General FAQ

Georgian is embarking on a 16-month project to upgrade its LMS to Blackboard Ultra. A modern, intuitive, accessible learning management system (LMS) supports effective pedagogy and is an essential tool for delivering quality programs and supporting student success.

Ultra is Blackboard’s most current learning management system (LMS), providing a mobile-friendly, accessible, and intuitive LMS experience for students. It has two components, Ultra Base Navigation, which Georgian enabled at the beginning of January 2022, and Ultra Learn Course View. Over the next 24 months, Georgian will transition courses from the Blackboard Original format to Ultra Course View.

In consultation with faculty, Georgian periodically scans the education environment and assesses the benefits of emerging technologies. Although every LMS has its strengths and challenges, the decision to move to Blackboard Ultra was based on features, functionality, familiarity, ease of implementation, support and cost. Blackboard has a strong reputation and serves approximately 40% of the postsecondary market worldwide.

The move to Ultra is an opportunity to improve the student experience, engagement and retention. Ultra is a superior product, built on next generation software, providing a streamlined look and feel with new and powerful tools for students and faculty. Its mobile-first approach means a better browsing experience on smaller screens like phones and tablets. The visual design allows greater adherence to accessibility guidelines and the consistent layout makes it easier for students to find and engage in content across all of their courses. For faculty, Ultra represents an improved workflow for how course material is structured, designed and maintained.

Eventually, software needs to be upgraded. Georgian is lagging behind other colleges and risks having our current system become obsolete. Under our Digital Innovation Strategy, Georgian’s Board of Governors made a commitment to invest in this upgrade. Students are asking for a more consistent, easy-to-navigate and mobile-friendly LMS that allows them to feel connected to their learning. As we expand our flexible delivery offerings, having a high-functioning LMS becomes an extension of the learning environment and an essential tool for effective pedagogy.

In addition to providing students with a modern, intuitive LMS experience, Ultra offers many features that support effective pedagogy. The streamlined look-and-feel allows students to navigate their courses with ease. Knowing where to find similar content from course-to-course reduces stress and allows students to focus on their learning. Empowering students with a cleaner LMS means fewer unnecessary questions directed at faculty. The platform enables accessibility with the addition of tools such as screen readers, audio, braille access, etc.