Faculty Blackboard Support
Blackboard is Georgian College’s online Learning Management System (LMS). It can be used to communicate with students, post links to important information, post course content such as lecture materials, and facilitate student collaboration by means of blogs, discussion boards and wikis. There is also a grade centre in which marks can be entered and made visible to students at any point in the semester. If you are new to Blackboard, try our self-paced online module found below.
FreshForward
🌟 Educational technology is a rapidly changing space and the impact of these changes can vary from trivial to groundbreaking, greatly influencing the teaching and learning experience if we know how to use them.
🍵 Grab your coffee and join us as we dive into the newest releases from Blackboard and other educational technologies, emphasizing the impact they can have on the courses we develop.
🎙️This podcast style series offers a fresh, unique, and authentic way to unpack these updates and discuss the potential opportunities they present.
Release Notes
The Blackboard Ultra June 2026 – 4000.17 release is robust with these features:
Improved Rubric Usability When Adding or Adjusting Grades
Instructors can override grades without locking the rubric as well as provide feedback at the criterion-level for single or multiple attempts. Grades entered in the rubric grade pill update the attempt grade immediately.
For discussions and journals, grades are now saved at the attempt-level. The override workflow has been removed in these areas for a more consistent grading experience.
To improve consistency with the Flexible Grading page, we updated the rubric score box label from “Submission” to “Rubric Score”. To improve clarity, we also removed the sentence “You can only override the final grade for assessments with multiple attempts. Individual submissions are scored with a rubric.” from underneath the rubric score box.
Track Announcement Engagement by Student
Instructors can now check which announcements a student has read or not read on the new Announcements tab of the Student Overview page. The Announcements tab complements existing announcement engagement data by adding a student-level view and helps instructors identify students who may have missed important course communications.
On the Student Overview page, instructors select the Announcements tab for a list of which announcements each student has and has not read.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The Blackboard Ultra May 2026 – 4000.14 release is robust with these features:
Rebuilding the Groups Management Experience for Instructors
We’ve redesigned Groups management to significantly improve usability, performance, and flexibility for instructors. This update addresses long‑standing challenges with creating, organizing, and managing groups – especially in large courses – and delivers a clearer, faster, and more consistent experience across group types.
The new Groups management experience focuses on reducing manual effort, improving visibility, and supporting common instructional workflows with fewer clicks and clearer controls.
Changes to the group management experience for instructors include:
- A redesigned group management experience
- Improved group creation and enrollment
- Automatic enrollment with clearer controls
- More flexible ways to assign students
- Better visibility and organization
- Sorting for students and groups
- Clearer group membership and activity context
- Performance and reliability improvements
- Consistency across group types
- Upcoming improvements
A Redesigned Group Management Experience
Groups management has been reimagined from the ground up with a cleaner layout and more intuitive controls. The updated interface displays more information in less space, making it easier to manage groups and members without excessive scrolling.
Instructors now start by choosing how they want to structure groups—before managing individual members. The options include:
- manual assignment
- automatic assignment
- self‑enrollment
- import
This approach removes guesswork and streamlines setup for common scenarios.
Improved Group Creation and Enrollment
Automatic Enrollment with Clearer Controls
Instructors can automatically assign students to groups by specifying the number of members per group. Blackboard creates the required number of groups and assigns students randomly in a single step, reducing setup time for large courses.
More Flexible Ways to Assign Students
Instructors can assign and unassign students using multiple methods:
- Assign students directly from the unassigned list
- Assign selected students to a specific group
- Add or remove members from within a group
This flexibility reduces repetitive actions and makes it easier to focus on populating one group at a time or balancing membership across groups.
Better Visibility and Organization
Sorting for Group Members and Groups
Instructors can now sort:
- Students by first name or last name (A–Z or Z–A)
- Student ID
- Groups by group name
- Groups by number of members
Sorting replaces inconsistent behaviors from the previous experience and provides predictable ordering when managing large enrollments.
Clearer Group Membership and Activity Context
Each group displays high‑level information about how it’s being used in the course, such as whether it’s assigned to tests, assignments, or discussions. Once group task types have been created and students begin submitting work, there is a gradual increase in action warnings or constraints. This helps instructors understand the impact of changes before modifying or deleting groups.
Group content, assignments, and membership are now more clearly connected, improving consistency across the course experience.
Performance and Reliability Improvements
Managing groups in large courses is now significantly faster. Save operations that previously took several minutes – especially in courses with thousands of students—now complete in seconds. When a group is being saved, an instructor can close out the page and be assured that it is continuing to save in the background, allowing instructors to continue working without interruption.
Additionally, the previous maximum limits of 5,000 students and 1,000 groups are removed.
These improvements reduce frustration and improve confidence when managing groups at scale.
Consistency Across Group Types
Core actions and controls now behave the same way regardless of group type, reducing confusion and making it easier for instructors to switch between workflows. The rebuilt experience brings greater consistency across:
- Manually assigned groups
- Automatically assigned groups
- Self‑enrollment groups
Upcoming Improvements
Future improvements to the group management experience include:
- Search within the group management screen
- Drag‑and‑drop assignment of students to groups
- Ability to create groups in bulk
- Improved sorting order when numbers are used as part of group name
- Improved handling of preview and unavailable students
Visualize Release Conditions Inherited by Items in Learning Modules and Folders
Instructors can now view release conditions inherited from a parent learning module or folder directly within the release conditions panel of individual items. Inherited conditions appear in a read-only format, giving instructors a clear picture of all conditions that apply to an item, including those set directly on the item and those cascading from a parent container.
When instructors open the Release Conditions panel for an item inside a learning module or folder, a read-only summary of any conditions inherited from the parent container appears alongside any conditions applied directly to the item. This helps instructors understand the full set of access rules in place and determine whether additional conditions are needed.
Carry Group Filter into Flexible Grading
The group filter selected in the Gradebook grid view now carries over into Flexible Grading. Instructors who filter by a group in the Gradebook will find only the students from that group when they enter Flexible Grading, and the active group filter is displayed within the Flexible Grading view. This update reduces the need to re-filter after switching views and keeps instructors focused on the most relevant students for their current grading task.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The Blackboard Ultra April 2026 – 4000.12 release is robust with these features:
Handle Images as Thumbnail Links in Announcement Emails
Announcement emails now show images as thumbnail links instead of long URLs. This update gives users a clearer preview of announcement content and provides a direct path back to the full announcement in Blackboard. When users select a thumbnail, the system opens the original announcement so they can read it with full context.
Announcement emails display a small thumbnail for each image instructors include in an announcement. Each thumbnail links to the announcement in Blackboard, so users return to the complete content instead of opening the image file by itself. Instructors continue to create announcements the same way they have before. Thumbnails appear in the mobile app and New Outlook but do not display in Outlook Classic.
Improvements to Multiple Choice and Multiple Answer Questions
Based on client feedback, we made several improvements:
- For the multiple-choice question, we modified the default number of answer options a student can select from 4 to 1.
- When creating or editing a multiple-choice or multiple answer question, instructors can change the number of answer options that a student can select.
- Multiple-choice answer options alphabetical labels (A, B, C, D) have also been restored.
Adjust Grades for Individual Student Attempts in Group Submissions
We extended Flexible Grading to allow instructors to adjust attempt grades for individual students within a group submission. This update ensures that grades for group submissions can accurately reflect each student’s individual contribution, even when work is submitted as a single group attempt.
Instructors can override a group attempt score for individual group members directly from the grading interface. The interface clearly indicates when grades differ across group members, and adjustments can be removed by restoring a student’s grade to match the group attempt score..
Specify Assignment Submission Type
We introduced new assignment submission options that allow instructors to specify the type of submission they expect from students. This update improves clarity for students and optimizes the submission workflow based on the selected submission type.
When creating or editing an assignment, instructors can define the expected submission type to guide how students submit their work. Selecting a specific submission type streamlines the student experience and reduces ambiguity about what is required.
