As of Summer 2024, all courses at Fairfield University will be using the Blackboard Ultra Course View. This may be a new interface for you, or you may have used it previously if you took a course or taught as an “Early Adopter.”
What to Expect
Both instructors and students will experience a smoother learning experience with Blackboard Ultra. While instructors may need some initial time to adjust to organizing content in the new interface, the login process remains the same. Inside your courses, you'll find simpler navigation, fewer clicks to access materials, and a mobile app that offers a seamless learning experience on the go.
Why the Move to Ultra?
Blackboard Ultra represents a modern, responsive, and accessible learning environment. It offers several advantages:
Simpler navigation: Fewer clicks to find what you need
Improved accessibility based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
Seamless transition between browser and mobile app
The Original Course View, while functional, can be cumbersome to navigate, and excessive customization can be distracting or pose accessibility challenges. Ultra is constantly evolving based on feedback from students and faculty worldwide, including our Fairfield community.
Getting Support
ITS remains at your service! Our Academic Computing team, dedicated to supporting academic technology like Blackboard, is here to help. You can reach them by email at academiccomputing@fairfield.edu . We encourage you to share your experience or ask any questions you have about the transition or Blackboard in general.
For more information on how to use the new course view, visit our resources:
We look forward to a smooth transition to Ultra and a successful summer session!