Blackboard COD: A Modern Learning Platform for College

Blackboard COD, College of DuPage is migrating from Blackboard Original to Blackboard Ultra, also known as Learn Ultra, to provide students and faculty with a more intuitive and responsive learning platform reddit.com+15codlearningtech.org+15cod.edu+15cod.edu+1cod.edu+1. Blackboard Ultra consists of:

• Base Navigation (launched Spring 2023): a redesigned dashboard that improves course discovery, progress tracking, and access to notifications cod.edu+3codlearningtech.org+3cod.edu+3.

• Ultra Course View (phased rollout 2024–2025, full implementation by Fall 2025 or January 2026) cod.edu+3codlearningtech.org+3cod.edu+3.

This modernization offers a cleaner interface, simplified workflows, and mobile-ready content.

Why COD Is Moving to Ultra

The upgrade aims to:

• Enhance usability, with an easier-to-navigate interface on any device.

• Streamline instructor tasks, including course creation, grading, and announcements.

• Support student success through better engagement tools and built-in accessibility features reddit.com+13cod.edu+13codlearningtech.org+13codlearningtech.org+1reddit.com+1reddit.com+3reddit.com+3reddit.com+3.

Transition Timeline

Key Improvements in Ultra

• Mobile-Friendly UI: Fully responsive design with better compatibility across devices .

• Unified Workflow: Streamlined module setup, announcements, and grading en.wikipedia.org+15codlearningtech.org+15dev.codlearningtech.org+15.

• Course Shells for Faculty: Blank and template shells help instructors start efficiently cod.edu+15cod.edu+15reddit.com+15.

• Integrated Tools: Seamless access to third-party tools (Zoom, Ally, assignment management) dev.codlearningtech.org.

• Accessibility Features: Options like Blackboard Ally and YuJa Panorama support diverse learner needs reddit.com+11cod.edu+11cod.edu+11.

Support & Training Resources

COD’s Learning Technologies team offers robust support:

• Faculty support: One-on-one sessions, workshops, Knowledge Base, and Ultra “Space Camp” training cod.edu+9cod.edu+9cod.edu+9cod.edu+1codlearningtech.org+1.

• Student help: Quick-start guides, videos, app recommendations, and Student Resource Center assistance cod.edu+2dev.codlearningtech.org+2cod.edu+2.

• Help desks:

  • Faculty: learningtech@cod.edu, BIC 3401, (630) 942‑2490 reddit.com+9cod.edu+9codlearningtech.org+9.

  • Students: studenthelp@dupage.edu, SRC 2155, (630) 942‑2999 codlearningtech.org+10cod.edu+10cod.edu+10.

Feedback from Faculty & Students

✅ Positive Experiences

During the pilot phase, instructors cited: Users report enhanced navigation, quicker content creation, and smoother announcement posting.

Students appreciate:

• Push notifications and reminders via the app

• Clean course layouts and simplified grade views reddit.comreddit.com+2codlearningtech.org+2reddit.com+2

 Common Challenges

• Learning curve & click fatigue: Some faculty feel Ultra requires excessive clicks for basic actions reddit.com+4cod.edu+4reddit.com+4.

• Course inconsistency: Varied organizational styles across instructors can confuse students .

• Mobile limitations: App performance may deviate from browser experience cod.edu+1reddit.com+1.

Expert Tips for Using Ultra

For Students:

• Install and configure the Blackboard mobile app for notifications.

• Regularly check Calendar and Activity stream for updates.

• Use YuJa Panorama for alternative text formats (audio, translation) cod.edu+5cod.edu+5dev.codlearningtech.org+5.

• Say hello to tutoring and tech support through Learning Commons and SRC cod.edu.

For Faculty:

• Begin course content in Ultra Development Shells or template shells cod.edu+5cod.edu+5co.edu+5.

• Implement modular, weekly structures and leverage drag-and-drop content reddit.com.

• Use Intelligent Agents or notifications to prompt underperforming students reddit.com+6codlearningtech.org+6reddit.com+6.

• Maintain consistent navigation and layout across courses for improved usability.

What’s Ahead

COD is actively collecting pilot feedback to shape:

• Refined workflows and reduced unnecessary clicks

• Better mobile functionality and file access

• Standardized best practices for course layouts reddit.com+3reddit.com+3reddit.com+3cod.edu+4codlearningtech.org+4reddit.com+4reddit.com

Over time, these adjustments are expected to significantly improve the student and faculty experience on Blackboard.

Conclusion

Blackboard Ultra at College of DuPage represents a significant step toward making education more accessible, mobile-friendly, and student-centered. While change always brings challenges, the thoughtful rollout—from Base Navigation to full Ultra Course implementation—aims to equip users with support and structure. As design evolves and feedback is implemented, this modernized LMS can better support COD’s academic mission and success initiatives.