Effective Practices

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UMBC Faculty & Staff Co-author Article on AI in Teaching & Learning

Case study explores using AI to nudge student practice

Yesterday, the Online Learning Consortium published its June 2026 issue of the Online Learning Journal, featuring a special focus on Higher Education in an AI-Transformed World. The issue includes...

Posted: June 2, 2026, 1:36 PM

A UMBC Gemini AI-created image depicting a virtual student learning space for practice, reflection, and collaboration. This supports the recent reflective case study, "Asked & Answered: Using AI to Nudge Student Metacognition and Responsibility for Learning," published in the June 2026 Issue of the Online Learning Journal (OLJ).

Meet AVA: Blackboard’s AI-Powered Virtual Assistant for Faculty

AVA supports feedback and frequently asked student questions

This fall, UMBC faculty will have the opportunity to test Blackboard’s new AI Virtual Assistant (AVA), a suite of tools designed to support common teaching tasks.  AVA Feedback Assistant will...

Posted: August 12, 2025, 12:29 PM

Blackboard logo with stylized A icon above.

Ally Now Supports AI-Generated Descriptions for Images

Leverage AI to provide inclusive resources for students

Recent updates to federal guidelines for digital accessibility underscore the critical need for educators to ensure that all course materials are accessible to every student. One of the most...

Posted: August 13, 2024, 9:26 AM

June features printer-friendly tests & new Courses page

Language support for AI course tools, grading enhancements

This June, Ultra users can look forward to updates that enhance user experience and functionality including a new language selector when generating content with the AI Course Design Assistant,...

Posted: May 30, 2024, 2:26 PM

More gradebook updates, test access logs coming in January

Grade visibility, batch edit, authentic assessment prompts

Expanding the functionality for the gradebook and assessments has been a central theme for the past year of Ultra development. When the winter term starts in 2024, Ultra courses will feature...

Posted: December 21, 2023, 8:01 AM

CFP - Incorporating Generative AI into Learning Experiences

Share your assessment experience with USM peers

Faculty, staff, and faculty/staff/student teams who have engaged in the use of Generative AI as part of assignments and learning activities are invited to propose sessions for the Incorporating...

Posted: December 12, 2023, 2:39 PM

Dec adds unique group due dates, more sort controls in Ultra

Features authentic discussion opportunities using AI tools

As 2023 comes to a close, the December Ultra update brings several features to enhance group functionality and gradebook management. With this update, instructors can assign a unique due date to...

Posted: November 30, 2023, 2:58 PM

Test Drive New Blackboard Faculty AI Course Design Tools

Discover how AI can support your course design process

The U.S. Distance Learning Association (USDLA)'s National Distance Learning Week focuses on how artificial intelligence (AI) impacts education and training.  Instructional Technology invites...

Posted: November 10, 2023, 8:24 AM