ITSpotlight is designed to keep the campus up to date on ITS activities and services.
Blackboard Ultra Conversion: Your Post-Copy Checklist for a Student-Ready Course
Posted July 8, 2026
by IDLT
As SIUE continues its transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra, many instructors are copying content from Original courses into the Ultra Course View. While most materials transfer smoothly, a quick review can help ensure your course is organized, accessible, and ready for students.
Below is a streamlined post-conversion checklist to help you finalize your course with confidence.
Focus on Course Organization
Ultra is designed for a more streamlined, student-centered experience, so this is a great time to simplify your course structure. If your Original course used multiple layers of folders, consider consolidating content to reduce clicks and improve navigation. A clean, consistent structure helps students stay oriented and supports accessibility across devices.
Check Key Course Elements
After organizing your course, review the core learning components students interact with most. Make sure discussions are visible on the Course Content page and placed within the appropriate module so they align with weekly learning activities. Check your course files to ensure they are set to allow easy viewing and scan your content for formatting issues or outdated instructions. Updating directions to reflect Ultra workflows will reduce confusion and help students engage more effectively with your materials.
Review Gradebook and Dates
Next, confirm that your grading setup is accurate and ready for use. Ultra calculates grades differently than Original, so setting up the Overall Grade column and removing any legacy total columns is essential. Take time to review assignment due dates and ensure they align with your course schedule. Clear, accurate grading and timelines provide transparency and help students manage their workload throughout the term.
Verify Tools and Communication
If your course includes external tools such as YuJa or publisher resources, confirm that all links are still active and properly connected. It’s also helpful to review your announcements, removing outdated messages and updating scheduled posts ensures students receive timely and relevant communication. These quick checks can prevent common issues and create a smoother start to the semester.
Final Step: Open Your Course
Once your content, grading, and communication elements are in place, don’t forget to make your course available to students. Ensuring the course is set to “Open” is the final step before instruction begins.
Quick Tip
If you see Conversion Exceptions, focus only on high-priority items (such as unsupported question types or tools) and reach out for support if needed.
A few targeted updates can transform a copied course into a clear, accessible, and student-friendly Ultra experience.
