Engineering Professional Development - Department Resources Knowledgebase

Blackboard Ultra (Bb Ultra) is the default web conferencing tool for online courses offered through Engineering Professional Development (EPD) online graduate programs and courses.  Unlike it's older counterpart, Blackboard Collaborate Classic, which was java-based, Blackboard Ultra uses web browser plugins (flash or html5) as the delivery format for virtual classrooms, meetings, and other synchronous events.  Blackboard Ultra works with all web browsers across computing platforms, however Chrome and Firefox are the preferred web browsers that are fully supported.

For information on Blackboard Collaborate Classic (deprecated version, no longer in use), see: Document 42516 is unavailable at this time.

Blackboard Ultra Important Links: 

To access Blackboard Ultra on a mobile device one needs to download and install the Blackboard App first! From your device, access your respective online store using the links below, or search for "Blackboard" app. iTunes App Store for iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad Google Play for Android devices Once the app is installed, click on the Ultra Conference link (usually from your course site) within your mobile web browsers to launch into the Blackboard app.  For complete instructions read the KB page directions for accessing Blackboard Ultra on your mobile device.

Blackboard Ultra Feature Highlights:  

• Built-in VoIP audio & hi-def video
• Dynamic adjustments according to bandwidth and network access
• Ability to record sessions
• How to find and filter web conference recordings
• Ability to manage and promote participants
• Teleconferencing (Telephony)
• A basic whiteboard and other collaborative tools
• Ability to share content including documents (pdf, images, ppt), application/screen sharing, and collaborative whiteboard
• Accessibility Features

• Blackboard Ultra provides access through three different roles. Depending on the particular setup of the web conference room, you may access a particular BbC Ultra web conference room as one of three possible roles; 1) Participant, 2) Presenter, or 3) Moderator.  The setup depends on the instructor preference for the course.