What's New in Ultra: TILT'Ed Castos https://bbultra.fhsu.edu/whats-new-in-ultra-tilted-edition/ What’s New in Ultra: TILT’ed is your monthly guide to the latest updates and features in Blackboard Ultra, hosted by Thomas Mathews Horne and Danielle Reilley from Fort Hays State University’s Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) team. Each episode breaks down the newest release highlights in clear, practical terms—showing how small changes can make a big impact on teaching, learning, and course design. From gradebook improvements and communication tools to AI features and accessibility updates, Thomas and Dani help faculty stay informed, save time, and make the most of Ultra’s evolving capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned online instructor or just getting started, this podcast keeps you connected to what’s new, what’s next, and what works in digital teaching. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:09:18 +0000 en © 2025 https://episodes.castos.com/6116aed374f820-56163100/images/TILTed-What-s-New-in-Ultra.png What's New in Ultra: TILT'Ed https://bbultra.fhsu.edu/whats-new-in-ultra-tilted-edition/ What’s New in Ultra: TILT’ed is your monthly guide to the latest updates and features in Blackboard Ultra, hosted by Thomas Mathews Horne and Danielle Reilley from Fort Hays State University’s Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) team. Each episode breaks down the newest release highlights in clear, practical terms—showing how small changes can make a big impact on teaching, learning, and course design. From gradebook improvements and communication tools to AI features and accessibility updates, Thomas and Dani help faculty stay informed, save time, and make the most of Ultra’s evolving capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned online instructor or just getting started, this podcast keeps you connected to what’s new, what’s next, and what works in digital teaching. Dani Reilley episodic What’s New in Ultra: TILT’ed is your monthly guide to the latest updates and features in Blackboard Ultra, hosted by Thomas Mathews Horne and Danielle Reilley from Fort Hays State University’s Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) team. Each episode breaks down the newest release highlights in clear, practical terms—showing how small changes can make a big impact on teaching, learning, and course design. From gradebook improvements and communication tools to AI features and accessibility updates, Thomas and Dani help faculty stay informed, save time, and make the most of Ultra’s evolving capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned online instructor or just getting started, this podcast keeps you connected to what’s new, what’s next, and what works in digital teaching. Dani Reilley drreilley@fhsu.edu false https://feeds.castos.com/8qkpr yes <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILTed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 12]]> Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:09:18 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2415787 In this episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, Dani and Thomas break down the April 2026 Blackboard Ultra updates, highlighting improvements designed to simplify workflows and enhance usability. From clearer discussion due date visibility and AI conversation message limits to streamlined assignment submission options and more flexible group grading, this release focuses on real instructor and student needs. They also explore accessibility-focused updates like video playback controls, improved discussion analysis labeling, and better announcement email previews. Tune in to see how these thoughtful enhancements can improve your course design and teaching experience.

]]> false In this episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, Dani and Thomas break down the April 2026 Blackboard Ultra updates, highlighting improvements designed to simplify workflows and enhance usability. From clearer discussion due date visibility and AI conversation message limits to streamlined assignment submission options and more flexible group grading, this release focuses on real instructor and student needs. They also explore accessibility-focused updates like video playback controls, improved discussion analysis labeling, and better announcement email previews. Tune in to see how these thoughtful enhancements can improve your course design and teaching experience.

]]> 00:10:08 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 11]]> Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2384816 In this episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, we highlight the March 2026 Blackboard Ultra release (version 4000.10). Learn about improved Course Message threading, larger SafeAssign file uploads, flexible discussion participation requirements, and updates to assessment tools like partial credit and anonymous grading. We also explore new AI-generated Knowledge Checks that help embed comprehension checks directly into course documents.

]]> false In this episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, we highlight the March 2026 Blackboard Ultra release (version 4000.10). Learn about improved Course Message threading, larger SafeAssign file uploads, flexible discussion participation requirements, and updates to assessment tools like partial credit and anonymous grading. We also explore new AI-generated Knowledge Checks that help embed comprehension checks directly into course documents.

