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

8. Course Staff document

The Course Staff document page sits in the Course Resources folder in the Content area.  It is highly recommended that this page contains up to date information about you and other teaching staff and/or guest lecturers.  This will help students engage with you and your content from the outset.

Tip: Add your UQ Expert profile link (if you have one).

Note: You will need a photo (150x150px) of the Course Coordinator on your device.

  1. Click into the Course Resources folder. Click into the document Course Staff. Click the Edit content button.
  2. To replace the template image, click on the bin icon to remove it.
  3. Click on the picture icon in the Rich Content Editor bar at the top.
  4. Choose Upload from Device from the Insert image options.  Click on Upload file.
  5. Choose your image from your files area.  After the Preview shows, click Next.
  6. Choose Square for the Aspect Ratio. Click Next.
  7. Change the Alternative text and type in the name of the person shown.
  8. Click on View only for File Options.
  9. Click Save.
  1. Resize your image using the draggable corners (if required).
  2. Use the Rich Content Editor to replace and edit the staff member’s contact details and ‘bio’ accordingly.
  3. Repeat the process for other staff by copying and pasting the text formatting below, then editing it.