Instructors can select one or more expected submission types when configuring an assignment:
- File upload
- Text entry
By default, File upload and Text entry are both selected.
The selected submission type is visible in assignment settings and student facing details. Instructors can change the selected submission type until students have started submitting attempts.
Students are informed of the expected submission type and see a submission workflow optimized for that format.
File submissions display a dedicated file drop zone where students can upload, preview (when supported), and remove files.
Text submissions provide a streamlined rich text editor experience without a general file attachment option and include access to the Content Market for supported tools.
Add Substantive and Non‑substantive Content Indicators in Instructor Discussion Analysis
Student posts and replies now have Substantive Content and Non-substantive Content labels in the instructor discussion analysis page. The labels clarify the meaning of the green and red highlighted text indicators in student responses and improve the grading process for instructors.
When instructors review a student’s posts and replies, the instructor analysis page displays text labels with highlighted content. Green highlights include a Substantive Content label. Red highlights include a Non-substantive Content label. The labels appear consistently across the analysis panel and meet accessibility requirements..
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The Blackboard Ultra March 2026 – 4000.10 release is robust with these features:
Add A Second Participation Requirement And Due Date In Discussions
Instructors can now add a second due date with participation requirements for Discussions. This update builds on recent enhancements for discussion participation requirements and gives instructors clearer ways to set expectations for discussion activity. Students get transparent guidance for discussion expectations and progress indicators for their participation.
Instructors can set how many posts and replies that students must complete across two due dates.
The option Grade discussion must be selected to add a due dates and participation requirements. Enter a time and date under Due Date and specify participation requirements. Selecting Second Due Date adds another due date with its own requirements.
Instructors can disallow student posts or replies after the final due date by selecting Stop discussion activity after last due date.
Image 1: Instructors can now add a second due date for Discussions. They can also specify the number and type of posts or replies that a student is required to make.
When students open a discussion, they find two clear participation requirements with separate due dates. As they post and reply, progress indicators update in real time.
Students can complete requirements in any order, but contributions after a due date won’t count toward that requirement. Once all requirements are met, the discussion is marked complete and Progress Tracking updates.
Enhanced Threading Experience in Course Messages
When users send new messages, the system now attributes the message to an existing conversation. If no conversation exists, the system creates one. Any future messages between those users return to that same conversation. This update brings dispersed messages together and improves communication in courses.
The option to block replies is removed because it conflicts with the simplified threading experience.
Additionally, the rich text editor (RTE) and Send button now stay onscreen on smaller devices to improve usability.
Users create and send messages as before. If messages already exist between users, the system attributes new messages to those conversations.
- In conversations that include all course members, all instructors, or all students, adding and removing members remains on one thread.
- In group conversations, changes to group membership can start a new conversation.
- When users add new members to a previous one‑on‑one conversation, the system starts a new, separate conversation.
- Deleting a message doesn’t delete the entire conversation.
- When instructors send a reminder from Gradebook, the system attributes the message to an existing conversation. Anonymous grading reminders go to email.
Generate Knowledge Checks With AI
We expanded AI‑assisted authoring to support generating multiple choice Knowledge Checks within Documents. This enhancement allows instructors to create just‑in‑time formative assessments using AI‑generated questions based on the content of their Document and any selected course materials.
When inserting a Knowledge Check, instructors are now presented with two options: Enter my question or Auto generate question. Selecting Auto-generate question opens the Auto-Generate Question panel, which adapts the existing Question panel used in tests and question banks.
When using the Auto generate question option, instructors can define generation inputs with the following fields:
- A description text field,
- A selector to choose course items to inform generation,
- A complexity level slider with a range from Low to High, and
- Advanced options including an output language selector.
An informational banner that states: “This is auto-generated content and needs to be checked for accuracy and bias.”
The system generates four multiple choice questions at a time. Each generated question displays with a radio button so that the instructor can select one question to add to the Document. The instructor can then modify the question, answer options, and feedback after insertion. If the instructor opens the Knowledge Check option but does not add a question, the placeholder block remains empty and behaves as other empty content blocks do.
All questions are generated using only text content from the Document. Consideration of additional media or files will be handled as part of a future release.
Partial Credit Limits Removed For Multiple Choice And Multiple Answer
We updated the partial credit system for Multiple Choice and Multiple Answer questions to allow instructors to assign credit values without the requirement that all designated values sum to 100%. This change supports more flexible grading strategies and enables instructors to represent varying levels of conceptual understanding without adjusting values to meet a fixed total.
The system now allows instructors to enter any partial credit value for each option within a range of –100% to +100%. Validation continues to warn instructors if total values exceed 100%, but it no longer blocks question setup. Instructors may now also enter positive credit values for options that are not marked as the correct answer. The total partial credit value for correct answers should be at least 100%, and it may exceed 100%. Negative marking continues to operate when enabled. Instructors can adjust credit values during regrading as well.
Question Title Field Relocated
To reduce confusion identified through user feedback, we moved the Question Title field from the beginning of the question authoring workflow to the bottom, underneath the Question metadata field. Moving this field ensures that titles remain an optional metadata element and reduces cognitive load during question creation.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The February 2026 – 4000.8 release is robust with these features:
Stack Blocks Vertically in Documents
Instructors can stack blocks in a single column in Documents to create cleaner layouts and reduce whitespace. A new toggle in the block toolbar allows switching between column-level and block-level editing. In column mode, actions apply to the entire column. In block mode, instructors can resize, move, or delete individual blocks.
Columns can also be dropped into another block’s area for more flexible layouts. These changes work with existing features such as undo/redo, printing, and AI layout generation. This enhancement also includes accessibility improvements for screen readers.
Automations To Remind Students To Check Their Feedback
Instructors can create automations that send a message to students who have unread feedback after an instructor-defined number of days. This feature saves time by automatically encouraging students to review their feedback, promoting student engagement.
This release adds the Send feedback reminder option to the Automation gallery.
For the automation trigger, instructors select how many days feedback must remain unread before the message is sent.
A default reminder message is provided, and instructors can fully customize it at this stage. The message is sent to the student when the rule is triggered.
Improved Accessibility For Custom Badge Options
Accessibility enhancements improve badge workflows for instructors and students. Screen readers now provide clearer descriptions for buttons and image previews. Aria-labels and alt-text are consistent across views.
Tooltips were added to buttons for better context. Decorative images are marked correctly, and fallback alt-text is provided for custom images. These changes make badge creation and viewing more inclusive and easier to navigate.
Enhanced Achievement Usability
For students, the Achievements tab displays a count of unread badges. The New pill appears consistently in Earned and To Earn sections. The Delete Badge dialog uses clearer wording. Instructors and students can more easily distinguish between Course Badges and Open Badges with improved labels, icons, and descriptions.
Accessibility updates include improved aria-labels and alt-text. Styling for OpenBadge images has been updated to remove forced round shapes.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The January 2026 – 4000.6 release is robust with features in seven areas:
- Instructional design;
- Tests and assignments;
- Gradebook;
- Learner progression and personalized experience;
- Integrations;
- Blackboard core; and
- Premium
These improvements impact instructors, students, and administrators. Some features do require administrative action.
Navigate Courses And Tools Faster With Refreshed User Interface
We’re introducing a refreshed Blackboard interface designed to make teaching and learning more intuitive and efficient. These updates help you find information faster, reduce clicks, and simplify tasks such as managing courses, grading, and configuring settings.
The changes reflect extensive feedback from instructors, administrators, and students and aim to:
- Use screen space more effectively
- Reduce navigation errors, such as accidental exits
- Improve performance and page load times
- Provide clearer context and orientation
- Minimize motion for smoother navigation
Changes include the following:
Refreshed Base Navigation
Cleaner layout for clear access to main navigation tabs with less clutter.
- User profile now appears at the top of the navigation, complete with profile image for easier customization.
- Admin and Sign Out options are moved to the bottom of the panel, separating them from other actions for clarity.
- Administrators can now access base navigation directly from the administrator panel, streamlining workflow transitions.
