Instructional Technology staff help faculty solve pedagogical problems or create new learning opportunities through efficient, effective use and support of technology. Tools and services we support include:

We also support blended and online course design and offer workshops and consultations. Professional development services are also available to academic and administrative departments. For additional support, please see the Technology Support Center.

What’s New

Showing items tagged blackboard. Show All

Organize Assessments and Speed Up Feedback with September's Ultra Update

Discover new AI tools, question titles, block styling

The September Ultra release introduces improvements to assessment creation, content formatting and an optional AI-powered virtual assistant. These enhancements are designed to help instructors...

Posted: September 3, 2025, 3:34 PM

Black and white robot dog running with the words "New to Ultra" written on light turquoise background

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

New Online Form Available to Request Merge of Blackboard Course Shells

Improved Process Supports Instructor Course Management

DoIT is pleased to announce a new form to help faculty manage their Blackboard course shells with greater efficiency. As part of our ongoing updates to the course creation and enrollment process,...

Posted: August 11, 2025, 4:47 PM

Instructional Technology