Monthly Feature Releases 2025

Instructors

Improvements to AI Design Assistant Outputs

Outputs for learning modules are more descriptive on the topic. Assignments, discussions, and journals also present more depth in relation to prompts and content selected by instructors. In addition, images for AI Conversation avatars are more realistic. Instructors can now save time both with generating content and using that content in their courses.

Improvements to AI Design Assistant Image Generation

We improved the quality of the images generated by the AI Design Assistant, making them look more realistic and related to instructors' prompts. Instructors can generate images faster and the image files require less storage space.

Expanded language Outputs for AI Design Assistant

The output languages available for AI workflows now include Greek, Catalan, Croatian, Irish, and Slovenian.

Show/hide columns from instructors in the gradebook

Instructors can now configure column visibility for their gradebook view, ensuring a cleaner and more organized workspace when grading. We've added a new Items Management page accessible from the Gradebook Settings panel.

Direct grade entry for assignments from the Grid view or Submissions page

Instructors can now enter assignment grades directly in the Grid view or Submissions page with improved accuracy and consistency.

Improvements to file uploads for Content Designer: Documents

We made uploading files to Documents easier. The default file option when instructors upload files to Documents is now View and Download.

Improvements to content blocks for Content Designer: Documents

We made editing content blocks in Documents easier. When instructors create or edit a Document, the content block no longer closes when they collapse the menu in the editor. Also, the editor no longer closes when editing table settings.

Manage course access from Course Settings

Instructors can now manage course access state settings through the Course Settings page. This change streamlines administrative tasks and enhances usability for instructors teaching courses.

Instructors and Students

Set default automatic zeros to off in the gradebook for new courses

The Assign Automatic Zeros for Past Due Work option is now turned off by default for newly-created Ultra courses.

Add submission attempts for release conditions

Instructors can now use item submission status for a release condition. For example, an instructor who wants students to access a document only after submitting a quiz would use a release condition. Students can access content items without needing to wait for a grade to be posted.

Instructors

AI Design Assistant -- Set a larger maximum number of generated questions and learning modules

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.

Upload images to documents using the new image block

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.

Include IP addresses in 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.

Change folders to learning modules or learning modules to folders

Instructors can now change a folder to a learning module or a learning module to a folder.

Exclude descriptions from learning modules generated by 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.

Improved accuracy when uploading grades and feedback

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.

Improvements to grade entry for discussions and journals from the Grid view or Submissions page

Instructors can now enter discussion and journal grades directly in the Grid view or Grades & Participation page with improved accuracy and consistency.

Excluded attempts removed from Need Grading count

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.

Conversion of existing assignments to the new assignment workflow released in 3900.98

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.

Test Settings usability improvements

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.

Instructors and Students

Improvements to avatar size and time stamp positioning for discussion replies

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.

Mask access code for an assessment

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.

Improvement to rendering in Bb Annotate

Now, files display with the exact same formatting as when they were submitted, ensuring a smoother grading experience.

Improvement to rendering of uploaded files

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.

Students

Improved performance for assignment file submissions

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.

Instructors

AI Design Assistant: Energy-saving image generation improvements

We changed how the AI Design Assistant presents generated images. Instead of presenting four at a time, the AI Design Assistant now generates only one. Each time another image is generated, it is saved so that instructors can select previously generated images. When an instructor selects an image or exits image generation, all images are cleared. This new method saves processing power and is more environmentally friendly.

AI Design Assistant: Learning module generation improvements 

We made two enhancements to the user experience when generating learning modules. If an image isn't generated with a learning module, the title and description will no longer shift to the left. A placeholder image is now used to ensure a consistent reading experience.

Analytics: New Course Goals reports

Two goal reports have been added to the Analytics page in Blackboard: Course Goal Coverage Report and Course Goal Performance Report.

Release conditions panel: Due dates now included

When instructors customize release conditions for a content item, the due date for the item is now included with the date and time fields. Instructors are no longer required to go back to the item to check the due date, which saves time and reduces errors.

Copy Banners Between Courses

Instructors now have the option to copy banners between courses. This is ideal for instructors who prefer to copy course content in parts rather than performing a full course copy. This saves instructors time during course setup and rollover.

Pop-out rubric when evaluating an attempt

To enhance grading efficiency, instructors can now pop out the grading rubric into a separate window when grading an assignment submission. The pop-out rubric is a separate, moveable window and formatted in a grid view.

Instructors and Students

Usability improvements for discussions

We made several improvements to enhance the overall usability and efficiency of discussions, benefiting both instructors and students.

Students

New student submission review page for tests

A new and enhanced student-facing submission review page for tests has been released. The new review page for tests ensures that all feedback is clearly laid out and easy for students to identify.

Instructors

Indicator if student has or has not reviewed feedback

An indicator on the student Overview page now displays whether a student has reviewed the feedback for a given assessment.

Enhanced grading experience for group submissions

Group grading migrated to Flexible Grading. Instructors now have a more streamlined experience when grading group assignment and test submissions in Flexible Grading.

