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Unified Blackboard App

Date Updated: 8 August 2022

Blackboard Learn SaaS, Blackboard Learn 9.1
Ultra Experience, Original Experience
Ultra Course View, Original Course View
Impact: Instructors, Assistants, and Graders

In the past we had two separate mobile apps: the Blackboard App and the Blackboard Instructor App. The two apps caused confusion for many instructors. They did not realize that they needed to use a different app to manage their courses.

With this release, we are consolidating to a single app for both instructors and students. The user experience will change based on the user’s role within a course. Instructors can use the updated Blackboard app for both Original and Ultra courses.

Action needed: Support for the Blackboard Instructor iOS and Android apps ends in September 2022. Instructors, Assistants, and Graders should download the Blackboard app for iOS or Android.

For administrators: There are no configurations needed. We encourage admins to notify instructors of the need to download a different app.

Blackboard Instructor 5.4

Date Updated: 7 July 2022

iOS and Android

In this release, we fixed an issue that prevented some users from being able to login properly when using force to web authentication. Also, there’s an exciting news about the simplified, intuitive user experience of new unified app.

Blackboard Instructor 5.3

Date Updated: 25 May 2022

iOS and Android

In this release, we:

  • Fixed an issue where some iOS users couldn't sign in properly.
  • Made some small improvements and squashed few bugs for Android

Blackboard Instructor 5.2.1

Date Updated: 11 May 2022

iOS

In this release, we fixed an issue that prevented some users from being able to login properly.

Blackboard Instructor 5.2.1

Date Updated: 2 May 2022

Android

In this release, we fixed a crash when:

  • Using force to web authentication
  • No terms are associated

Blackboard Instructor 5.2

Date Updated: 25 April 2022

iOS and Android

Mobile devices are a significant part of our lives. From staying in touch with family and friends across the globe to mobile banking, we expect to do almost anything from our mobile phones. For instructors, the same expectations apply to teaching and learning. The Blackboard Instructor app provides instructors with a way to manage courses on a mobile device. We have made improvements to the app to better meet instructor expectations. These updates include improvements to managing course content, grading, and engaging students. The new app uses Responsive Web Design (RWD) for Ultra courses. RWD ensures consistency and reduces the differences between desktop and mobile experiences.

Instructors will now be able to complete the following tasks using the Blackboard Instructor app:

  • course building - including creating and uploading content
  • grading students work - including updating assessment settings
  • communication - including participation in discussions

The enhanced Blackboard Instructor app is the first in a series of planned improvements to our mobile solutions. Stay tuned for more as we move towards a single unified app experience.

Instructors can navigate the base navigation from within the app. The primary navigation controls display the following:

  • Stream
  • Courses
  • Grades
  • More including View Profile, Organizations, Institution, Tools, Messages, Settings, Feedback, Logout. (Calendar access is available from within an Ultra course)

For instructors and administrators: The enhanced Blackboard Instructor app will be available on April 11, 2022, from the iOS and Android app stores. If you have already downloaded the app then it will be automatically updated if you have this choice enabled on your device or will require a manual update if this choice is not selected.

Image 1. Main Blackboard Instructor App Navigation Menu

Main Blackboard Instructor App Navigation Menu

Image 2. Ultra Course view displaying in Responsive Web Design

Ultra Course view displaying in Responsive Web Design

Blackboard Instructor 5.1

Date Updated: 7 March 2022

iOS and Android

In this release, 

  • Point-based and point-range rubrics of Ultra courses are now supported.
  • We fixed a few bugs related to LTI.

Blackboard Instructor 5.0

Date Updated: 11 February 2022

iOS and Android

In this release, we fixed a bug where instructors can now view the list of recordings available in a course.

Blackboard Instructor 4.12

Release date: December 15, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release we’ve squashed a few bugs and resolved app crashes.

Blackboard Instructor 4.11

Release date: November 10, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release we’ve made small improvements to Progress Tracking.

We’ve also resolved bugs displaying incorrect rubric criteria.

Blackboard Instructor 4.10.1

Release date: October 28, 2021

Android

In this release we’ve fixed an issue of collab sessions not loading within the course.

Blackboard Instructor 4.10

Release date: October 20, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release we’ve made some small improvements and squashed a few bugs.

Blackboard Instructor 4.9.1

Release date: October 7, 2021

Android

In this release we’ve fixed an issue of Collaborate sessions not loading within the course for Android users.

Blackboard Instructor 4.9

Release date: September 27, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release we’ve improved the app login process for you!

