Blackboard Ultra FAQs

Why IS CSU moving to Blackboard Ultra?

Blackboard Ultra is a modern, streamlined version with an improved, more intuitive, and user-friendly interface designed to enhance the online learning experience for both students and instructors. Blackboard Ultra has been in development since 2016 and in 2023 we found that it was capable of replacing Original. In consultation with Academic Administration, we developed the conversion timeline we are currently following.

Why are we moving to Blackboard Ultra now?

We announced the plan to transition to Blackboard Ultra in 2023 with a three-year time line. We have been working with stakeholders at all levels to provide training and support for the conversion process since that time. In this time period, Blackboard also announced the upcoming end-of-life of Original.

What happens to Blackboard Original courses after Fall 2025?

Existing Blackboard Original courses can still be accessed and modified until January, 2027. Beginning January, 2027, all Blackboard Original courses will become read-only. You will still be able to copy content into an Ultra course and access student submissions. However, course content will no longer be able to be modified in the Original shell. Beginning January, 2028, all Blackboard Original courses will be automatically converted to Blackboard Ultra courses.

Will we be able to request a restore of a Blackboard Original course once Blackboard Original is end of life in 2027?

Yes. For the foreseeable future, we will be able to restore previously taught Original courses in our environment. Once the time comes where AWS no longer supports Blackboard Original courses, Blackboard has developed a "black box" environment for us to restore content on their servers. Details will be forthcoming once we have a better understanding of this process.

When is the last semester we can still teach in Blackboard Original?

Fall 2025. Beginning Spring 2026, all new courses will be in Blackboard Ultra.

Is there an End of Life for Blackboard Original?

Yes. Blackboard Original will reach end of life in 2027.

Why is Blackboard Original being marked end of life?

The code base for Blackboard Original dates back to the late 90s. There are security vulnerabilities that are increasingly more difficult to mitigate. AWS (Blackboard's hosting partner) has stated that they need to fix the code, but it is not feasible to do so. With Blackboard Ultra fully deployed to a large majority of their clients, Blackboard has made the decision to focus all of their future development on that product.

How do I learn more about Ultra?

Start with CSU Online's resources found here: https://www.csuohio.edu/center-for-elearning/blackboard-learn-ultra

Can I convert my Original course to Ultra?

We have information about the conversion process for instructors here: https://www.csuohio.edu/center-for-elearning/moving-your-learn-original-course-learn-ultra

Pending staff availability, faculty can request that CSU Online staff perform the conversion via the following form: https://www.csuohio.edu/center-for-elearning/blackboard-learn-ultra-request-form?check_logged_in=1

Is there Ultra training available?

You can access our upcoming and recorded Ultra training resources here: https://www.csuohio.edu/center-for-elearning/training