Course Panels Become Full-Screen Course Pages
Courses now open in full-screen mode to maximize horizontal space and reduce clutter. This update applies to top-level panels such as Course Content Homepage, Calendar, Announcements, Discussions, Gradebook, Analytics, Groups, and Achievements. Secondary panels will update in future releases.
Home Button Replaces Exit
The “X” to exit a course is replaced with a Home button that returns you to your institution’s landing page (Activity Stream, Institution page, or Courses page). The “X” remains for lower-level panels like learning modules for now.
Course ID And Title In The Header Bar
The header now displays the course ID and title for better context. Breadcrumbs will be added in a future update to improve navigation further.
System navigation changes affect how the course ID and course title appear within the course experience. You can set and update these display options as part of the brand workflow, choosing how the course title and ID are shown.
Full-Width Banner
The course banner spans the full width of the screen with the course ID and title on a darker background for better clarity and accessibility.
If a course doesn’t have a selected banner, a placeholder image will appear at the top. When using brands, this image will adopt a hue of the brand color you set, ensuring visual consistency across all courses.
Branded Course Menu
The course menu reflects your institution’s branding, using colors and styles from theme settings. The menu is positioned higher on the screen for better use of space.
Course Switcher
Users can quickly jump between their four most recent courses or go to the full Courses page. More enhancements are planned based on ongoing feedback.
Enhanced Multiple Choice And Multiple Answer Workflow
We updated question setup to provide a more intuitive experience, including updating the default answer options from three to four and improving controls for how students interact with questions. These changes support greater flexibility in assessment design and an improved experience for students.
Instructors
To reduce setup time when creating a multiple choice question, we changed the default number of answer options from three to four. Instructors can add or remove answer options.
Instructors can now define the number of answer selections that a student can make for each multiple choice question. When the student takes the assessment, the system enforces the instructor’s selection limit.
Students
For questions where students can select only one answer, the selection mechanism is radio buttons. For questions where students can select more than one answer, the selection mechanism is checkboxes.
Usability Improvements For Document Block Layout
To improve usability and accessibility, we restructured the menu for document block layout. Previously, all options for changing the row, size, or position of a block were in a single dropdown list. Now, these options are organized by type of change (row, size, and position).
Selecting the edit icon for a block prompts a menu with three options: Change row, Change [block/column] size, and Change [block/column] position. Each of these options have a sub-menu, with the related actions.
- Change row
- Move to row above
- Move to row below
- New row above
- Change [block/column] size
- Expand to the left
- Expand to the right
- Shrink from the left
- Shrink from the right
- Change [block/column] position
- Move to the left
- Move to the right
Expanded Question Options For True/False
We expanded the display options for true/false questions to include:
- True/False
- Yes/No
- Right/Wrong
- Agree/Disagree
These additional answer options display when:
- Instructors create or edit this question type when building a test or in a question bank
- Students answer the question
- Instructors grade the question
- Students review their submission or graded question
When converting courses, tests, or pools from Original to Ultra, questions with these display options convert to Ultra with the corresponding display option, Additionally, this enhancement includes improved keyboard navigation when creating true/false questions. We updated the styling of the answer selection for true/false questions to radio buttons.
View Activity Log For Automations
Instructors can now access an activity log for each automation in their courses. The activity log lists the action date and time the automation was triggered and identifies the student and item that triggered it. This feature gives all instructors in the course visibility into when automations occur and which students receive automated messages.
To view the activity log for an automation, instructors select View Automations from Course Assistants on the Course Content page, then select an automation. They then select the Activity Log tab.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
These improvements impact instructors, students, and administrators. Some features do require administrative action.
AVA – Responses to Student Messages
AVA now responds to common student messages sent to instructors. Students often ask about information already available in the course, which increases instructor workload and delays responses. AVA helps reduce this workload and gives students faster answers to common questions.
When a student sends a message to an instructor, AVA scans the course from the student’s perspective to find a relevant answer. Instructors can review and clarify AVA’s responses if needed.
AVA can respond to questions about:
- Due dates, grades, and course content that is visible to the student
- Accommodations and exceptions
- Direct links to relevant course information
- Learner progress within modules, if progress tracking is turned on
AVA responds only when the message is sent to the Instructor role or a role marked as “Treat Users with this Role as Instructor.” AVA does not respond if the message includes more than one student or other roles.
Instructors can turn on AVA autoreplies in Course Settings if the feature is enabled in the Administrator Panel. The default setting is off. Instructors can change this setting at any time during the course.
Instructors can review all AVA responses and add context if needed. AVA only responds based on course content. If an item appears in the gradebook, AVA will try to provide details. If AVA can’t find an answer, it will let the student know and suggest waiting for the instructor’s reply. AVA uses the Course Language Pack.
Currently, AVA cannot:
- Read or extract content from uploaded documents
- Answer questions about third-party content such as SCORM, OneDrive, or external websites
- Search the internet or external storage
- Provide details about institutional resources outside the course
Specify Participation Requirements for Discussions
Instructors now have greater flexibility when managing student participation in Discussions. With this update, instructors can specify required student responses for a Discussion topic. It can be difficult for students to meet an instructor’s expectations in a discussion if those expectations are not clearly expressed. This enhancement allows instructors to more closely align grading requirements with their pedagogical goals and provides students with clear expectations for each phase of participation.
Instructors can now make clear participation requirements to students. The initial release adds participation requirements to the existing due date(s) for discussions. Instructors can set requirements on the number of required posts and/or replies for a student to fulfil the requirement.
The status of participation requirements is updated through to completion, giving a student a clear understanding of progress made. Participation requirements are linked to progress tracking, so that will be accurately displayed for the student to monitor. Participation requirements are optional but recommended for maximum benefit.
This update does not affect grading workflows or Gradebook structure.
The new participation requirements in Discussions give students a clearer understanding of instructor expectations in an assigned Discussions topic. Students can monitor their progress both in the assigned Discussions topic as well as in Progress Tracking.
Learning Module Table of Contents – Instructor View
Instructors now have access to a collapsible Table of Contents panel in Learning Modules. This update mirrors the student experience and supports consistent navigation across roles. Instructors can quickly move between module items and access content that isn’t yet available to students—without switching to Student Preview or changing availability settings.
This streamlined workflow helps instructors review and organize course content more efficiently, saving time and improving course management.
The Table of Contents panel includes all items in a module. Select Contents to open or collapse the panel. Instructors can navigate the full module structure and align course design with the student experience.
Set Release Conditions for Open or Started and For Non-Assessment Content Items
We expanded release conditions to include activity on items including non-assessment content. This enhancement allows conditions to be based on whether a student has opened or started content items such as documents, media, or course links. Instructors can now control access based on whether a student has opened or started a prerequisite content item.
Key options for release conditions:
- Unopened: The student has not accessed the item.
- Opened or Started: The student has accessed the item.
This enhancement supports flexible learning pathways and mastery-based progression. For example, an instructor can require students to open a reading or watch a video before an assessment becomes available.
Better Audio and Video in Feedback
Instructors can now use the full Video Studio workflow when giving assessment feedback or working in Flexible Grading. They can record or upload video and audio directly in the feedback editor, using features like captioning, transcription, and editing to deliver clear, personalized communication.
This update makes feedback more engaging and accessible, and the workflow matches other Video Studio-supported areas in Blackboard Ultra.
Instructors will see the Video Studio button in the feedback editor when grading. They can add media to express tone and intent more effectively. Video Studio supports automatic captioning and transcription and lets instructors edit recordings to improve clarity.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
Bulk Change Question Points In Tests
Instructors can now efficiently update point values for multiple questions in tests using new bulk editing options. This enhancement supports:
- Selecting all questions at once, with the option to deselect specific questions if desired.
- Selecting specific questions (e.g., question 1, 4, 9, 15, 16, 27, and 32) for targeted point value adjustments.
- Selecting questions by type (e.g., all True/False questions) to apply consistent point value changes across that question type.
- Selecting questions by type AND specific questions.