]]> 00:09:03 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - Special Accessibility Edition - Part 1]]> Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2384837 In this special edition of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, we begin a two-part conversation about digital accessibility and the upcoming April 24, 2026 compliance deadline. In Part 1, we discuss what the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standard is, why the difference between accessibility and accommodations matters, and what the new Department of Justice regulations under Title II of the ADA mean for course content delivered online. This episode focuses on understanding the expectations, the legal context, and how FHSU is approaching accessibility in a strategic and manageable way. Part 2 will explore how to use Blackboard Ally to review course accessibility and prioritize improvements.

]]> false In this special edition of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, we begin a two-part conversation about digital accessibility and the upcoming April 24, 2026 compliance deadline. In Part 1, we discuss what the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standard is, why the difference between accessibility and accommodations matters, and what the new Department of Justice regulations under Title II of the ADA mean for course content delivered online. This episode focuses on understanding the expectations, the legal context, and how FHSU is approaching accessibility in a strategic and manageable way. Part 2 will explore how to use Blackboard Ally to review course accessibility and prioritize improvements.

]]> 00:09:45 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - Special Accessibility Edition Part 2]]> Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2384869 In Part 2 of this special accessibility series of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, we focus on practical steps faculty can take to improve course accessibility before the upcoming course-copy cycle. This episode explores how to use Blackboard Ally to review your Course Accessibility Report, prioritize fixes, and address common issues such as missing alt text, inaccessible documents, and video captions. We also discuss realistic strategies for remediation and highlight resources and workshops available through TILT to support faculty as they work toward WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance.

]]> false In Part 2 of this special accessibility series of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, we focus on practical steps faculty can take to improve course accessibility before the upcoming course-copy cycle. This episode explores how to use Blackboard Ally to review your Course Accessibility Report, prioritize fixes, and address common issues such as missing alt text, inaccessible documents, and video captions. We also discuss realistic strategies for remediation and highlight resources and workshops available through TILT to support faculty as they work toward WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance.

]]> 00:12:07 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILTed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 10]]> Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2347580 In this episode, we break down the February 2026 Blackboard Ultra release (version 4000.8), featuring two thoughtful updates designed to reduce friction for instructors. We explore smarter automations that can automatically remind students to review unread feedback—helping close the feedback loop without extra manual follow-up—and new Document layout enhancements that allow blocks to be stacked vertically for cleaner, more flexible, and mobile-friendly course content. We also share updates on the launch of the new TigerLearn.FHSU.edu resource hub and where to find continued support, ideas, and community inspiration. Whether you’re focused on efficiency, design, or student engagement, this release brings practical improvements you can use right away.

]]> false In this episode, we break down the February 2026 Blackboard Ultra release (version 4000.8), featuring two thoughtful updates designed to reduce friction for instructors. We explore smarter automations that can automatically remind students to review unread feedback—helping close the feedback loop without extra manual follow-up—and new Document layout enhancements that allow blocks to be stacked vertically for cleaner, more flexible, and mobile-friendly course content. We also share updates on the launch of the new TigerLearn.FHSU.edu resource hub and where to find continued support, ideas, and community inspiration. Whether you’re focused on efficiency, design, or student engagement, this release brings practical improvements you can use right away.

]]> 00:07:11 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 9]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:07:40 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2317298 In this episode, Dani Reilley and Thomas Mathews Horne kick off 2026 with a deep dive into Blackboard Ultra’s 4000.6 release, featuring a completely refreshed user interface. Learn how the new full-screen course experience, redesigned navigation, and improved accessibility aim to reduce friction and make everyday workflows more intuitive for instructors, students, and administrators. The episode also covers document layout improvements, enhanced test and assignment options, gradebook refinements, and new automation activity logs. Tune in for a practical overview of how these updates focus on polish, usability, and a smoother teaching and learning experience in Ultra.

]]> false In this episode, Dani Reilley and Thomas Mathews Horne kick off 2026 with a deep dive into Blackboard Ultra’s 4000.6 release, featuring a completely refreshed user interface. Learn how the new full-screen course experience, redesigned navigation, and improved accessibility aim to reduce friction and make everyday workflows more intuitive for instructors, students, and administrators. The episode also covers document layout improvements, enhanced test and assignment options, gradebook refinements, and new automation activity logs. Tune in for a practical overview of how these updates focus on polish, usability, and a smoother teaching and learning experience in Ultra.

