Update to client Production environments (Published February 27, 2025):
An updated release of 3900.110.0 (full release number: 3900.110.0-rel.52+bf32e72) is being applied to client Production servers on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
We have fixed these issues:
- Students are Able to View Knowledge Check Counting +1 on Learning Modules for Progress Tracking- Article #90414
- Banner Images not Displaying for Students in Ultra Courses- Article #90405
__________________________
Update to client Production environments (Published February 20, 2025):
An updated release of 3900.110.0 (full release number: 3900.110.0-rel.48+dd7a52c) is being applied to client Production servers on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
We have fixed these issues:
- For Merged Courses the Attachments From Student's Submissions are Incorrectly Stored in Child Courses- Article #90117
- Error in Flexible Attempt Grading at Low Resolution When Overall Feedback Side Panel is Expanded- Article #90305
- In Forced Sequence Learning Modules, students no longer need to scroll to the bottom of the documents to unlock the content on the next page.
- Group Assignment Files do not Expand to Full Document Viewer Width- Article #90367
- Instructors Cannot Change Assignments Settings- Article #90406
- Students are Unable to Submit an Attempt With Calculated Questions Due To an Issue in the Math Content Editor- Article #90413
__________________________
Update to client Production environments (Published February 13, 2025):
An updated release of 3900.110.0 (full release number: 3900.110.0-rel.45+2777905) is being applied to client Production servers on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
We have fixed these issues:
- Video Studio is Observed as an Option via Build Content in Original View Courses- Article #90370
- Extract fails for courses without gradable items using column filters.
- When Instructors View an Attempt in Content and Settings the Questions in the Test Don't Appear- Article #90368
__________________________
Off-Cycle Ultra Only Maintenance Release to client Production environments (Published February 7, 2025):
An updated release of 3900.110.0 (full release number: 3900.110.0-rel.34+e078c5c) is being applied to client Production servers on Friday, February 7, 2025.
We have fixed this issue:
Courses that sum up a large total number of enrollments make the site crash. This issue is more likely to occur with large sites.
__________________________
Update to client Production environments (Published February 6, 2025):
An updated release of 3900.110.0 (full release number: 3900.110.0-rel.33+2fbe684) is being applied to client Production servers on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
We have fixed this issue:
- Performance Issue: Browser Page Keeps Crashing When Editing Tests- Article #90340
__________________________
Update to client Test/Stage environments (Published February 4, 2025):
An updated release of 3900.110.0 (full release number: 3900.110.0-rel.32+7c7b1dc) is being applied to client Test servers on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
We have fixed these issues:
- Students cannot initiate attempts on Tests/Assignments with Release Conditions. When trying to do so, they receive a 'You do not have permission to access this content' message.
- The incorrect Content Editor tooltip is displayed to Mac users on Content Editor focus.
- Unenrolled Administrator Access to Analytics Tab Leads to Permanent Loading and Improperly Handled Exceptions - Article #90289
- The Fix for Article #90304 Does Not Work for Minisites- Article #90331
__________________________
Update to client Test/Stage environments (Published January 28, 2025):
An updated release of 3900.110.0 (full release number: 3900.110.0-rel.28+be9eb00) is being applied to client Test servers on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
We have fixed these issues:
- Content Editor Toolbar is Always Visible on Page Load in all Student-facing Workflows.
- The Content Editor Tooltip Incorrectly Displays on Content Editor Focus in Implementations not Using the Toolbar.
- Students are no Longer Able to Save Their Entries and are Consequently Unable to use the Journal Tool.
- Fill In the Blank Test Question Cannot Show Brackets- Article #78612
- Forced Sequence Adaptive Release Conditions are not Honored Correctly when they are Added to Existing Release Conditions- Article #89940
- Ultra Course Users Cannot Send Course Messages From the Content Tab- Article #90262
- An Upgrade listener has been added to repair broken video links (Collab Capture) in Ultra Gradebook History. This repair script will try to recover associated video files on Collab Capture servers, if they haven't been hard-deleted yet, so that the videos can be played again.
