Introduction

This page explains how to find, open, complete, and track course content in Blackboard Ultra. Most courses organize weekly readings, videos, assignments, discussions, quizzes, and other learning materials inside Course Modules or content folders. Understanding how these areas work is essential because this is where students often miss important instructions, overlook required items, or believe they are finished when they still have remaining work to complete.

Difference Between Course Modules and Course Materials

By definition, a module is an independent unit that can be used to construct a more complex structure. Depending on Instructor preference,  your course will have individual units designed to interconnect and construct the larger scope of the Course Title. For example, if you were taking a course on Structural Oppression and Its Implications for Social Work Practice which is one of our Foundation Courses, you will see the course broken down into modules.

Course Materials is a broader term. It may refer to any files, readings, links, handouts, PowerPoints, PDFs, videos, or resources used in the course. These materials may appear inside modules, folders, the syllabus, Course Links, Library Reserves, or other areas of the course. 

Note: The important thing to remember is that every instructor organizes their course differently. Do not rely on one course’s layout to understand another course. Always review the course menu, weekly modules, syllabus, announcements, and instructor directions.

Sample Course Module for 610: Structural Oppression and Implications for Social Work Practice. 

How to Open and Move Through a Module

1. Select the weekly module or content folder.

2. Read the module overview or introduction first. This section usually explains what you are expected to learn and complete.

3. Open each item in order. Do not skip items unless your instructor specifically says they are optional.

4. Watch for required tasks such as readings, videos, discussion posts, quizzes, assignments, or reflections.

5. Use the back button, close button, breadcrumb navigation, or course content panel to return to the module after opening an item.

6. Continue until every required item in the module has been reviewed or completed.

Understanding Blackboard Ultra Icons

Blackboard Ultra uses different icons and visual indicators to show different types of content. These may include:

Note: Always pay attention to these icons. They are not decoration. They help you understand what type of item you are opening and whether action is required.

Progress Tracking in Blackboard Ultra

Progress tracking helps you see what you have opened, started, or completed in the course. Depending on your instructor’s settings, Blackboard Ultra may show progress indicators next to modules and individual content items.

• A blank or empty circle may mean you have not opened the item.

• A checkmark may mean the item is complete.

• A partially filled circle may mean the item is in progress.

Some items may be marked complete automatically after you open them. Other items may require you to manually mark them as complete. To manually mark an item as complete, by selecting the circle. If you want to review the item again, you can go back and unmark the item by selecting the circle again. Journals and discussions must be manually marked as complete if they are not part of a sequence in a learning module.

Progress tracking is helpful, but it is not a replacement for reading directions carefully. A module may appear mostly complete even though you still need to submit an assignment, post in a discussion, complete a quiz, or review a linked resource.

Blackboard Ally: Alternative Formats for Accessibility

Blackboard Ally provides alternative formats for many course files. These formats may help you access course materials in a way that works better for your needs.

Alternative formats may include:

• Tagged PDF

• HTML

• ePub

• Electronic Braille

• Audio

• BeeLine Reader

• Immersive Reader

To access alternative formats, select the Alternative Formats icon next to supported content. Choose the format you want, then select Download.

Alternative formats are useful if you want to listen to content, read on a mobile device, improve accessibility, or use a format that works better with assistive technology.

Course Links and Helpful Links

Some courses include a Course Links, Other Links, or Helpful Links section. This area may contain important resources that are not inside the weekly modules.

These links may include the syllabus, library resources, writing support, technology help, Zoom links, external readings, or instructor-selected websites.

If you cannot find something in the weekly module, check the course links area before assuming the item is missing.Open one course file and check whether Blackboard Ally alternative formats are available

Library Reserves

Your instructor may have readings for you in HS/HSL Course Reserves. These are accessed after you first log in to Blackboard (on the Institution page) near the bottom under Helpful Links. Here is a direct link to Course Reserves (which requires a UMID login to access). 

Reserves may not show up until after the first day or week of classes, as the library adds these on a first-come-first-served basis, and are often very busy processing these right up until classes start. 

Common Student Mistakes

• Many students lose points because they open the module but do not open every item inside it.

• Some students complete the assignment but forget the required discussion.

• Some students read the overview but miss the quiz at the bottom of the module.

• Some students assume a locked item is broken when it may be restricted by date, completion rule, group membership, or instructor settings.

• Some students overlook Course Links, Library Reserves, or external tool links.

• Some students rely only on the mobile app and miss important course content or formatting.

• Some students do not check progress indicators and assume they are finished too early.

To avoid these problems, move slowly through each module, open every item, read all instructions, and check your grades and progress regularly.

Page Summary

On this page, you learned how Blackboard Ultra courses organize content through modules, folders, course materials, links, Library Reserves, and external tools. You also learned how to move through weekly modules, recognize common Blackboard icons, use alternative formats through Blackboard Ally, and understand progress tracking. The most important habit is to review each module from top to bottom and confirm that every required item has been opened, completed, submitted, or marked complete as needed.