After students open the assessment or make submissions, instructors can make these changes:
- Edit the text of questions and answers
- Edit the point value
- New grades are recalculated for all previously submitted assessments
- Give everyone full credit for a question
- Change which answers are correct
- Change the scoring options for Multiple Choice and Matching questions
- Align questions with goals, from the assessment only
After students open the assessment, instructors can’t make these changes:
- Add new questions and answers
- Delete a question
- Delete answers in Matching and Multiple Choice questions
- Change the number of blanks in a Fill in the Blanks question
- Move the content, such as switch the order of questions, answers, or additional content
- Add or remove questions from a question pool or delete a pool from an assessment
Improved Navigation From Gradebook Column Headers
We enhanced the gradebook grid view to streamline access to submission pages from column headers on the Grades page. These updates improve clarity and consistency across item types.
Changes include:
- Assignments, Tests, Forms, Discussions, Journals:
- Replaced the Edit option with a View Submissions option using the eye icon.
- Renamed the grade cell menu option from View to View Submission.
- Manual Items, Calculations, Total Calculations:
- Added a View option to the column header that routes to the submission page.
- SCORM Items:
- Added a View Submissions option with the eye icon.
- Renamed the grade cell menu option to View Submission.
- Removed Edit and Preview SCORM options from the column header menu.
- Attendance:
- Replaced the Edit option with a View option using the eye icon.
- Navigation behavior remains unchanged, with users being routed to the attendance page.
Choose Whether To Include Hidden Items In Gradebook Downloads
Instructors now have more flexibility when downloading the gradebook for offline use. Previously, downloads included only the columns visible to instructors. With this update, instructors can choose whether to include hidden items in the download file. This enhancement builds on prior improvements to the Item Management view, which introduced bulk show/hide controls.
A new Include Hidden Items option appears when selecting Full Gradebook in Download Options. When selected, the download will contain all gradebook columns, including those hidden from instructor view.s.
Automations: Automatically Send Messages To Students Based On Course-Level Rules
Instructors can now create automations that send congratulatory or supportive messages to students based on custom rules set at the course level. Instructors define the score thresholds and write the messages. These automations help instructors deliver timely, personalized feedback throughout the course, boosting student engagement and saving time.
On the Course Content page, instructors select View Automations under Automations to manage their automations.
In this initial release, two automations are available. Instructors choose to either Send congratulatory message or Send supportive message. Congratulatory messages are sent when a student earns a high score; supportive messages are sent when a student does not achieve a specified score. Instructors select the grade item, set the score threshold as a percentage, and enter the message text.
Create Custom Achievement Images For More Engaging Badges
Instructors now have three new options for customizing Achievement badge: AI-generated images, choose from a selection of stock images from Unsplash, and manual image uploads.
- AI Badge Image Creator: Instructors can enter keywords to generate badge images using the AI Design Assistant. The system auto-generates an image based on the badge’s name and description to help guide image creation. Additionally, instructors can provide their own prompt to be used for image generation. Images are optimized for circular cropping to match the standard badge shape.
- Unsplash: Instructors can search from a section of stock images from Unsplash.
- Badge Image Upload: Instructors can also upload custom-designed badge images for use in Achievements.
Students will see the badges selected or created by their instructors, enhancing personalization and recognition.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below:
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
Consistent Save And Cancel Options In Settings Page
To improve usability and consistency, we standardized the Save and Cancel actions across several assessment settings pages.
This enhancement includes the following updates:
- Timer settings: Removed the X icon and added Save and Cancel buttons.
- Access code settings: Replaced Close and Continue with Cancel and Save.
- Learning Outcome Measurements: Removed the X icon and added Save and Cancel buttons.
Turnitin Originality Report settings: Removed the X icon and added Save and Cancel buttons. SafeAssign settings remain unchanged.
Tag Questions With Metadata In Tests And Question Banks
Instructors can now tag questions with metadata when creating or editing questions in tests, forms, and banks. Metadata is not visible to students during test-taking or review.
When creating or editing a question, instructors can turn on Question metadata, then create or apply a tag to the question. Created tags become available in the Enter question tags search results, allowing instructors to apply that tag to other questions without needing to create them again.
Metadata is visible during question creation or editing and can be used to filter questions when reusing or adding to pools. Created tags are facets in the Categories filter set available on the question banks and Reuse question pages.
Question metadata for tests and pools that were copied from Original is preserved. Original offered four metadata types: Category, Topics, Levels of Difficulty, and Keywords. When questions have metadata that belongs to Topics, Levels of Difficulty, or Keywords metadata type, that type also becomes available for filtering on the question banks and Reuse question pages.
Example: An instructor copied an Original question pool to Ultra. The question pool contained questions that had metadata for all four types. When viewing the question bank in Ultra, the Tags section of the filter panel has filter sets for Categories, Topics, Levels of Difficulty, and Keywords. The Original tags are facets in these filter sets.
Require Questions Before Making Forms Visible To Students
We improved the visibility controls for forms to align with those of tests. Previously, instructors could make a form visible to students, even if it contained no questions. This enhancement ensures that students only access complete and purposeful assessments.
Instructors must first add at least one question to a form before they can make it visible to students. Release conditions cannot be set until the form includes questions.
Improved Student Experience With Fill In The Blank Question Type
We enhanced the student experience when answering fill in the blank questions in tests. Fill in the blank questions now display the blanks inline with the surrounding text, whether the question is presented as a sentence, paragraph, or table. We also added hidden ARIA labels to blanks to improve screen reader accessibility.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below:
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
Export Question Banks In QTI v2.1 Format
Instructors and instructional designers can now export question banks in the QTI v2.1 format. This enhancement supports the IMS Question and Test Interoperability (QTI) standard, which enables the exchange of assessment content between systems.
This update allows instructors to:
- Export question banks from Ultra courses in QTI v2.1 format.
- Use exported packages in other learning platforms that support QTI.
- Simplify onboarding and migration processes by using a standards-based format.
This feature is especially useful for institutions that use multiple systems or are transitioning to Ultra.
The export process uses the same backend as Original courses, which already support QTI v2.1 export from Pools. This ensures consistency and reliability across course types.
AVA – Use AI To Generate Attempt Feedback Summaries From Rubrics
The new AI-powered Summarize option in Flexible Grading lets instructors generate high-quality overall feedback for student submissions evaluated using a rubric. This tool uses generative AI to analyze and suggest overall feedback on the submission based on the rubric criteria, the selected performance levels and their descriptions, and any criterion feedback provided.
Instructors can access the Summarize option when providing overall feedback on assignments once the rubric has been completed. For assignments, the summary is based on the rubric criteria, the selected performance levels and their descriptions, and any criterion-level feedback provided. Any existing Overall Feedback in the RTE will also be included in the summary.
Instructors can accept, reject, or regenerate the summary. Accepting the summary then allows the instructor to directly edit and further refine the summary. Rejecting reverts the summary to the original. Regenerating the summary prompts a newly written summary.
AVA – Use AI To Revise Submission Feedback
The new AI-powered Rewrite option in Flexible Grading helps instructors improve the clarity and tone of their feedback. This tool uses generative AI to reword instructor-authored comments—whether they are rough notes, bullet points, or complete sentences—into more polished and student-friendly language. The Rewrite option supports iterative editing and is designed to help instructors deliver clearer, more impactful feedback with less effort.
When an instructor is providing overall feedback on submissions in Flexible Grading, the Rewrite option becomes available when the instructor adds at least 30 characters. After entering their own comments, instructors can select Rewrite to generate a suggested version of the feedback. A banner clearly indicates that the suggestion is AI-generated.
Display Time Limits And Extra Time Consistently Across Roles
We improved how time limits and extra time are communicated in Assessments. This change ensures that all users understand exactly how much time is available, including any accommodations or overrides.
Now, all users have the time limits and extra time presented in a consistent format. For example:
“Time limit: 20 minutes + 10 minutes extra time”
This format appears:
- When instructors configure or review assessment settings.