- Some Courses Cannot be Deleted via the Graphical User Interface (GUI) Using the 'Default Delete' Option- Article #90282
- Since Last Update to 3900.108.0 Version Students are Unable to Access the Course Contents Hosted in Course Content Area- Article #90304
__________________________
Update to client Test/Stage environments (Published January 21, 2025):
An updated release of 3900.110.0 (full release number: 3900.110.0-rel.13+66bdaeb) is being applied to client Test servers on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
- Adding Categories to Gradebook Settings Resets Overall Grade Weighted Settings to Proportional- Article #89879
- Blackboard Asset Processor Breaks When the File Name of an Asset Submitted to Turnitin Contains the @ Character- Article #90094
- Clicking on the Hidden Items Link in Gradebook Takes the User Out of the Course- Article #90242
- Audio and Video Feedback Playback Issue in Ultra- Article #90182
- Long Course Names Shift the Course Settings Div to the Right- Article #90273
__________________________
Initial Release to client Test/Stage environments (Published January 14, 2025):
The initial release of 3900.110.0 (full release number: 3900.110.0-rel.8+bafe718) is being applied to client Test servers on Tuesday, January 14 , 2025.
The February 2025 - 3900.110 release is robust with features in 8 areas:
- Instructional design
- Tests and assignments
- Communication and collaboration
- Gradebook
- Learner Progression & Personalized Experience
- Learn core and security
- Upgrade to Ultra
- Premium features
These improvements impact instructors, students, and administrators. Some features do require administrative action.
Instructors:
- AI Design Assistant – Set a larger maximum number of generated questions and learning modules
- Upload images to documents using the new image block
- Include IP addresses in student activity log
- Change folders to learning modules or learning modules to folders
- Exclude descriptions from learning modules generated by AI Design Assistant
- Improved accuracy when uploading grades and feedback
- Improvements to grade entry for discussions and journals from the Grid view or Submissions page
- Video Studio – Edit captions and transcripts
- Excluded attempts removed from Need Grading count
- Conversion of existing assignments to the new assignment workflow released in 3900.98
- Test Settings usability improvements
Instructors and Students:
- Improvements to avatar size and time stamp positioning for discussion replies
- Mask access code for an assessment
- Improvement to rendering in Bb Annotate
- Improvement to rendering of uploaded files
- Improvements to grading interface
- Video Studio – Add video content within the Course Content page
- Video Studio – Download recording transcripts
Instructors and Administrators:
- Create multiple profiles for IP address restrictions on assessments
- Enhancements to course groups
- Activity-level groups in Original convert to course-level groups in Ultra
Students - Improved performance for assignment file submissions
Students and Administrators:
- Improved student email notifications in multi-brand environments
Administrators:
- Change Badge size in Anthology Adopt
Instructional Design
Exclude descriptions from learning modules generated by AI Design Assistant
Impact: Instructors
Updated Topic: AI Design Assistant
We added the option to exclude descriptions from learning modules generated by the AI Design Assistant. Instructors who want to write their own descriptions no longer have to manually remove them from auto-generated learning modules.
Change folders to learning modules or learning modules to folders
Impact: Instructors
Updated Topic: Create Containers for Content
Instructors can now change a folder to a learning module or a learning module to a folder. Benefits of changing a folder to a learning module include:
- Thumbnail images: Learning modules come with thumbnail images, which provide a visually appealing course experience.
- Forced sequencing: Instructors can force students to navigate learning modules in linear paths.
- Progress bar: Learning modules have a progress bar for students that highlights the number of items that they need to complete and their progression on those items.
- Previous and next navigation: Students can quickly navigate to the next or previous item in a learning module.
To give instructors more control over their courses, they can also change learning modules to folders. Instructors are warned that all learning module functions are removed when converting a learning module to a folder.
Administrators:
- Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
- Activation: None needed.
- Configuration: Administrators can turn the feature on or off by going to Ultra Experience Management and selecting Change Folder to Learning Module or Learning Module to Folder.
Improvement to rendering of uploaded files
Impact: Instructors, Students
Files uploaded by instructors to Blackboard now retain their original formatting and characteristics wherever instructors can upload files. Previously, formatting changes may have displayed with uploaded files, such as PowerPoints or Excel worksheets. With improved rendering, students can view files in their original format, leading to a better overall user experience.
