Campus LX Transformation Initiative

The Campus LX Transformation Initiative, launched by BU Virtual and the Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning in partnership with academic leaders, faculty, and Information Services & Technology (IS&T), is advancing Boston University’s digital learning ecosystem.

By establishing a shared digital foundation for teaching and learning—including the successful implementation of a modern learning management system—the initiative is creating more consistent, accessible, and engaging learning experiences for students while equipping faculty with innovative tools and support.

Campus LX continues to evolve through ongoing enhancements that strengthen teaching and learning excellence and academic innovation across the university.

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.

Overhead view of four people working together at a table with a laptop, tablet, notebooks, and papers.

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.

Learn More
Two women smiling and collaborating in an office. One in a light blazer, the other in glasses and a brown jacket. Both are looking at a tablet. Bright atmosphere.

Key Features

Course Management

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

Smiling young woman holds a smartphone and yellow folder, wearing a denim jacket and backpack. Background shows blurred city buildings and trees.

Accessibility

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

Smiling person wearing glasses and a mustard shirt using sign language during a video call on a laptop in a bright, cozy room.

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.