- When students begin or review an assessment.
- In the preview mode for instructors.
Improved Accessibility On The Submissions List Page In The Gradebook
To improve accessibility, we updated the Submissions list page in the Gradebook to use a semantic HTML table structure. This change replaces the previous layout, which relied on stacked <div> elements. The new structure improves screen reader support and keyboard navigation.
- Screen reader users can now hear row and column headers as they navigate the table.
- Keyboard users can move efficiently across rows and columns without needing to tab through each element.
- The table uses proper HTML markup, including <caption>, <th>, <tr>, and <td> elements to ensure clarity and accessibility.
- The update applies to all submission list views, including standard, individual, and peer assessments.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below:
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
Enhance Documents With Block Styling Options
We added blocWe added block styling to Documents, giving instructors new ways to enhance visual appeal and guide student attention. The styling options feature both color and icons. The style options include:
- Question
- Tip
- Key points
- Next steps
- Highlight
This update helps instructors create more engaging content.
Adding Table Of Contents To Learning Modules For Students
A table of contents for the instructor view is coming in a future release.
We’ve redesigned the Learning Module experience for students by adding a collapsible Table of Contents. This update improves navigation, orientation, and progress tracking. As part of this improvement, assessments now open in a full panel instead of a smaller panel. These updates create a more consistent and focused user experience.
This feature will be released to test environments in July and production in August. Institutions can opt out during the initial rollout.
Students now have a simplified way to navigate and track progress in Learning Modules. Updates include:
- A table of contents for the items in a Learning Module. Select Contents to open and collapse the table of contents,
- Easy navigation between items,
- Manual or automatic item completion tracking from within the Learning Module, and
- Next and Previous buttons moved closer together at the top of the page for an improved experience.
Assessments within Learning Modules
Assessments now open in a full panel, providing a consistent and distraction-free experience.
Forced Sequence In Learning Modules
When sequencing is enforced, students must use the Next and Previous buttons to move through content in order. Students can’t jump ahead using the table of contents unless they have already completed the item they are navigating to. Skipping ahead without completing a Learning Module item is disabled in this mode.
Increased Accessibility In The Student Gradebook and Student Overview
To improve accessibility, we updated the student Gradebook to use a semantic HTML table structure. This change replaces the previous layout, which relied on stacked <div> elements. The new structure improves screen reader support and keyboard navigation for instructors.
To improve accessibility, we updated the student Overview page to use a semantic HTML table structure. This change replaces the previous layout, which relied on stacked <div> elements. The new structure improves screen reader support and keyboard navigation.
Video Studio: Use Video Studio In Announcements
Announcements now support video and audio content through Video Studio. This update, including a new Video Studio button in the Announcements content editor, replaces the Capture tool. This feature is integrated in the core Blackboard product and doesn’t require a separate Video Studio license. Video Studio in Announcements makes video and audio creation more consistent across the platform, improving both usability and accessibility.
Instructors can use Video Studio in Announcements to record or upload video and audio. The redesigned Video Studio button launches the standard Video Studio workflow, which automatically generates captions and transcripts. This makes content more accessible and supports personalized, engaging communication.
Improve LTI Tool Management With Flexible Copy
Previously, LTI tools were only included when performing a full course copy. With this update, users who have the appropriate permissions can now select and copy individual LTIs. This enhancement provides greater flexibility and control for instructors and administrators using LTI tools.
While the LTI standard—particularly LTI 1.3 with LTI Advantage—supports copying tools between courses, the actual behavior of copied LTIs depends on how each provider has implemented the standard. Some tools may function immediately after copying, while others might require manual relinking or configuration to work properly in the new course.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below:
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The July 2025 – 3900.121 release is robust with features in eight areas:
- Instructional design;
- Mastery learning and learning pathways;
- Tests and assignments;
- Gradebook;
- Learner progression and personalized experience;
- Integrations;
- Blackboard core; and
- Premium.
Below are the Top 5 items the Blackboard Faculty Support Team has selected to highlight for your information:
Enhance Instructor Efficiency With Expanded Activity Page
We expanded and optimized the Activity page for instructors in Blackboard. Previously, the Activity page featured only the activity stream, which provided a chronological overview of course activity and upcoming events. Our latest update, developed in close collaboration with our global learning community, addresses the challenges instructors faced in managing a large number of courses. This update makes course management easier and more efficient.
The Activity page is responsive across all devices and can be accessed from both desktop web browsers and the Blackboard app. The activity stream is included with the new Activity page.
New features on the Activity page:
- Course Section: The updated Activity page now includes a course section that outlines new activity in current, open courses since an instructor last logged into Blackboard.
- Shortcuts: New shortcuts have been added to enhance instructor efficiency.
- Go to items that need grading,
- Find courses with new messages, and
- Access the Course Activity report directly to review students with alerts.
- Announcements: Read important institutional announcements.
Add Captions To Images In Documents
Instructors can now add captions above or below images in Documents. Captions provide context and support understanding, helping students engage more deeply with visual content.
Render Mathematical Formulas With MathJax
We’ve enhanced the formula rendering experience in the Content Editor by implementing MathJax, a powerful tool for displaying mathematical notation. This update improves the visual accuracy and consistency of LaTeX-based formulas, aligning them more closely with scientific and academic standards.
MathJax offers a more precise rendering style preferred by many STEM instructors. When activated, MathJax will automatically render LaTeX code entered in the Content Editor across supported areas of Blackboard. Wiris is still available as the default to render formulas for the Content Editor. If MathJax is not activated, Wiris will render formulas.
Apply The No Category Option To Gradebook Items
Managing graded items is now more flexible with the addition of the No Category option in the Grade Category dropdown menu. This change allows instructors to remove an item from a category without needing to assign it elsewhere. By selecting No Category, no category data is stored, keeping grading workflows simple while maintaining consistency.
Instructors can now remove an item from a category when it’s not needed, without automatically assigning it to another category. The No Category option appears in the Grade Category dropdown menu for all items, making it easy to keep grading structures clean and organized.
Selecting No Category ensures that the item is not linked to any grading category, and no data is stored for it in the system. This provides a more streamlined way to manage grades without unnecessary assignments. Instructors can now tailor grade organization more precisely to fit their course needs.
Enhanced Pop-Out Rubric
We made several enhancements to the pop-out rubric in the Gradebook:
- Attempting to close the pop-out rubric without saving your changes prompts a warning, reminding you to save your changes,
- Selecting Save no longer closes the pop-out rubric, and
- We improved keyboard navigation, specifically arrow key and tab interaction, for the grid table.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below:
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The June 2025 – 3900.118 release is robust with features in eight (8) areas:
- Instructional design;
- Tests and assignments;
- Communication and collaboration;
- Gradebook;
- Learner progression and personalized experience;
- Blackboard core;
- Security and Accreditation; and
- Premium.
Below are the Top 5 items the Blackboard Faculty Support Team has selected to highlight for your information:
Generate AI Jumbled Sentence Questions
With the release of the new jumbled sentence question type, instructors can use AI to generate jumbled sentence questions.
Jumbled Sentence is now an option in the Question Type dropdown. When creating the question in a test or a question bank, instructors can select Generate to produce the question content. Instructors can add the AI-generated jumbled sentence question to question pools or tests. Instructors can edit the AI-generated question, including points, distractors, automated feedback, extra credit, and partial credit settings.
Create Jumbled Sentence Questions
Instructors can now create jumbled sentence questions for online exams. This feature lets instructors define one or more paragraphs with blanks for students to complete. Additionally, instructors can:
- Define distractors to challenge students
- Add automated feedback for correct and incorrect answers
- Designate questions as extra credit
- Use accessibility tools, such as keyboard-only workflows, to create this question type
- To create a variable, insert the variable in square brackets within the paragraph. Each variable is automatically recognized as the correct answer. Instructors can enable partial credit to award points for partially correct responses. For example, if half of the answers are correct, half of the max points are awarded.
Variables can include the following characters:
Letters
Digits (0-9)
Periods (.)
