Learn.UQ is upgrading to Blackboard Ultra!
In 2025, Learn.UQ courses will be moving to Blackboard Ultra from Blackboard Original.
Most courses will use Ultra from Semester 2 2025 the remaining will move to Ultra in Semester 1 2026.
When will my courses move to Ultra?
Approximately 180 courses will use Ultra in Semester 1 2025. Most of the remaining courses will start using Ultra in Semester 2 2025. You may have a mixed of both Original an Ultra courses Semester 2 2025.
Starting in Semester 1 2026 all courses will be delivered using Blackboard Ultra.
What are the benefits of Ultra?
Ultra offers a clean modern interface, easy navigation, progress tracking and is mobile friendly. You will continue access your learning resources, assessment and results through your Learn.UQ course site.
We tested Ultra with a number of courses in 2024 and students provided feedback on the things they liked.
Watch the video Ultra student top 5 (Echo360, 2m 13s)
- Clean, modern look
"I like the clean and less cluttered interface of the learning materials."
"Aesthetically it is nice with a cleaner design."
- Intuitive navigation
"It is a lot more simpler to navigate with the folders that compact the weeks, and it's clearer what each attachment is for."
- Track your progress
"I like the progress bars under each topic that helps you see how far along you are."
"The ability to tick off/mark as started and then complete for the tasks required or recommended for the subject."
- Weekly (or module) structure
"I like how it breaks down each week clearly and focuses on each week's learning separately."
- Mobile friendly
"The blackboard ultra course is easier to use on a mobile phone and the formatting isn't altered."
How can I prepare for Ultra?
Students enrolled in Ultra courses in Semester 1 2025 will be provided information by their course coordinators and links to resources in their course site.
To prepare for the use of Ultra in Semester 2 2025 student are advised to:
- Update their browser to ensure the best Ultra experience
- Plan to attend a Library Ultra workshop O-week Semester 2 2025
Check the UQ Library workshops page closer to the date. - Review the Quick start guides that will be made available in June.
They will be published on this webpage and accessible from learn.uq.edu.au
UQ Library - Ultra workshops
The Library will be conducting workshops, starting in orientation week, that are designed for existing students to quickly get up to speed with the new Learn.UQ (Ultra) system. Check the UQ Library workshops page closer to the date to register.
These workshops will cover the key differences between the Classic and Ultra versions, focusing on the essentials you need to navigate the new interface efficiently.
Topics Covered:
- Announcements: Where to find and access course announcements.
- Lecture Recordings: How to locate and view your lecture recordings.
- Course Materials: A summary of changes and where to find your learning resources.
- Assignment Submission: Updated process for submitting assignments.
- General Tips: Tips for navigating the refreshed course template and other useful tools.
Join us to ensure a smooth transition to the new Learn.UQ (Ultra) system and make the most of its enhanced features!
Find out more and get help
If you need help using Blackboard ultra, you can
- access the Student Ultra guides
- contact the UQ Library AskUs service
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find a breakdown of my assessment?
Navigate to the Assessment folder and click on the Assessment Summary document to see the assessment schedule for your course.
Alternatively, assessment information can be found in the Course Profile linked at the top of the course content page.
Where has the left hand navigation pane gone?
You can find links to the Calendar, Announcements, Messages, Gradebook (replacing My Grades) and Groups in the navigation bar at the top of the page.
I can't find my learning resources folder!
The Learning Resources folder has been renamed Course Resources and contains links to Lecture Recordings, Course Reading List, Subject Guides, Course Staff, Course Help. Weekly / Module folders have been replaced with learning modules and move up one level to under the Courses Resources folder.