As University of St. Thomas rapidly moved to an online learning environment this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic, faculty and staff worked diligently to deliver and learn by new online modalities.

This summer, IT will upgrade Blackboard utilizing Learn Ultra, which will make it simpler, more powerful teaching and learning experience.

Learn Ultra is a modern, intuitive, fully responsive interface that better engages students, eases the burden on educators and clears the path to success.

This upgrade will be a simple change for faculty and students.

“The design and feel on the front end of the system will look new and fresh, while there are no changes to your current course,” Tara Kissel, Learning Experience Designer, said. “We will also offer plenty of training to help make all faculty and students comfortable with the upgrade.”

Training Dates for Faculty

Training for Learn Ultra will be facilitated by Kisell.

She will offer an introduction to Learn Ultra on May 13, May 17 and June 3 from 10 – 11 a.m. through Zoom. Please watch your email for links and meeting information.

If you would like to begin the Learn Ultra journey on your own, please go to https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Instructor/Getting_Started/What_Is_Ultra

Roll out for Students

The roll out of Learn Ultra is also in response to students’ surveys where they asked for a new look and better functionality for online classes.

“Learn Ultra navigation will help create a more modern environment for students while still maintaining the consistency of their current courses,” Kisell said.