Underscores (_)
Hyphens (-)
The question text and variable input are validated for syntax correctness, notifying instructors of any errors, such as a missing bracket.
Example paragraph with variables:
Single water molecules are held together by [covalent] bonds and multiple water molecules are held together by [hydrogen] bonds. The kind of bond where atoms are sharing electrons but are not sharing them equally is [polar covalent bond].
Saved questions display variables in bold and underlined in purple for clarity. Instructors can also manually add feedback to student responses and use the Edit/Regrade workflow during grading.
Answer options are displayed in a random order, ensuring fairness in the assessment experience.
Students can:
- Identify if a question is marked as extra credit
- Answer questions using assistive technology
- Auto-save their responses as they work
- Reset the question to clear all selections
Perform Bulk Category Changes In Item Management
Building on the new Item Management Gradebook view, instructors can now perform bulk category changes for Gradebook items.
Instructors can select one or more gradebook columns on the Item Management page and assign them to an existing category.
This feature allows instructors to efficiently organize and manage gradebook items. Changing the category of a gradebook item updates the category label for display purposes without altering the item itself. The process follows the familiar Bulk Edit interface pattern, where instructors can select items, select Change Category, and use the modal to view and select available categories.
Navigate The Gradable Items Tab In The Gradebook
We have an ongoing commitment to the usability and accessibility of the Gradebook. The Gradable Items tab uses a table-based layout to improve navigation and interaction for instructors who use keyboards and screen readers. This makes the Gradebook more accessible for all instructors.
Navigate The Gradable Items Tab By Keyboard
- Use the Tab key to go to the Gradable Items tab.
- Tab to the Gradable Items table header to enter the table.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate the table.
- The Tab key will take you out of the table and to the Close button. Shift + Tab returns you to the Settings button.
Navigate The Gradable Items Tab With Screen Readers
Screen reader users can navigate to the Gradable Items tab using the keyboard instructions. You can also use the specialized keyboard combination for your screen reader to go directly to the table.
- JAWS: Use Insert + Control + T
- NVDA: Use T, then Control + Down arrow to enter the table
- VoiceOver: Use Control + Option + Command + Right arrow key to choose the table option
- Once in the table, screen reader users can use table navigation (Control + Alt + arrow keys) to navigate the table.
- If you want to add content, use the down arrow to go to the More options button at the end of the row. The next down arrow will be the Add content button.
Note for JAWS Users:
- JAWS users can move left or right in any row by using table navigation keys.
- To move up and down between assignment rows, navigate to the Item column first.
Enhance Student Engagement With Discussion Activity
We improved the discussion experience by adding another indicator of activity. This addition encourages student engagement and makes it easier for instructors to track student activity.
Unread Discussion Posts: The Discussions page now shows the number of unread discussion posts from anywhere in a course.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below:
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The May 2025 – 3900.116 release is robust with features in 7 areas:
- Instructional design;
- Mastery learning and learning pathways;
- Communication and collaboration;
- Tests & Assignments;
- Gradebook;
- Learn Core & Security; and
- Premium.
Below are the Top 5 items the Blackboard Faculty Support Team has selected to highlight for your information:
AI Design Assistant: Auto-Generate AI Conversations
The AI Design Assistant can now auto-generate AI Conversations. AI Conversations are conversations between students and an AI persona.
- Socratic Questioning: Conversations that encourage students to think critically through continuous questioning.
- Role-play: Conversations that allow students to play out scenarios with the AI persona, enhancing their learning experience.
Creating personas and topics for an AI Conversation can take a lot of time. To streamline this process, the AI Design Assistant can generate three suggestions at once. You can select what the AI Design Assistant generates. You can choose to generate:
- AI Conversation title
- AI persona
- Reflection question
These suggestions provide inspiration for an AI Conversation. Instructors can refine the AI Design Assistant’s suggestions in several ways:
- Provide additional context
- Adjust the complexity of the question
- Select context from the course
- Manually revise the question
The time saved by auto-generating AI Conversations allows instructors to focus more on embedding AI Conversations into their courses.
Text-Based Columns In Gradebook
Instructors can now create custom text-based columns in the Gradebook, giving them the ability to record information for an assessment, such as performance code, group membership, and tutoring information.
Text-based columns in the Gradable Items view are accessible through a properly marked-up table layout. Screen reader users can navigate and hear headers and rows accurately. Sorting and assistive technology features ensure an inclusive experience for all users.
Instructors can now create text-based columns in the Gradebook. These columns allow instructors to record up to 32 characters. The column is not restricted to text input.
Instructors can:
- Create text-based columns via the Add workflow in both the grid view and Gradable Items page;
- Name the column, control student visibility, and add a description;
- Add and edit text information for a specific student using an inline edit workflow.
Text-based columns exclude the following:
- Points values (automatically set to 0 points)
- Due dates
- Categories
- Gradebook calculations and related calculation UIs
Content in text-based columns auto-posts and supports sorting functionality within the Gradebook grid view. Instructors can also download and upload text-based columns using the Gradebook’s upload/download function.
Students can access text-based columns and associated information in their Gradebook when the column is set to Visible to students.
Qualitative Rubrics With No-Points Options
Instructors can now create and use no-points rubrics for qualitative evaluation. This rubric type allows instructors to assess student work based on criteria and feedback, rather than numerical values. In addition, the AI generation option now supports no-points rubrics, providing a streamlined method to create detailed evaluation criteria.
Instructors can select No Points as a rubric type when creating or generating a rubric. This option is available alongside existing percentage and points-based rubrics. Instructors can also edit rubrics to switch between different rubric types, including percentage, points range, and no points.
“View Submission One Time” Test Results Setting
We added a new test result setting option, View submission one time. When a student completes the test, they can review their answers and detailed feedback, such as which questions were answered correctly. The View submission one time option lets instructors provide students with immediate feedback, while maintaining test security.
To access this setting option, select Available after submission in the Assessment results section of the Assessment Settings, then select View submission one time from the “Customize when the submission content is visible to students” dropdown. This dropdown is available only if “Allow students to view their submission” is selected.
Students benefit from immediate feedback on their test performance in a secure and limited timeframe. Restricting access after the review session balances the need for meaningful insights with the importance of maintaining academic integrity.
Gradebook Accessibility Enhancements
The Gradable Items tab in the Gradebook now features a redesigned interface to improve accessibility and navigation for keyboard-only and screen reader users. This enhancement supports an acceThe Gradable Items tab in the Gradebook now features a redesigned interface to improve accessibility and navigation for keyboard-only and screen reader users. This enhancement supports an accessible experience for instructors grading student work, reducing the time and effort required to manage student grades.
With this update, the Gradable Items tab uses a table-based layout to enhance usability:
- Screen reader users can now hear both header and row announcements, allowing for smoother navigation through student submissions.
Keyboard users can now move efficiently across rows or down columns using arrow keys.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The April 2025 – 3900.114 release is robust with features in seven (7) areas:
- Instructional design;
- Mastery learning and learning pathways;
- Communication and collaboration;
- Gradebook;
- Learner progression and personalized experience;
- Upgrade to Ultra; and
- Premium.
Below are the Top 5 items the Blackboard Faculty Support Team has selected to highlight for your information:
Indicator If Student Has or Has Not Reviewed Feedback
In the Gradebook, instructors now have enhanced ability to monitor student engagement with assessment feedback. An indicator on the student Overview page now displays whether a student has reviewed the feedback for a given assessment.
- When a grade is posted, the indicator includes a label of Not reviewed with the existing Completed label in the Status column. When the student reviews the feedback, the status updates to Reviewed with a review timestamp.
- If the new grade indicator is reset for the assessment, such as when a grade is updated or if the assessment has multiple attempts, the timestamp updates when the student reviews the feedback again. If all attempts are deleted, the Not reviewed or Reviewed label is removed.
