we think might be useful in your courses.

  • Fall 2026 – September 9 at 2pm – Register

Using AI Features in Blackboard Ultra to Streamline Course Design

Blackboard Ultra has a number of AI Assistant features that can help you with your course design and save you time in the development of your course. Join us to learn about how the AI Design Assistant can assist with the generation of assignment and discussion prompts, the generation of test questions, the naming of learning modules, the development of grading rubrics, and more.

  • Thursday, October 15 at 12:30pm – Register

Engage, Interact, Participate: Exploring Instructional Technology Tools

Discover how a variety of instructional tools can support discussion, collaboration, active learning, feedback, and participation. This one-hour overview introduces a number of technology tools available at the University through practical teaching examples. No technical training required—just ideas and inspiration for your courses.

  • Thursday, October 29 at 12:30pm – Register

Introduction to Perusall for Instructors

Designed for University of Rochester instructors, this session covers setting up Perusall, creating engaging interactive assignments, and syncing grades with Blackboard. Suitable for both first-time users and those looking for a quick refresher. [Offered by a Perusall Learning and Engagement Strategist]

  • Tuesday, November 10 at 2:00pm – Register

Using Harmonize – Promoting Student Interaction, Sharing Student Work and Presentations, Peer Review

This workshop will help instructors discover dynamic ways to increase engagement in their online or hybrid courses. It will introduce the core features of Harmonize, including multimedia discussion posts, student presentations, and structured peer review activities. Learn how to create interactive prompts on your own or with AI, facilitate meaningful feedback, and showcase student work in a collaborative environment. Whether you’re looking to move beyond traditional discussion boards or strengthen community in your course, this session will provide practical strategies you can implement right away.

  • Last offered March 2026

Using Panopto – Store and Share Video Content for your Courses, including Access Statistics

In this workshop, instructors will learn how to effectively manage and deliver video in Blackboard Ultra. It will cover uploading media to Panopto, creating and organizing course folders, and linking videos directly within your course. You’ll also explore how to edit recordings, adjust access settings, review viewing statistics, and enhance engagement with captions, quizzes, and bookmarks. Whether you’re new to Panopto or looking to deepen your skills, this session will help you use video more strategically to support student learning.

  • Last offered March 2026

Past Workshop materials

Workshop Series for Blackboard Ultra Courses

Workshop #1 – Blackboard Ultra – Create your Course Structure and Content

This workshop will help you learn how to best organize your Ultra courses and prepare the content for your students.

Workshop #2 – Blackboard Ultra – Promoting Interaction and Collecting Student Work (Assignments, Tests)

This workshop will cover using all of the Graded Items (Discussion, Journal, Tests, Assignments) available in Blackboard Ultra.

Workshop #3 – Blackboard Ultra – Setting up the Gradebook and Teaching in Ultra

This workshop will cover setting up your gradebook and the overall grade column.

Workshop materials

 

Blackboard Ultra Workshops

Moving from Original to Ultra – Creating Content

Moving from Original to Ultra – Creating Gradable Items

Moving from Original to Ultra – Teaching in Ultra