eLearning

Convert your course to Blackboard Ultra

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What is Blackboard Ultra?

Blackboard Ultra is the new version of our learning management system.  UQ is transitioning from the previous version of Blackboard Original from Semester 2, 2025 to Semester 1, 2027.

View the Ultra Courses Activation Project page for more information.

How long will it take me to convert my course to Blackboard Ultra?

The course conversion tidy-up could take between 10 to 20 hours, depending on its complexity.  Note that when you access your course, you will need to copy in content from the Original course yourself.  Factors are:

  • how many videos you have that are not stored in Echo360
  • how much content you have nested deeply in folders
  • whether your main learning resources are in UQ Extend.

Is it possible for professional staff to convert my course?

Yes. But in this case, you will need to submit a course request again, asking for a copy of a previous course so they have the content to work with. Use the Learn.UQ Site Request form (or contact your school admin if they usually order your course for you).

Note: There will be a delay between ordering the course and having professional staff complete the Ultra conversion work.

Where can I get help?

What do I need to convert my own course?

To build your course from scratch in Ultra you will need:

  1. Ultra course template
  2. Ultra content types
  3. Course banner
  4. Course profile
  5. Content copy from Original
  6. MS Teams link and Ed Discussion
  7. Course Resources folder
  8. Course Staff document
  9. Assessment folder
  1. Create and move content
  2. Create a document
  3. Work on a document
  4. Condense content onto a document
  5. Other top level folders
  6. Meet accessibility standards
  7. Visibility settings and student preview
  8. Make your course available
  9. Checklist

6. MS Teams link and Ed Discussion

MS Teams link

The link to your course Team site is optional and therefore hidden by default in the template.  If used, it should be placed under the Course Profile link. Please refer to the Activate your course Team guide for detailed instructions.

Ed Discussion

If used, the Ed Discussion link can be placed under the MS Teams link. 

  1. If the Original course used Ed Discussion, check it is present and in the right location in the Ultra course.  If not, you will need to add/move the LTI link in the Ultra course underneath the Microsoft Teams link.
  2. Hover your mouse on the purple line below the Course Profile link, click on the Add content (+) sign and select Content Market from the dropdown.
    Note: Do not click on any LTI links you add, just add the LTI link in or move it below the Microsoft Teams link.
  3. Locate the Ed Discussion link from the list and click on the Add (+) sign in bottom right corner to add it to the course.

     
  4. Click on the more options (3 dots) icon next to the Ed Discussion item and select Edit.
  5. In the Description textbox, enter "We are using the Ed Discussion board in this course. Please add any questions you might have here."
  6. Select Visible to students if it is clear that Ed Discussion was being used in the Original/former Ultra course.
  7. Include a note in the Discussions tab so students know that Ed Discussion is being used.  Click on the Discussions tab at the top.
  8. Click on the New Discussion button.

     
  9. Enter “We are using Ed Discussion located within Course Content” in the title textbox.
  10. Input “Please post on the Ed Discussion board located within Course Content” in the discussion space.
  11. Click on the Discussion settings cog icon. Uncheck the Display on Course content page box.
  12. Click on the Save button.
  13. Ensure Hidden from students is selected for availability.