Replace Feedback Column with Actionable Results Column in Student Gradebook
To encourage students to review their submitted assessments in the Gradebook:
- A new Results column replaces the Feedback column
- A View button in the new Results column replaces the Feedback column’s purple feedback icon
When a grade is posted and the new grade indicator (purple circle) is turned on, the View button displays for the assessment. By proving a clear call-to-action, students are more likely to review their submission and feedback.
When students select the View button, the new grade indicator turns off, and students are redirected to their submission. If no submission is made, the side panels with feedback opens. The View button remains unless the instructor deletes the graded submission and all attempts.
Content Designer: Print Document
Instructors and students can now print Documents or save them to PDF, providing more ways to engage with content. This new option allows users to:
- Review content offline
- Share content with students or peers
- Physically archive content
To print a Document, select Print. Use the browser to print options to select the following:
- A printer or the PDF option
- The page range
- The layout
When printing from a mobile device, the Document prints as displayed on a desktop web browser.
Instructors
- Knowledge check blocks print with all the question-and-answer options.
- All other blocks print as displayed outside of editing mode.
Students
- Knowledge check blocks appear in the same way that they are on the Document page when the student chooses to print.
- If a student hasn’t answered a knowledge check, the block prints as unanswered.
- If a student has answered the knowledge check, the block prints as displayed along with any instructor feedback.
Learning Object Repository
The new Learning Object Repository is an institutional repository designed to centralize resources across courses and organizations. Administrators can upload objects to the Learning Object Repository for instructors to copy into their courses.
- Updates to objects in the Learning Object Repository are automatically applied to all associated courses and organizations, saving instructors time and maintaining consistency.
- Changes aren’t applied to courses that are marked complete or with an end date/term end date in the past.
- Only the title, body, and description are synced for objects in the Learning Object Repository. All other settings are set to the default. For example, if the object is set to visible in the Learning Object Repository, the object will default to visible in every course. Instructors can override settings unrelated to title, body, and description if they have the associated permissions.
- For students who were marked incomplete and need to regain access to a course, we recommend extending the student’s enrollment date instead of the course enrollment date. Extending the student’s enrollment date prevents changes to course objects from the Learning Object Repository when objects are updated.
This is the initial release of the Learning Object Repository. The capabilities of this release are best suited to reusing institutional content. Program or department uses will be better suited to future planned updates.
Good candidates for objects to keep in the Learning Object Repository include:
- technology requirements
- AI policies
- course etiquette
- academic integrity policies
Managing Objects
By default, users with the System Administrator (Z) role are the only users who have access to the Learning Object Repository to manage objects. To create a custom role or give someone access to the Learning Object Repository, users must be granted the following system privileges:
- Individuals with this privilege can view the Learning Object Repository from the Tools page.
- Individuals with this privilege can create, edit, and delete objects in the Learning Object Repository.
- Individuals with this privilege can insert objects from the Learning Object Repository into courses and organizations.
Inserting Objects
By default, users with the Instructor, Course Builder, or System Administration roles are the only users who can insert objects from the Learning Object Repository into a course or organization. To give a user access to insert objects from the Learning Object Repository, administrators must grant the following privileges:
- Course/Organization (Content Areas) > Create Materials
- Individuals with this privilege can insert objects from the Learning Object Repository into courses and organizations.
Instructors access the Learning Object Repository through the More options menu on the Course Content page. Instructors can copy an object from the Learning Object Repository, but certain attributes are locked down. For example, instructors are locked out from editing the title, description, and body of a Document.
Achievements Page Hidden From Students By Default
The Achievements page is now hidden by default from students in courses that don’t have any achievements. When an instructor adds the first achievement to a course, the Achievements page will become available to students.
This change streamlines the content for students and prevents questions about features that are unrelated to their current courses. Students receive a more focused and relevant learning experience. Privileged users who can create new Achievements can always access the tab.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The March 2025 – 3900.112 release is robust with features in ten (10) areas:
- Instructional design;
- Mastery learning and learning pathways;
- Tests and assignments;
- Communication and collaboration;
- Gradebook;
- Learner Progression & Personalized Experience;
- Integrations;
- Learn core and security;
- Upgrade to Ultra; and
- Premium features.
Pop-Out Rubric When Evaluating An Attempt
To enhance grading efficiency, instructors can now pop out the grading rubric into a separate window when grading an assignment submission. The pop-out rubric is a separate, moveable window and formatted in a grid view. Previously, the rubric was only available in a side panel and formatted in a stack.
This update makes it easier to navigate and grade student submissions by providing a clearer, more comprehensive view of the rubric. Popping out the rubric lets instructors view the student submission and the rubric side-by-side for a more efficient grading experience. Instructors can quickly select performance levels and provide feedback in the rubric while viewing the student submission.
Instructors can access the pop-out rubric when reviewing a submission.
- Bulk Performance Level Selection: Instructors select a performance level heading to apply it across al relevant criteria, streamlining the grading process.
- Cell Selection and Syncing: Selected rubric cells are highlighted, and the associated grade pill updates to reflect the chosen score. When the instructor selects Save, performance levels and feedback appear in the gradebook, as it has prior to this update.
- Feedback Section Focus: Once a rubric cell is selected, the criterion feedback section automatically focuses on the textbox for immediate feedback entry.
- Navigation Warning: A warning appears if instructors have unsaved changes in the pop-out rubric and they attempt to navigate to another student or attempt.
- Grade Override Warning: If the grade is overridden, the rubric popout is inactive. A banner appears, showing that the grade was overridden, with an option to regrade using the rubric.
- Printing: Instructors can print a blank or completed rubric using the browser’s print function.
When the pop-out rubric is open, the ability to add Overall Feedback and grade with the rubric in the main grading interface is inactive. This prevents an instructor from editing the same information in two separate places simultaneously.
Usability Improvements For Discussions
We made several improvements to enhance the overall usability and efficiency of discussions, benefiting both instructors and students.
Instructors and Students
- Improved visibility: Posts now have a gray background to stand out better against the page.
- Full post display: Long discussion posts are now fully visible without the need for scrolling, enhancing readability.
Instructors
We made several optimizations to enhance the accessibility of key features on the discussion home page.
- Participation metrics: The number of posts and replies is now listed directly on the discussion home page, replacing the total response counter. This change makes important information more immediately available.
- Direct edit option: The Edit button is now directly accessible from the post, saving instructors time.
Release Conditions Panel: Due Dates Now Included
When instructors customize release conditions for a content item, the due date for the item is now included with the date and time fields. Instructors are no longer required to go back to the item to check the due date, which saves time and reduces errors.
AI Design Assistant: Energy-Saving Image Generation Improvements
We changed how the AI Design Assistant presents generated images. Instead of presenting four at a time, the AI Design Assistant now generates only one. Each time another image is generated, it is saved so that instructors can select previously generated images. When an instructor selects an image or exits image generation, all images are cleared. This new method saves processing power and is more environmentally friendly.
AI Design Assistant: Learning Module Generation Improvements
We made two enhancements to the user experience when generating learning modules. If an image isn’t generated with a learning module, the title and description will no longer shift to the left. A placeholder image is now used to ensure a consistent reading experience.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The February 2025 – 3900.110 release is robust with features in eight (8) areas:
- Instructional design;
- Tests and assignments;
- Communication and collaboration;
- Gradebook;
- Learner Progression & Personalized Experience;
- Learn core and security;
- Upgrade to Ultra; and
- Premium features.
Below are the Top 5 items the Blackboard Faculty Support Team has selected to highlight for your information:
Improvements To Grading Interface
To optimize the use of screen space and to give graders a larger view of the student submission, we redesigned the grading interface for assignments and tests.
We implemented the following design changes:
- Relocated the Previous Student and Next Student navigation controls next to the attempt grade pill and removed the gray bar that these buttons were on.
- Replaced the Previous Student and Next Student buttons with <> arrows.
- Moved the avatar, student name, and submission information to the existing black bar and removed the white bar where the information was previously listed.
