Ultra Courses Activation - Proof of Concept - eLearning

About the Ultra Proof of Concept

UQ has decided to test Ultra courses through a staged proof of concept (POC) project in 2024. The project was carried out in stages with a decision to proceed further at the end of each stage.

When is it happening?

The Ultra proof of concept project was be carried out in four stages with evaluations carried out after each stage to decide whether to continue, as follows:

Stage 1

July - November 2023: Preparation for Proof of Concept

Functionality will be tested and documented, a transition approach and change management plan will be developed, Proof of Concept courses will be identified and reporting to DLPMSC will occur. The decision of whether to proceed to Stage 2 will occur at the end of this stage.

Stage 2

August 2023 - February 2024: Summer Semester Proof of Concept (6 courses)

A six course Proof of Concept trial will take place, processes/communications/support/resources will be tested, workshops and guides will be developed, an Example 'sandpit' sample Ultra course will be created, feedback will be collected and reporting to DLPMSC will occur. The decision of whether to proceed to Stage 3 will occur at the end of this stage.

Updates

The six course Proof of Concept has now been completed
A range of setting recommendations have been made based on feedback
The conversion, support and change management processes for the Semester 1 proof of concept have been updated based on lessons learnt

Stage 3

January - June 2024: Semester 1, 2024 Proof of Concept (50 courses)

Fallback tasks will be completed if not proceeding to next stage. If proceeding, a 50-course trial will occur, faculties/schools will be consulted on their adoption approach, all Semester 2 courses will be reviewed to readiness, feedback will be collected and reporting to DLPMSC will occur. The decision of whether to proceed to Stages 4 will occur at the end of this stage.

Updates

All courses have been successfully converted to Ultra and updated based on the adapted template
The project team has supported staff in setting up their assessment and Gradebook, with check-ins booked for early in the semester.
Course Coordinators have been provided with a change management pack which is being used to communicate the purpose and benefits of the Ultra proof of concept to students
Professional staff in schools have been contacted and consultations will occur mid-semester to discuss the impact of Ultra on grade finalisation processes.

Stage 4

July 2024 — June 2025: Enabling Phase

Change management projects to transition courses off legacy tools and engagement with stakeholders responsible for faculty and school support tools regarding testing on Ultra courses. Course identification for enabling projects, treatment testing and an adoption approach to be determined. The decision of whether to proceed to Stages 5 will occur at the end of this stage.

Updates

A new Ultra Example Course is available for staff to experience Blackboard’s new look and functionality for course sites from a student perspective after self-enrolling.
Declutter your course campaign including the creation of a change management pack which was shared with key stakeholders to distribute to schools and faculties.