Overview
Ultra is the new course view in Blackboard that we’re moving to at UAA. We are currently in a multi-year process of transitioning fully to Ultra course view. For the 2025-26 Academic Year, our courses will be a mix of the old Original course view and the upgraded Ultra view. Courses continue to be within Blackboard, and you will still access your courses by logging into classes.alaska.edu. The difference comes with how the course appears and functions once you’re inside of the course.
Differences between Ultra Course View and Original Course View
It’s easy to tell the difference between Original and Ultra course view! Start by opening your course in Blackboard (classes.alaska.edu). All courses will continue using this as the access point.
Outside of an Individual Course
Course List View color identifier
When you log into Blackboard, you'll land on the Courses page. On this page there are two options of how to see all the courses you're enrolled in: Course List View and Course Grid View. You can switch between these views by clicking the list and grid icons at the top of the page, under Courses, next to the search bar. When viewing your courses in Course List View, Original courses will have a gray bar next to them and say “Original Course View” next to the course name. Ultra courses will have a colorful bar next to them. This identifier is not viewable in Course Grid view, only in Course List View.
Inside of a Course
Course landing page
In Original, when you open a course, you generally land on the Announcements page, though your instructor can customize that in each of their courses. In Ultra, you’ll always land on the Course Content page when you open a course.
Course menu
In Original, you'll see a dark gray menu on the left hand side of the course. This menu usually starts with Announcements, and your instructor can customize what’s on this menu.
In Ultra, the menu is a horizontal menu at the top of the course that is fairly minimal, consistent between courses, and not customizable. This menu starts with Content, then Calendar, and more. That menu will be the same in all of your Blackboard Ultra courses.
Need help or have additional questions?
Visit our Blackboard Ultra at UAA page for more information about Ultra course view, and additional information and resources.
If you are a student who needs help in a Blackboard Ultra course, contact the UAA Technical Support Center at 907-786-4646, text “SUPPORT” to 844-705-0262, or email uaa.techsupport@alaska.edu.