Change Folders To Learning Modules Or Learning Modules To Folders
Instructors can now change a folder to a learning module or a learning module to a folder. Benefits of changing a folder to a learning module include:
- Thumbnail images: Learning modules come with thumbnail images, which provide a visually appealing course experience.
- Forced sequencing: Instructors can force students to navigate learning modules in linear paths.
- Progress bar: Learning modules have a progress bar for students that highlights the number of items that they need to complete and their progression on those items.
- Previous and next navigation: Students can quickly navigate to the next or previous item in a learning module.
To give instructors more control over their courses, they can also change learning modules to folders. Instructors are warned that all learning module functions are removed when converting a learning module to a folder.
AI Design Assistant – Set A Larger Maximum Number Of Generated Questions And Learning Modules
When using the AI Design Assistant, instructors can now set the number of questions generated for tests and question banks to a maximum of 20. The maximum number of learning modules that the AI Design Assistant generates also increased to 20. Generating more questions at once reduces the chance that similar questions will be generated. The default number of questions and learning modules generated remains 4.
Enhancements To Course Groups
To simplify group management and enhance usability for instructors, we made several improvements to course groups:
- Activity-level groups are now course-level: All new groups are now course-level. Instructors can create course-level groups directly from a content item, eliminating the need to manage groups at the activity level.
- More warnings and restrictions: To prevent the creation of empty group sets during group assignments, we added restrictions and additional warning messages. This helps instructors make informed decisions and avoid disruptions in group management.
- Simplified group creation: The option to reuse activity-level groups was removed. This change encourages instructors to focus on course-level groups and reduces confusion.
Conversion Of Existing Assignments To The New Assignment Workflow Released In 3900.98
In the 3900.98 release in August 2024, we separated the workflows for creating a test and creating an assignment. Prior to the 3900.98 release, the Create Assignment and Create Test workflows shared the same content and settings. The 3900.98 enhancement made each workflow distinct, where the Create Assignment workflow now contains only assignment-specific content and settings, while the Create Test workflow remained unchanged. The new assignment workflow enhancements included:
- A new Instructions box with a full content editor for detailed assignment instructions.
- A streamlined Settings panel with only options relevant to assignments.
- No option to add questions, as assignments cannot contain questions.
- Attempts are only created when students interact with the assignment, such as submitting a file or adding content to the editor.
As part of this release, we are performing a one-time, automatic bulk conversion of assignments created prior to the new assignment workflow released in the 3900.98 release. After the bulk conversion, all assessments will follow either the assignment workflow released in the 3900.98 release or the test workflow. This will ensure that converted assignments benefit from the new assignment workflow’s features.
Assignments will be converted in a one-time, bulk process following these definitions:
- Assignment: Any existing assessment without questions (such as MCQ, Essay, Hotspot) is classified as an “assignment.”. Assignments will be converted.
- Test: Any existing assessment with questions (such as MCQ, Essay, Hotspot) is classified as a “test.” Tests will not be converted.
The conversion will not affect the following items:
- Existing student assignment attempts and grades
- Existing gradebook calculations
- Assignment Settings and Category designation
- Tests
To ensure a successful, consistent conversion to the new assignment workflow, we updated the following processes:
- Converting courses
- Assignments will convert to the new assignment workflow.
- Tests without questions will be set to Hidden from students.
- Copying items
- Assignments copied from Original courses will convert to the new assignment workflow.
- Tests without questions copied from Original and Ultra courses will be set to Hidden from students.
- Restoring Original archive/export packages
- Assignments will convert to the new assignment workflow.
- Tests without questions will be set to Hidden from students.
- Restoring Ultra archive/export packages
- Assessments without questions will convert to the new assignment workflow.
- Tests without questions will be set to Hidden from students.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
The January 2025 – 3900.108 release is robust with features in four (4) areas:
- Instructional design;
- Mastery learning and learning pathways;
- Gradebook; and
- Learn core and security.
Below are the Top 5 items the Blackboard Faculty Support Team has selected to highlight for your information:
Direct Grade Entry For Assignments From The Grid View Or Submissions Page
Instructors can now enter assignment grades directly in the Grid view or Submissions page with improved accuracy and consistency. Previously, grades entered in these views were stored at the override level, which caused confusion as underlying attempts remained ungraded and continued to display the Needs Grading and New Submission flags. This update ensures that grades entered this way are properly mapped to the underlying attempt or submission when applicable.
All grades entered via file upload continue to be stored as override grades.
Single Attempt Assignments
- Ungraded Attempts. When an ungraded attempt is found, the grade is stored at the attempt level, the Needs Grading and New Submission flags are cleared, and any auto-zero is removed.
- Graded Attempts. If the attempt is already graded, the attempt grade is updated accordingly.
- No Submission. For students with no submission, the grade is stored as an override.
- Existing Overrides. If an override already exists, only the override is updated. No changes are made to the attempt grade.
Multiple Attempt Assignments
- Ungraded Attempts. The Needs Grading and New Submission flags are cleared, and any auto-zero is removed. If all attempts are ungraded, the grade is assigned to the appropriate attempt based on the aggregation model:
- First: The grade is assigned to the first attempt.
- Last: The grade is assigned to the last attempt.
- All (Min, Max, & Average): The grade is assigned to the last attempt. All other attempts are excluded.
- Graded Attempt. For a single graded attempt, the attempt grade is updated.
- Multiple Graded Attempts. If more than one attempt is graded, the grade is stored as an override. The Needs Grading and New Submission label remain unchanged.
- No Submission. For students with no submission, the grade is stored as an override.
Add Submission Attempts For Release
Instructors can now use item submission status for a release condition. For example, an instructor who wants students to access a document only after submitting a quiz would use a release condition. Students can access content items without needing to wait for a grade to be posted.
Show/Hide Columns From Instructors In The Gradebook
Instructors can now configure column visibility for their gradebook view, ensuring a cleaner and more organized workspace when grading. We’ve added a new Items Management page accessible from the Gradebook Settings panel. From this page, instructors can configure visibility for a single column selection or in bulk.
Visibility settings apply to all gradebook views for non-student users (instructors, TAs, graders), including the Grade page, Gradable Items page, and Overview page. The student view of any grading-related page is unaffected. If an instructor hides a column from their gradebook, that column continues to appear for students.
Improvements to AI Design Assistant Image Generation
We improved the quality of the images generated by the AI Design Assistant, making them look more realistic. Instructors can generate images faster and the image files require less storage space.
Improvements To AI Design Assistant Outputs
We improved the following auto-generation features of the AI Design Assistant to have faster and more complex outputs.
- Assignments
- Discussions
- Journals
- Test questions
- Learning modules
- AI Conversation avatars
- Keywords for Unsplash
Our latest optimizations continue the work we did in the December 3900.106 release to optimize rubrics.
Blackboard Blog
Blackboard Anthology is producing a corporate blog which will allow a quick grab/copy of screenshots for your change management initiatives. Please visit the link below: https://www.anthology.com/resources/blog.
Should I contact CTL or IT Support?
Blackboard support important update
The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) faculty Blackboard support team now supports technical error messages, course restores, developmental and prep shell requests, and organizational shell requests along with much more in addition to the existing how-to questions, faculty training/workshops and assisting with content creation and development.The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) has been focused on providing relevant and timely support to faculty as we develop courses for remote delivery. With the high number of individual requests for help with Blackboard and related educational technologies, we’ve simplified our contact process.
Please contact facultybbsupport@georgiancollege.ca to receive the fastest, most direct service. We’re committed to replying as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
For Blackboard Ultra training and one-on-one support drop-in session details please visit CTL Central For Faculty.
For further resources, including step-by-step text and video tutorials on a wide range of Ultra features, please visit our knowledge base, HelpJuice.
CTL
- Faculty how-to questions
- Faculty training
- Documentation and support resources
- Assist with content creation and development
- Functionality and troubleshooting
- Developmental and prep course creation and enrolments
- Organization creation and enrolments
- Technical error messages
- Course restores
- Section merge tool
- Course export or archive requests
- Blackboard reporting
IT Support
- Password or login issues (all users)
