Ultra Release Notes:

February release notes - 3900.110 - February 6th

• Change folders to learning modules/learning modules to folders
• Files uploaded retain their original formatting and characteristics
• Images can be uploaded to Documents via the new image block
• Access codes for assignments are now masked
• Avatars and timestamps in discussion replies are adjusted
• Activity-level groups are now course-level
• Excluded grading attempts are removed from the Needs Grading workflow and gradebook calculations
• Improvements to grading interface and improved accuracy when uploaded grades and feedback

January release notes – 3900.108 – January 9th

• Course Access from Course Settings in top right corner – Open, Close, Complete – no longer in Details & Actions
• AI Design assistant – faster and more complex
• AI Generated images – more realistic
• Content Blocks – block no longer closes when collapsing menu in editor
• File Uploads – default is View and Download, also Undo and Redo available
• Release Conditions – added Attempt Submitted in Performance
• Achievements tab – available for instructors
• Mastery tab – instructors can change availability
• Show/Hide Gradebook columns – Items Management page in Gradebook settings, configure for one or all
• Automatic Zeros – default is off in New Courses.
• Direct Gradebook entry from Grid view or Submissions – previously these were stored as overrides, now mapped to attempt or submission

December release notes – 3900.106 – December 5th

• AI Design Assistant – rubric generation improvements
• Grading Assignments
• AI Conversations – Role Play & Socratic
• Saving Groups – 80-90% quicker
• AI Rubric creation – more complex outputs
• Communication & Collaboration – added “New” indicator that displays nest to posts and replies user has not yet accessed
• Link to Attempt Log – users may go to attempt log for any test or assignment by selecting Attempt Log
• Flexible Grading – updated wording from – “submitted late <date>” to “Submitted <date>”
• Grade Override – added Override indicator in Grades & Participation screen for Discussions

For a complete overview of previous and upcoming changes, please refer to the official Blackboard Update release notes.