This improvement is now available in both test/stage and production environments for Ultra and Original courses.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
AI Design Assistant - Set a larger maximum number of generated questions and learning modules
Impact: Instructors
Updated Topic: AI Design Assistant
When using the AI Design Assistant, instructors can now set the number of questions generated for tests and question banks to a maximum of 20. The maximum number of learning modules that the AI Design Assistant generates also increased to 20. Generating more questions at once reduces the chance that similar questions will be generated. The default number of questions and learning modules generated remains 4.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Upload images to Documents using the new image block
Impact: Instructors
Updated Topic: Create Documents
We added an image block to Documents. Instructors can use image blocks to upload their own images, use the AI Design Assistant to generate images, or select images from Unsplash. Image blocks can be moved throughout a Document, just like other block types. Instructors have the option to resize images, set height, and maintain aspect ratios in image blocks.
A dedicated image block makes adding images more apparent. Adding images via the image block also reduces white space around images and provides greater control over content design.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Tests & Assignments
Mask access code for an assessment
Impact: Instructors, Students
Updated topic: Access Codes section of Assessment Settings
When an instructor or exam proctor enters an access code for an assessment on a student's computer, the code is masked (*******) to ensure enhanced security. Previously, the code was visible when entered on a student's screen, compromising the secure testing environment. An option to view the code is available but the default state keeps it hidden, providing better privacy and protection during testing.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Improved performance for assignment file submissions
Impact: Students
Updated Topic: Submit an Assignment section of Submit Assignments
The latest updates bring significant improvements to assignment submission uploads, ensuring a smoother experience for students:
- Timed assessments: When a student uploads a file just before the timer runs out, the upload will complete before the attempt is auto-submitted.
- Re-upload workflow: If a student's file doesn't upload correctly, they can easily re-upload it using the new workflow.
Students can now be confident that their files are successfully attached, received, and stored. They will be notified immediately if there are any issues with their file submissions.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Communication & Collaboration
Improvements to avatar size and time stamp positioning for discussion replies
Impact: Instructors, Students
Updated Topic: Discussions
We adjusted the size of avatars and the position of time stamps to improve the user experience. Replies to posts are now easier to identify and avatar sizes are consistent.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Enhancements to course groups
Impact: Instructors, Administrators
Updated Topic: Create and Manage Groups
To simplify group management and enhance usability for instructors, we made several improvements to course groups:
- Activity-level groups are now course-level: All new groups are now course-level. Instructors can create course-level groups directly from a content item, eliminating the need to manage groups at the activity level.
- More warnings and restrictions: To prevent the creation of empty group sets during group assignments, we added restrictions and additional warning messages. This helps instructors make informed decisions and avoid disruptions in group management.
- Simplified group creation: The option to reuse activity-level groups was removed. This change encourages instructors to focus on course-level groups and reduces confusion.
Existing activity-level groups in a course will remain activity-level.
Administrators:
When copying course materials to a new course from the Administrator Panel:
- Group assignments with activity-level groups associated with a copied content item will not be duplicated.
- Copied content will indicate that it previously had groups with a “No groups” label, helping instructors understand the history of the content and encouraging the use of the new group management system.
For more details, visit Methods to Copy a Course.
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Gradebook
Excluded attempts removed from Needs Grading count
Impact: Instructors
Instructors can choose to exclude attempts that they do not intend to grade. Excluded attempts are removed from the Needs Grading workflow and any gradebook calculations.
With this release, we have ensured that excluded attempts are removed from the Needs Grading count in all gradebook views. This provides instructors with a more accurate overview of their outstanding grading workload.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Conversion of existing assignments to the new assignment workflow released in 3900.98 – 3900.110
Impact: Instructors
In the 3900.98 release in August 2024, we separated the workflows for creating a test and creating an assignment. Prior to the 3900.98 release, the Create Assignment and Create Test workflows shared the same content and settings. The 3900.98 enhancement made each workflow distinct, where the Create Assignment workflow now contains only assignment-specific content and settings, while the Create Test workflow remained unchanged. The new assignment workflow enhancements included:
- A new Instructions box with a full content editor for detailed assignment instructions.
- A streamlined Settings panel with only options relevant to assignments.
- No option to add questions, as assignments cannot contain questions.
- Attempts are only created when students interact with the assignment, such as submitting a file or adding content to the editor.
As part of this release, we are performing a one-time, automatic bulk conversion of assignments created created prior to the new assignment workflow released in the 3900.98 release. After the bulk conversion, all assessments will follow either the assignment workflow released in the 3900.98 release or the test workflow. This will ensure that converted assignments benefit from the new assignment workflow's features.
