Reminder: Course Removal Starts for Spring and Summer 2024 Courses
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With the move to a SaaS model of Blackboard, the College gained more room to store Blackboard courses. However, this storage, while larger than before, isn't unlimited and in order to stay within our storage limits, we will need to resume the process of removing old courses from Blackboard.
Going forward, we will only be storing seven terms of courses and will be removing courses at the end of each term to stay within this limit (don't worry, we'll always let you know when this will be happening). We are currently planning to remove the following from Blackboard:
- All Blackboard course shells from FALL 21 to SPRING 23
- Old/Unused zDev shells
This cleanup will happen between the Spring and Summer terms starting May 25th. If you would like to see if you have any courses that will be removed, we have created a term in Blackboard called "To Be Removed." Sort your course list by this term. If you cannot see this term as an option, you have no courses slated for removal.
If you DO have courses that will be removed and would like to preserve them, you can export your course content.
Once exported, you can use this file to copy content into a new course or zdev shell or simply store it for your personal records.
If you have any questions or need assistance with this process, please let us know! |
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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.
- 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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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. |
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.
- May 13 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom
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COD Accessibility Consultant Sessions
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COD has partnered with an external accessibility consultant to provide multiple digital accessibility training sessions for all faculty and staff. You can choose from:
Creating Accessible PDFs
Learn how to make sure that the PDF documents you use or create meet basic accessibility requirements, and learn about alternatives to PDFs. (Faculty - PDH eligible)
Accessible Graphics
The content is valuable for staff and faculty who create digital art, data visualizations or other graphical materials as part of their work. Although each session is designed specifically for STEM (math, science, and engineering), employees outside of STEM could also find this training beneficial. (Faculty - PDH eligible)
Digital Accessibility - Drop-in Q&A Sessions
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OLC Member Benefits: You Have Access!
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Did you know that the College of DuPage is a member of the Online Learning Consortium (OLC)? That means that all of our faculty and staff enjoy access to all OLC member benefits and resources. This includes things like discounts on OLC events, free webinars, course design support resources, member only publications, and more!
You can also access these resources:
Please let us know if you have any questions about our OLC membership! |
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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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