]]> 00:09:00 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 8]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2025 22:57:34 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2279379 In this month’s episode, Thomas and Dani walk through Blackboard Ultra’s December 2025 release—version 4000.4—which brings clearer workflows, more instructor control, and thoughtful quality-of-life updates. Highlights include setting release conditions on any content item, adjusting group memberships mid-project, seeing accurate submission counts in the Gradebook, enjoying a consistent tabbed grading interface, setting participation requirements for discussions, managing AI originality reports, improved audio/video feedback playback, an instructor view of the Learning Module table of contents, and enhanced MathJax support. Thomas and Dani agree: this release focuses on flexibility, consistency, and helping instructors guide students through courses more smoothly than ever.

]]> false In this month’s episode, Thomas and Dani walk through Blackboard Ultra’s December 2025 release—version 4000.4—which brings clearer workflows, more instructor control, and thoughtful quality-of-life updates. Highlights include setting release conditions on any content item, adjusting group memberships mid-project, seeing accurate submission counts in the Gradebook, enjoying a consistent tabbed grading interface, setting participation requirements for discussions, managing AI originality reports, improved audio/video feedback playback, an instructor view of the Learning Module table of contents, and enhanced MathJax support. Thomas and Dani agree: this release focuses on flexibility, consistency, and helping instructors guide students through courses more smoothly than ever.

]]> 00:09:34 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 7]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:48:33 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2200131 In this episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, Thomas and Dani celebrate a major milestone with the Blackboard Ultra 4000.1 release. This update focuses on practical, time-saving improvements that make teaching and grading more efficient. Highlights include the long-awaited ability to bulk edit question points in tests, simplified gradebook navigation with consistent “View Submissions” options, the option to include hidden items when downloading the gradebook, and new automated student messaging that helps instructors encourage or support students without extra effort. Each feature addresses real challenges instructors face daily, making Ultra even more intuitive and impactful for teaching and learning.

]]> false In this episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, Thomas and Dani celebrate a major milestone with the Blackboard Ultra 4000.1 release. This update focuses on practical, time-saving improvements that make teaching and grading more efficient. Highlights include the long-awaited ability to bulk edit question points in tests, simplified gradebook navigation with consistent “View Submissions” options, the option to include hidden items when downloading the gradebook, and new automated student messaging that helps instructors encourage or support students without extra effort. Each feature addresses real challenges instructors face daily, making Ultra even more intuitive and impactful for teaching and learning.

]]> 00:08:25 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 6]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2025 21:24:58 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2161153 In this month’s episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, Thomas and Dani dive into the October Blackboard Ultra release (3902.1), packed with thoughtful refinements that make teaching smoother and communication clearer. From the sleek new Course Messages redesign—with chat bubbles and avatars—to consistent Save and Cancel buttons, smarter question tagging, and improved fill-in-the-blank formatting, this update is all about polish and usability. Tune in to hear how these updates enhance both instructor workflow and the student experience.

]]> false In this month’s episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, Thomas and Dani dive into the October Blackboard Ultra release (3902.1), packed with thoughtful refinements that make teaching smoother and communication clearer. From the sleek new Course Messages redesign—with chat bubbles and avatars—to consistent Save and Cancel buttons, smarter question tagging, and improved fill-in-the-blank formatting, this update is all about polish and usability. Tune in to hear how these updates enhance both instructor workflow and the student experience.

]]> 00:06:35 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 5 (September 2025)]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 20:11:33 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2139558 The September 2025 Blackboard Ultra release (3900.125) is one of the most significant updates yet, with improvements spanning instructional design, grading, assessments, communication, and accessibility. In this episode, Thomas Mathews Horne and Danielle Reilley break down the highlights, including:

  • New block styling options for Documents

  • AI-powered feedback features (Summarize & Rewrite)

  • Question management updates and QTI v2.1 export

  • Enhancements for group work and rubrics

  • Accessibility and gradebook improvements

Most features are live now in Ultra courses, with AI tools available at no cost until June 2026. Tune in to learn how these updates can streamline your teaching and improve the student experience.