Assignments will be converted in a one-time, bulk process following these definitions:
- Assignment: Any existing assessment without questions (such as MCQ, Essay, Hotspot) is classified as an "assignment.". Assignments will be converted.
- Test: Any existing assessment with questions (such as MCQ, Essay, Hotspot) is classified as a "test." Tests will not be converted.
The conversion will not affect the following items:
- Existing student assignment attempts and grades
- Existing gradebook calculations
- Assignment Settings and Category designation
- Tests
To ensure a successful, consistent conversion to the new assignment workflow, we updated the following processes:
- Converting courses
- Assignments will convert to the new assignment workflow.
- Tests without questions will be set to Hidden from students.
- Copying items
- Assignments copied from Original courses will convert to the new assignment workflow.
- Tests without questions copied from Original and Ultra courses will be set to Hidden from students.
- Restoring Original archive/export packages
- Assignments will convert to the new assignment workflow.
- Tests without questions will be set to Hidden from students.
- Restoring Ultra archive/export packages
- Assessments without questions will convert to the new assignment workflow.
- Tests without questions will be set to Hidden from students.
Administrators:
During the conversion, assessments that are being converted will have an entry of Assignment added to the BBMD_ASSESSMENT_SUBTYPE column in the QTI_ASI_DATA table.
The bulk conversion will occur during the release upgrade. The release upgrade might take longer than normal.
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Test Settings usability improvements
Impact: Instructors
To enhance usability and improve the test-building experience, we streamlined the Settings panel for tests by removing the following assignment-specific options:
- Collect submissions offline
- Use grading rubric
- Maximum points
- 2 grades per student
- Peer review
By simplifying the Settings panel, we reduce complexity and save instructors time, allowing them to focus more on creating effective assessments rather than navigating through numerous options.
Additionally, we updated the functionality for student visibility options and release conditions for tests. Now, instructors must add one or more questions to their test to make it visible to students or to add release conditions. This ensures that students only see assessments that they can actively engage with.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Improvements to grading interface
Impact: Instructors
To optimize the use of screen space and to give graders a larger view of the student submission, we redesigned the grading interface for assignments and tests.
We implemented the following design changes:
- Relocated the Previous Student and Next Student navigation controls next to the attempt grade pill and removed the gray bar that these buttons were on.
- Replaced the Previous Student and Next Student buttons with <> arrows.
- Moved the avatar, student name, and submission information to the existing black bar and removed the white bar where the information was previously listed.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Improved accuracy when uploading grades and feedback
Impact: Instructors
Instructors can now upload grades and feedback for assignments, journals, and discussions with improved accuracy. Previously, when instructors uploaded grades, they were always stored at the override level, which left the underlying attempts or submissions ungraded. This caused the Needs Grading and New Submission flags to remain visible, even when grading had been completed offline.
Uploaded grades and feedback are now correctly mapped to the corresponding attempt or submission whenever possible. This reduces confusion and provides better clarity for instructors.
Assignments with Single Attempts:
- Ungraded Attempts: When an ungraded attempt is found, the grade is stored at the attempt level, the Needs Grading and New Submission flags are cleared, and any auto-zero is removed.
- Graded Attempts: If the attempt is already graded, the existing grade is updated accordingly.
- Existing Overrides: If an override already exists, only the override is updated. No changes are made to the attempt grade.
- No Submission: If a student has not submitted an attempt, the grade is stored as an override.
Assignments with Multiple Attempts:
- Ungraded Attempts: If all attempts are ungraded, the grade is assigned to the appropriate attempt based on the aggregation model:
First: The grade is assigned to the first attempt.
Last: The grade is assigned to the last attempt.
All (Min, Max, & Average): The grade is assigned to the last attempt. All other attempts are excluded.
- Single Graded Attempt: For a single graded attempt, the existing grade is updated.
- Multiple Graded Attempts: If more than one attempt is graded, the grade is stored as an override. The Needs Grading and New Submission labels remain unchanged.
- Existing Overrides: If an override already exists, the override grade is updated.
- No Submission: For students with no submission, the grade is stored as an override.
Discussions and Journals:
- Ungraded Submissions: For ungraded submissions, the grade and feedback are added to the submission, and the Needs Grading and New Submission flags are cleared.
