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Submit Your Requests for SU26 Term Blackboard Integrations
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It's that time again! If you have a Blackboard integration request for a summer course, we need it by March 16th in order to have time to implement and test it before the Summer Term. If you're thinking, "Ok, great to know but what IS an integration?" or "How do I know if this applies to me?" you're certainly not alone. A Blackboard integration is any content or tool that is created outside of the Blackboard environment (usually by a third-party vendor) but that is accessed and used within Blackboard itself. For many, if not most of you, that will mean publisher content, like that from Pearson or Cengage. However, integrations can also be things that extend the functionality of Blackboard but that exist separately from it, like YuJa. Essentially, if a tool you use is not a part of the main structure of Blackboard Learn itself, it's probably an integration. Fairly straightforward, right? But adding to the confusion around integration requests, you also only need to submit a request if the tool is new to Blackboard here at COD. If you've already been using an integration, you do not need to submit an additional request to continue doing so. See the See the complete list of existing integrations. Still not sure if this applies to you? Send us an email (learningtech@cod.edu) and we can help you determine whether or not you need to submit a request or if an integration is potentially available for a tool you're currently using. Or if you know what you need, you can use the form below to send us your request!
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All Courses Now in Blackboard Ultra
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College of DuPage has completed transitioning to the Ultra version of Blackboard. All courses for the Spring 2026 term now appear in Ultra.
If you have not yet set up your courses for the Ultra Course View, please review the asynchronous training resources below. These can help you get started and understand the basics. You can also sign up for our upcoming Zoom training. If you prefer in-person, we will be staffing support labs for any questions or individual concerns you may have about your courses.
We kindly request that you take advantage of these learning opportunities and start setting up your courses BEFORE making an appointment with Learning Technologies.
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Ultra Asynchronous Training
If you want to learn about Ultra but can't make it to one of our trainings you can register for one of our asynchronous online courses and learn at your own pace.
You can choose from a PDH option or one that offers the same information without the PDH component.
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Blackboard Ultra Open Lab
LT Open Labs are ready for all your Ultra questions. During the Spring 2026 Term, labs will be in SRC 3007 on:
- Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For Ultra questions outside of lab hours, we prefer you make an appointment by emailing learningtech@cod.edu.
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Ultra Training for Spring 2026
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We're here to help you learn all about Ultra this term! Sign up now for one of our upcoming training sessions:
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Blackboard Ultra: Converting Your Course
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A guided walkthrough on how to transition your content from Original Course View to Ultra Course view and how to add new content from other sources.
- April 29 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom
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Blackboard Ultra: Gradebook
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Covers an overview of the Ultra Gradebook and how to set up your Gradebook to ensure that you and your students have a successful term.
- March 18 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom
- May 15 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom
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Blackboard Ultra: Building a Course in Ultra
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A guided walkthrough on how to build a course optimized for the Ultra experience. Learn how to build an outline, add content and assessments, and even copy items from Original courses.
- May 5 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom
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Blackboard Ultra: Creating Tests and Assignments
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Learn how to build tests and assignments in Ultra. We will discuss the benefits of using tests and assignments for online submissions in Blackboard and learn how to create your own test or assignment manually or using the AI tool.
- April 15 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom
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Level Up Your Accessibility This Term
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There's no better time to learn how to improve the accessibility of your courses!
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On Demand: Blackboard Ally Course Accessibility Report Training
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Learn more about the Ally Accessibility Report! You can choose from two versions-- one offers PDH (perfect for faculty looking for PDH hours) and one doesn't. Information and registration information can be found below.
This training introduces faculty to practical methods for identifying, resolving, and prioritizing accessibility issues in their course materials using Blackboard Ally. It highlights common barriers for students, quick wins, and strategies for utilizing the Course Accessibility Report, empowering instructors to make steady, meaningful progress on accessibility without becoming overwhelmed.
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Introduction to Blackboard Ally
This training introduces faculty to practical methods for identifying, resolving, and prioritizing accessibility issues in their course materials using Blackboard Ally. It highlights common barriers for students, quick wins, and strategies for utilizing the Course Accessibility Report, empowering instructors to make steady, meaningful progress on accessibility without becoming overwhelmed.
- April 7 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom
- May 13 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom
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Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
This training introduces Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework that helps educators create inclusive learning environments by offering multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression.
Faculty and staff will explore how UDL principles can be applied to course design, teaching methods, and assessment strategies to accommodate diverse student needs.
- March 27 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom
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Introduction to Evaluating Websites for Accessibility
This training introduces faculty and staff to the essential skills needed to evaluate and improve the accessibility of websites and online resources used in higher education.
Participants will learn how to assess their websites for compliance with accessibility standards, such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), and identify common barriers that may prevent users with disabilities from navigating content effectively.
- May 1 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom
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Register Now: Spring Break Accessibility Sessions
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Use your spring break to learn more about accessibility! Learning Technologies is offering two upcoming sessions on accessibility topics. Learn more and register below:
Creating and Remediating Accessible Blackboard Content
April 2 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom
This practical 90-minute workshop combines an introduction to Blackboard Ally with hands-on strategies for creating and improving accessible content in the Ultra course experience. You’ll learn how to interpret Ally’s feedback, prioritize quick wins, and apply those insights while building or updating reused course items. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and examples so we can focus on the workflows that matter most in your courses.
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Accessibility Fundamentals: Alt Text 101
April 1 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom
This hands-on workshop demystifies alt text and helps you decide what information an image needs to convey for a learner who can’t see it. We’ll practice writing alt text for common teaching visuals, discuss when to mark images as decorative, and introduce strategies for charts, graphs, and other complex images that require more than a short description. Bring a few examples from your materials to help guide the practice scenarios.
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Register for Spring 2026 Foundations
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Spring sessions for Foundations of Online Teaching are now open for registration! Part 1 has already started but you can still register for Part 2!
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Foundations of Online Teaching Part 2
April 6, 2026 to May 10, 2026
This five-week, hybrid course is designed to build on the skills that were developed in Foundations of Online Teaching Part 1 but can also be taken if you would like to enhance a course you have already developed.
Using the OSCQR Rubric, participants will develop their entire course structure and complete at least two units of work. This course will tackle more advanced topics regarding content development and assessment building.
This hybrid course is highly participatory in nature, combining practical hands-on learning with engaged discussion and meet twice on Zoom on Thursday at 6pm of weeks 2 and 4.
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Make an Appointment with LT
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Need a little extra help with structuring your courses? Have specific questions about Blackboard? Looking to make your courses more accessible? We have support for that! Visit our appointments site to book a 30-minute session (either virtual via Teams or in-person) with one of our team members.
Not sure who you need to meet with? You'll find an explanation of what each type of support covers so you can choose what's right for your needs. If you're still not sure, please email us at learningtech@cod.edu and we'll route you to the right person.
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New Posts on the LT Blog!
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Christine Monnier is back to blogging for LT! Check out her latest posts (most recent at the bottom, newest are bolded):
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Contact Learning Technologies
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