Blackboard Learning Management System

The upgrade to Blackboard Ultra is part of the Campus LX Initiative. Please visit our landing page to learn more about this initiative.

Blackboard is BU’s learning management system (LMS) and a central hub for teaching and learning. Faculty can use Blackboard to organize course content, communicate with students, manage assignments and assessments, provide feedback, and support engaging learning experiences. Explore resources and guidance to help you make the most of Blackboard in your teaching.

Blackboard Ultra Gradebook Update

Starting on August 7th 2026, the Gradebook in Blackboard is getting a new look and feel. Learn more about the changes to the gradebook, browse the 7 instructional videos, and sign up for Blackboard gradebook trainings.

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Why Use Ultra?

Benefits to You

Ultra’s new design streamlines the course creation process, making it easier than ever to build your ideal learning experience.

Features:

- Modern, streamlined design

- Simplified navigation

- Learning analytics

- AI tools

- And more!

A group of adults sit around a table in a well-lit classroom. They are engaged in a collaborative discussion, with one facilitator standing and listening.

Benefits to Your Students

Ultra’s user-friendly and consistent design allows students to have a simple, intuitive, and digitally supported experience.

Features:

- Mobile-friendly interface

- Accessibility options

- Progress tracking

- Knowledge checks

- And more!

Ultra adheres to the latest accessibility standards and includes built-in tools like Ally, ensuring all students can fully engage with course materials.

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Easy to Use

“Switching from Blackboard Original to Ultra has demystified the aspects of course building that often felt cumbersome and complex. I’m now empowered to create and make changes independently with more confidence and ease.”

Bronwyn Keefe. Assistant Dean. Research Assistant Professor. School of Social Work

Empowers Teaching

"Ultra is an important step towards faculty becoming more self-reliant, creative, and savvy in making greater use of asynchronous components of their classes.  It will now be possible to encourage more fully online and blended courses and programs, and allow faculty to be much more imaginative in how they teach."

Jay Halfond, Professor of the Practice Emeritus, Metropolitan College

Blackboard Ultra vs. Original: What's the Difference?

This page explores the key differences between Blackboard Original and Ultra to help you understand the new and improved design and features available in Ultra.

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Key Features

Course Management

Blackboard Ultra offers convenient course design features for faculty as well as flexible course appearance features for students.

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Accessibility

Blackboard Ultra’s accessibility features are designed to support diverse learners by removing barriers that can impede engagement and comprehension.

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AI Design Assistant

Blackboard’s Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered tools are designed to enhance teaching and learning with meaningful educational value.

A person holds a glowing digital sphere featuring an AI icon, surrounded by graphics of a lock, chat bubble, cityscape, and more, symbolizing technology and innovation.

Technology Integration

Educational technology integrations are software add-ons in Ultra that offer additional course functionality for faculty and enhanced engagement and interactivity for students.

Dark classroom with a person pointing at a large screen displaying code. Students at desks focus on screens, creating a focused, tech-driven atmosphere.