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Blackboard Learn Ultra Adds AI-Powered Course-Builder, Progress Tracking

Blackboard Learn Ultra is gaining new AI capabilities, as well as a host of other new features. The AI features will be rolled into production in September, with testing for Blackboard Learn Ultra clients in August.

According to parent company Anthology, the new features include Accessibility Checker, Holistic Student Overview, Progress Tracking, and an AI-powered Course Builder.

The AI-powered Course Builder is an opt-in feature that's designed to give educators control of their courses while offering suggestions for course structure, images, test questions, and grading rubrics.

"Traditionally, the LMS has been a static environment, focused on the management of the learning process," said JD White, chief product officer at Anthology, in a prepared statement. "With these new AI-powered features, we are fundamentally changing the equation by providing an experience that can deeply inspire in the pedagogical process. It means instructors can build more engaging courses more quickly."

Aside from Course Builder, other new features include:

  • Accessibility Checker powered by Anthology Ally, which reviews course materials and flags them for accessibility issues;

  • Progress Tracking, which provides "granular insight into how a learner is performing, engaging, and progressing in a course, empowering instructors to better understand student engagement and quickly recognize and reach out to any learner needing help"; and

  • Holistic Student Overview, which is designed to provide a broad picture of a student's overall performance.

Accessibility Checker, Progress Tracking, and Holistic Student Overview are available now to Learn Ultra clients around the world.

Further details can be found at blackboard.com/learnultra.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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