- Graded Submissions: If the submission is already graded, the grade and feedback are updated.
- Overrides: If a student has an override grade, the override grade and feedback are updated.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Improvement to rendering in Bb Annotate
Impact: Instructors, Students
We enhanced how files submitted by students are rendered in Bb Annotate. Previously, formatting changes during the rendering process made grading more challenging for instructors. Now, files display with the exact same formatting as when they were submitted, ensuring a smoother grading experience. This feature was well-received by customers in a tech preview!
Supported file types include:
- PowerPoints
- Excel worksheets
- PDFs
- Other common formats
Additionally, the warning about potential formatting changes during the conversion process has been removed.
This improvement is now available in both test/stage and production environments for Ultra and Original courses.
A PowerPoint file rendered by Bb Annotate now displays in the original format, ready to be annotated.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Improvements to grade entry for discussions and journals from the Grid view or Grades & Participation page
Impact: Instructors
Instructors can now enter discussion and journal grades directly in the Grid view or Grades & Participation page with improved accuracy and consistency. Previously, grades entered in these views were stored at the override level. This caused confusion as underlying attempts remained ungraded and continued to display the Needs Grading and New Submission flags. This update ensures that grades entered this way are properly mapped to the underlying attempt or submission when applicable.
Grade Entry Requirements:
- Ungraded Submissions: For ungraded submissions, the grade and feedback are added to the submission, and the Needs Grading and New Submission flags are cleared.
Graded Submissions: If the submission is already graded, the grade and feedback are updated.
Overrides: If a student has an override grade, the override grade and feedback are updated.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Learner Progression & Personalized Experience
Include IP addresses in student activity log
Impact: Instructors and Administrators
Updated Topic: Student Activity Log
IP addresses are now in the student activity log for assessment submissions and drafts. This new information can help with comparing data while reviewing a student’s test taking behavior.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Learn Core & Security
Create multiple profiles for IP address restrictions on assessments
Impact: Instructors, Administrators
Updated Help page: Assessment IP Address Filtering (admin), Restrict Location (Instructor, Ultra), Restrict Location (Instructor, Original)
Administrators can now create more than one profile associated with one or more ranges of IP addresses. Each profile supports different IP filter rule configurations. These filters help secure testing environments. Instructors can select the desired testing location from available profiles.
Within Grading Security Settings in the Administrator Panel, administrators can now select Add Profile to define another profile with specific IP filter rules. You can now also select Edit on an existing profile to make changes to that profile.
For more information on Assessment restrictions, go to Assessment IP Address Filtering.
Instructors administering assessments in both Ultra and Original courses can now select the location of their choice from available profiles configured by the administrator.
In the Assessment Settings panel, instructors can apply a location restriction by selecting a location from available profiles.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra and Original Blackboard Courses
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: In the Administrator Panel, select Course Settings, then Grading Security Settings. If an existing course with IP restrictions is copied for a new course, IP restrictions need to be configured again.
Improved student email notifications in multi-brand environments
Impact: Students, Administrators
Updated Help page: SIS Framework Overview
We have updated the Blackboard SIS Integration Framework to support multi-brand environments. It now includes a field that stores the login URL for each user. This update improves the accuracy of email notifications to students.
A multi-brand environment is a single Blackboard environment that supports multiple institutions, such as an instance shared by several different universities within a regional system. If a student or instructor has not previously logged into a Blackboard environment that supports multiple institutions, an automated email notification could potentially direct them to an incorrect login URL.
If your institution doesn’t use a multi-brand Blackboard environment, there is no action you need to take.
Students and instructors:
Email notifications will be more accurate and support requests will be reduced with this update. There are no user interface changes.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Blackboard courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: Ensure that correct login URL data is entered when creating or updating student records within your SIS.
Upgrade to Ultra
Activity-level groups in Original convert to course-level groups in Ultra
Impact: Instructors, Administrators
Updated Topic: Copy Content from Other Courses
When converting a content item associated with an activity-level group from Original to Ultra, the groups will now convert to course-level. This change simplifies how instructors manage content for converted courses. Having all groups at the course level ensures a consistent approach to group management across the entire course, which can improve the overall teaching experience.
Administrators:
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: None needed.
