A year after the transition to Blackboard Ultra, the hard work in redesigning and streamlining courses is paying off — and the data proves it. This is a story about better learning design, accessibility, and efficiency. Here’s why:
1. Better course design means less clutter, more clarity
During the summer 2024 redesign, academics took the opportunity to review, refine, and recreate their course content — and the results are striking.
- A 42% reduction in course files means less redundant content, fewer outdated resources, and more focused, purposeful learning materials.
- This, together with the use of the course template has created a cleaner, more navigable learning experience for students and a more manageable course environment for academics.
“I have found Blackboard very helpful in the way that it has structured my modules to be easily accessible and navigate” (Student)
2. A big step forward for digital accessibility
Accessibility isn’t just a box-ticking exercise — it’s essential for inclusive, high-quality learning. Your efforts have had a significant impact for 2024-25 Blackboard courses:
- File accessibility scores jumped by nearly 20 points — from 54.8% to 74.7%.
- Overall accessibility, across all content types, rose by 9.7 points.
These improvements are thanks to:
- Cleaning out inaccessible, outdated files.
- Using tools like Blackboard Ally to improve content quality.
- Growing awareness and commitment to digital accessibility.
All students including those with diverse needs now have better access to learning materials, and the flexibility to engage using quality alternative formats that suits their needs and style of learning.
3. Better practice
The text editor in Ultra continues to support high levels of accessible content creation, maintaining an impressive 98.8% accessibility score.
You can see your accessibility score and make changes whilst you are working The use of the text editor that gives you an accessibility score while you are working and the ALLY tool while creating content helps to create inclusive, high-quality learning materials — without the need of advanced technical skills.
Summary: The Ultra difference
| Category | 2023–24 | 2024–25 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Courses | 7.3 K | 7.9 K | +0.6 K |
| Number of Files | 595 K | 350 K | ↓ 42% |
| File Accessibility score | 54.8% | 74.7% | ↑ 19.9 pts |
| Text Editor Accessibility score | 99% | 98.8% | –0.2 pts |
| Overall Accessibility score | 72.9% | 82.6% | ↑ 9.7 pts |
*Notes: Course numbers include RISIS modules, Programmes, Training courses and Practice courses. Files include PDF, Presentation, Word, HTML. Overall Accessibility score combines the file and text editor (aka WYSIWYG) scores. Data is also available by School and Department.
Keep the momentum going
This success story is the result of your thoughtful practice, commitment to quality, and willingness to embrace new tools and approaches. The features in Blackboard Ultra will support us in maintaining and building on this good practice throughout 2025–26.
Sustaining good practice in Blackboard Ultra
While following the Blackboard Course Rollover process this summer:
- Be Intentional with Content
- Review materials before uploading — only include what’s relevant.
- Avoid duplicating versions of files — replace or update as needed.
- Use the university course template to create clear, structured navigation.
- Use Ultra documents to combine text, media, and files into one accessible, structured course page for students.
- Use consistent naming and formatting throughout the course.
- Build-in Accessibility
- Check file accessibility using Blackboard Ally.
- Use Ultra’s built-in text editor to create accessible content.
- Add alternative text to images.
- Reuse and Refine — Don’t Just Copy
- Reflect on what worked and what didn’t before reusing content.
- Avoid bulk-copying entire sections — selectively reuse useful content.
- Consider online activities to encourage Engagement
- Include interactive elements like discussions, quizzes, and journals.
- Join our TEL staff development sessions.