Achievements in student preview

Instructors can now access Achievements through the Student Preview. This helps instructors preview achievements from the student perspective, providing a more accurate representation of the student experience.

Achievements in course copies

Achievements are now included with course copies.

Instructors and Students

Content Designer: Print Document

Instructors and students can now print Documents or save them to PDF, providing more ways to engage with content.

Activity indicator color changed to purple

The color of the activity indicator for discussions, journals, and conversations is changed from blue to purple to better unify the color scheme of Blackboard. Users now have a more consistent and cohesive experience.

Improved student experience when test or assignment is changed to Hidden from Students 

If an instructor sets a test or assignment to ‘Hidden from students’ while the students are actively taking the assessment, students who have the assessment open can continue working on it without interruption. This ensures that students can finish their work without disruption.

Ally - Math Support for Microsoft Word Documents Now Available for HTML Alternative Formats - 2.13

Ally's document conversion process has been upgraded to include the first version of support for Office Math found in Microsoft Word documents. Students downloading the HTML and BeeLine Reader Alternative Formats will now see the math equations rendered as MathML via MathJax in their browser.

Students

Replace Feedback column with actionable Results column in student Gradebook

When a grade is posted and the new grade indicator (purple circle) is turned on, the View button displays for the assessment. By proving a clear call-to-action, students are more likely to review their submission and feedback.

Instructors

AI Design Assistant: Auto-generate AI Conversations

The AI Design Assistant can now auto-generate AI Conversations. AI Conversations are conversations between students and an AI persona.

Achievements show current recipients without browser refresh

Achievements now show their current recipients automatically without a browser refresh. Previously, an Achievement needed to be refreshed in the browser to show which students had earned an Achievement after grade changes. This improvement means that instructors can be confident that students’ Achievement statuses are always accurate and up to date.

Qualitative rubrics with no-points option

Instructors can now create and use no-points rubrics for qualitative evaluation. This rubric type allows instructors to assess student work based on criteria and feedback, rather than numerical values. In addition, the AI generation option now supports no-points rubrics, providing a streamlined method to create detailed evaluation criteria.

Gradebook accessibility enhancements

The Gradable Items tab in the Gradebook now features a redesigned interface to improve accessibility and navigation for keyboard-only and screen reader users. This enhancement supports an accessible experience for instructors grading student work, reducing the time and effort required to manage student grades.

Instructors and Students

Enhancements to discussions

We made several enhancements to discussions to improve the user experience and make discussions more engaging and efficient.

“View submission one time” test results setting

We added a new test result setting option, View submission one time. When a student completes the test, they can review their answers and detailed feedback, such as which questions were answered correctly. The View submission one time option lets instructors provide students with immediate feedback, while maintaining test security.

Text-based columns in Gradebook 

Instructors can now create custom text-based columns in the Gradebook, giving them the ability to record information for an assessment, such as performance code, group membership, and tutoring information.

Instructors

Add resizable dividers to Documents

We added a divider block to Documents. Dividers can be used to help students easily identify related and unrelated sections. This new feature will greatly improve the readability and structure of educational materials.

Student Activity Log: Simplify review of student content access

We added two new features to the Student Activity Log to enhance tracking and reviewing student engagement. These updates streamline the evaluation process and provide more comprehensive data for instructors.

Create Jumbled Sentence Questions

Instructors can now create jumbled sentence questions for online exams. This feature lets instructors define one or more paragraphs with blanks for students to complete.

Generate AI Jumbled Sentence Questions

Jumbled Sentence is now an option in the Question Type dropdown. When creating the question in a test or a question bank, instructors can select Generate to produce the question content. Instructors can add the AI-generated jumbled sentence question to question pools or tests. Instructors can edit the AI-generated question, including points, distractors, automated feedback, extra credit, and partial credit settings.

Perform Bulk Category Changes in Item Management

Instructors can select one or more gradebook columns on the Item Management page and assign them to an existing category. This feature allows instructors to efficiently organize and manage gradebook items.

Navigate the Gradable Items tab in the Gradebook

The Gradable Items tab uses a table-based layout to improve navigation and interaction for instructors who use keyboards and screen readers. This makes the Gradebook more accessible for all instructors.

Enhance grading workflow with better navigation and layout

We added bookmarks to the navigation. Instructors can use bookmarks to quickly move between pages in a student submission while grading. This enhancement streamlines the grading workflow by allowing instructors to navigate student submissions more efficiently. At low resolutions or zoomed in, the comment box spans the bottom of the screen instead of being a pop-up. This update improves accessibility and usability, enhancing the overall grading experience.

Instructors and Students

Enhance student engagement with discussion activity indicator

We improved the discussion experience by adding another indicator of activity. This addition encourages student engagement and makes it easier for instructors to track student activity. 

Enhanced overall appearance and usability of Knowledge Checks

We made several adjustments to the appearance and responsive behavior of Knowledge Checks. These changes enhance the visual effects and usability for both instructors and students.