]]> false The September 2025 Blackboard Ultra release (3900.125) is one of the most significant updates yet, with improvements spanning instructional design, grading, assessments, communication, and accessibility. In this episode, Thomas Mathews Horne and Danielle Reilley break down the highlights, including:

  • New block styling options for Documents

  • AI-powered feedback features (Summarize & Rewrite)

  • Question management updates and QTI v2.1 export

  • Enhancements for group work and rubrics

  • Accessibility and gradebook improvements

Most features are live now in Ultra courses, with AI tools available at no cost until June 2026. Tune in to learn how these updates can streamline your teaching and improve the student experience.

]]> 00:09:41 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 4]]> Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:42:41 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2114137 In this episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, Thomas and Dani break down the August 2025 Blackboard Ultra release (3900.123), featuring new document styling options, Video Studio in Announcements, improved Learning Module navigation, accessibility upgrades with semantic HTML tables, and streamlined course management tools like enhanced LTI handling and group conversions—all designed to make teaching and learning more engaging, accessible, and efficient.

]]> false In this episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, Thomas and Dani break down the August 2025 Blackboard Ultra release (3900.123), featuring new document styling options, Video Studio in Announcements, improved Learning Module navigation, accessibility upgrades with semantic HTML tables, and streamlined course management tools like enhanced LTI handling and group conversions—all designed to make teaching and learning more engaging, accessible, and efficient.

]]> 00:11:40 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 3]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2025 20:27:58 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2089221 In this jam-packed episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, Thomas and Dani break down the feature-rich 3900.121 release in Blackboard Ultra. From time-saving grading enhancements and QTI question imports to long-awaited upgrades like image captions, MathJax support, and retroactive achievements, this release is all about improving workflow and teaching flexibility. Whether you're deep into course design or just trying to keep up with the latest tools, this episode highlights what matters most for instructors.

]]> full false In this jam-packed episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT’Ed, Thomas and Dani break down the feature-rich 3900.121 release in Blackboard Ultra. From time-saving grading enhancements and QTI question imports to long-awaited upgrades like image captions, MathJax support, and retroactive achievements, this release is all about improving workflow and teaching flexibility. Whether you're deep into course design or just trying to keep up with the latest tools, this episode highlights what matters most for instructors.

]]> 00:09:56 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 2 - June 2025]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:26:28 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2064855 In this episode, Dani and Thomas walk through the latest Blackboard Ultra updates from the 3900.118 release. From new jumbled sentence question types (including AI-generated ones!) to improved discussion tracking and streamlined Knowledge Checks, this month’s enhancements are all about smarter assessments, clearer communication, and better mobile usability. Tune in for practical tips and quick takeaways to help you make the most of these new features.

]]> false In this episode, Dani and Thomas walk through the latest Blackboard Ultra updates from the 3900.118 release. From new jumbled sentence question types (including AI-generated ones!) to improved discussion tracking and streamlined Knowledge Checks, this month’s enhancements are all about smarter assessments, clearer communication, and better mobile usability. Tune in for practical tips and quick takeaways to help you make the most of these new features.

]]> 00:08:39 <![CDATA[TILT Talk: TILT'Ed - What's New in Blackboard Ultra Ep. 1]]> Mon, 12 May 2025 16:00:00 +0000 Dani Reilley https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/67683/episode/2038726 In this inaugural May episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT'Ed, Thomas Mathews Horne and Danielle Reilley from the TILT team at Fort Hays State University dive into the latest Blackboard Ultra release (3900.116). Discover how the new AI Design Assistant feature streamlines interactive learning, explore the long-awaited option for qualitative rubrics without points, learn about the new “view submission one time” test setting for secure assessments, and get the scoop on enhanced Learning Object Repository search functionality. Whether you're faculty or support staff, this episode breaks down what’s new and how it can improve your course design workflow.

]]> false In this inaugural May episode of What’s New in Ultra: TILT'Ed, Thomas Mathews Horne and Danielle Reilley from the TILT team at Fort Hays State University dive into the latest Blackboard Ultra release (3900.116). Discover how the new AI Design Assistant feature streamlines interactive learning, explore the long-awaited option for qualitative rubrics without points, learn about the new “view submission one time” test setting for secure assessments, and get the scoop on enhanced Learning Object Repository search functionality. Whether you're faculty or support staff, this episode breaks down what’s new and how it can improve your course design workflow.

]]> 00:10:05