Premium features
Video Studio – Add video content within the Course Content page
Impact: Instructors, Students
Updated Help pages: Video Studio (administrator), Video Studio (instructor), Video Studio (student)
Instructors and course builders can now add video content to the Course Content page with Video Studio. While video can be incorporated within the announcements, feedback, and Documents, this new functionality enhances the ability to show compelling instructional content on the main course page.
Instructors:
To add video content to the Course Content page, select + and then Record Audio/Video. To record the video, follow directions for using Video Studio.
Students:
Students can now view video content directly from the Course Content page. Video content appears with a camera icon. Select the video content, and a panel opens to display the recorded content.
Administrators:
Availability: Video Studio is a premium solution.
Activation: We are offering customers a free trial until June 30, 2025. This trial provides access to the full version of Video Studio. Video Studio is set to OFF as a default in test/stage environments. If you want to enable it in your institution’s production environment, you can do that for free until the end of June 2025.
Configuration: In the Administrator Panel, select Configure in The Ultra Experience is Here! module. Select Enable creating/uploading videos using Video Studio. Beyond June 30, 2025, your institution will have to purchase Video Studio to continue using it.
Video Studio - Edit captions and transcripts
Impact: Instructors
Updated Help pages: Video Studio (administrator), Video Studio (instructor)
Instructors can now edit video captions and transcripts for content created using Video Studio. This functionality allows instructors to correct minor errors and add clarity to the captions and transcripts that are automatically generated during a recording.
Instructors:
To edit captions and transcripts of a recording, select Edit Content.
Next, hover your cursor over the video to display the option to edit (the button labeled with a pencil icon). If navigating with your keyboard, you can also select tab until you focus on the screen, which then displays the editing options. Select the button labeled with a pencil.
Next, select Transcript, which displays the transcript. Select the pencil next to the text you want to edit within the transcript. Once you make your edits, select the checkmark to save the edit or select X to discard changes. Once you finish making all your edits, select Save Video. The changes now appear in both the captions and the transcript.
Administrators:
Availability: Video Studio is a premium solution.
Activation: We are offering customers a free trial until June 30, 2025. This trial provides access to the full version of Video Studio. Video Studio is set to OFF as a default in test/stage environments. If you want to enable it in your institution’s production environment, you can do that for free until the end of June 2025.
Configuration: In the Administrator Panel, select Configure in The Ultra Experience is Here! module. Select Enable creating/uploading videos using Video Studio. Beyond June 30, 2025, your institution will have to purchase Video Studio to continue using it.
Video Studio - Download recording transcripts
Impact: Instructors, Students
Updated Help pages: Video Studio (instructor), Video Studio (student)
Users can now download transcripts for content created using Video Studio. Video and audio recordings make for compelling teaching material, but if users don’t have ready access to text, it can pose a challenge for study and instruction. Giving users access to transcripts for recordings to print or highlight allows recorded content to be a powerful study tool.
Instructors and students:
Once you’ve selected your recording and press play, select the transcript button at the bottom corner of the video screen. This opens the transcript panel displaying the text of the transcript. Select the download button at the top of transcript column. The transcript is downloaded as a VTT file that includes time stamps and speaker narration.
Administrators:
Availability: Video Studio is a premium solution.
Activation: We are offering customers a free trial until June 30, 2025. This trial provides access to the full version of Video Studio. Video Studio is set to OFF as a default in test/stage environments. If you want to enable it in your institution’s production environment, you can do that for free until the end of June 2025.
Configuration: In the Administrator Panel, select Configure in The Ultra Experience is Here! module. Select Enable creating/uploading videos using Video Studio. Beyond June 30, 2025, your institution will have to purchase Video Studio to continue using it.
Change Badge size in Anthology Adopt
Impact: Administrators
Updated pages: Anthology Adopt Accessibility Page
A badge is one of the ways users can activate an Anthology Adopt guide in Blackboard. To enhance accessibility, you can now increase the size of badges. To change badge size, select Activation to open Activation Settings. Under Badges, select Edit Settings.
In the Styling tab, there is a new size field that allows you to adjust the badge pixel size within a range of 8px to 300px. The default size is 14 pixels. The minimum target size for WCAG 2.2 AA is 24 pixels.
Instructors and Students:
When badge size is adjusted, the change appears automatically in Blackboard for all users.
Administrators:
Availability: Anthology Adopt Powered by Pendo is a premium offering from Anthology.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: No configurations required.