We’ve also made some small improvements and squashed few bugs.

You will need minimum iOS version 12.0 to access the new improvements. 

Blackboard Instructor 4.8.1

Release date: September 6, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release we’ve squashed some bugs and made some minor improvements.

Blackboard Instructor 4.8

Release date: August 30, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release we’ve added journals to your courses!

You’ll now be able to:

  • Access journals and be in touch with your students
  • Add rich text and media when composing entries and comments

We’ve also made some small improvements and bug fixes.

Journals are only available for Ultra course view in the Blackboard instructor app. 

Blackboard Instructor 4.7

Release date: August 6, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release we’ve added progress tracking to your courses!

You’ll now be able to:

  • Enable progress tracking for all your courses

We’ve also made some small improvements and bug fixes.

Blackboard Instructor 4.6

Release date: July 26, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release we’ve revamped the discussion board for Ultra courses!

You’ll now be able to:

  • Access group discussions and graded discussions
  • Add rich text and media when composing discussion threads and replies

Blackboard Instructor 4.5

Release date: June 23, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release:

  • We’ve made some small improvements and bug fixes.

Blackboard Instructor 4.4

Release date: May 26, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release, we’ve added improvements to Collaborate! You’ll now be able to:

  • Access all recordings available in Collaborate
  • Receive reminders for live Collaborate session
  • Manage Collaborate sessions

These functionalities are only available for Ultra courses and requires minimum Learn version 3900.12.0.

Blackboard Instructor 4.3

Release date: April 26, 2021

iOS

In this release we’ve fixed:

  • An issue where course pages do not properly load after viewing content
  • A crash when viewing a large number of messages

Android

In this release we’ve made some minor improvements and bug fixes.

Blackboard Instructor 4.2.2

Release date: March 31, 2021

iOS

In this release we’ve fixed a crash when opening courses, squashed some small bugs, and made some minor improvements.

Blackboard Instructor 4.2.1

Release date: March 31, 2021

Android

In this release we’ve fixed a crash when opening courses, squashed some small bugs, and made some minor improvements.

Version 4.2

Release date: March 8, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release, we’ve added messages to your courses.

You’ll now be able to:

  •  Access all messages from your courses
  •  Add rich text and media when composing messages
  •  Receive push notifications for new messages

We’ve also made some small improvements and bug fixes.  

Version 4.1

Release date: February 17, 2021

iOS

In this release, we’ve:

  • Fixed a misaligned date/time picker when changing settings in due dates
  • Improved support for content linked in files when offline  

Android

In this release we’ve:

  • Improved support for content linked in files when offline
  • Resolved an issue where discussion board items were not updating after deleting

Version 4.0.1

Release date: February 4, 2021

iOS

In this release, we’ve fixed an issue that resulted in displaying multiple different questions randomly in a Test.  

Version 4.0

Release date: February 1, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release, we’ve made some bug fixes and improvements.

Version 3.11.2

Release date: January 25, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release, we’ve fixed an issue that resulted in some users being frequently logged out.

Version 3.11.1

Release date: January 20, 2021

iOS and Android

In this release we’ve fixed some bugs and made some minor improvements.

Version 3.11

Release date: December 28, 2020

iOS

These issues were fixed or improved in this release:

  • The issue where the toolbar was partially hidden when the larger text was enabled when annotating documents using Bb Annotate.
  • Error when accessing files linked in submissions for assessments in Original courses. 
  • Text translation and formatting for various languages.

Android

These issues were fixed or improved in this release:

  • Error when accessing files linked in submissions for assessments in Original courses. 
  • Text translation and formatting for various languages.

Version 3.10

Release date: November 30, 2020

In this release, we’ve fixed some bugs and made some minor improvements.

Version 3.9.1

Release date: November 30, 2020

iOS

In this release, we’ve fixed an issue that prevented some users from being able to login properly when using force to web authentication.

Version 3.9

Release date: November 16, 2020

In this release, we fixed some bugs and made some minor improvements.

Version 3.8.1

Release date: October 26, 2020

iOS

These issues were fixed in this release:

  • Some files were marked as unsupported for converted Ultra courses
  • Question text for tests in Original courses was not displaying properly

Version 3.8

Release date: October 19, 2020

iOS

These issues were fixed in this release:

  • Descriptions in Ultra assessments were not displaying correctly when using access codes
  • Crash when accessing password-protected tests for some users

Android

These issues were fixed in this release:

  • Users unable to access the microphone and video of the device when accessing partner tools
  • Missing push notifications for some users
  • Error when trying to save/resume an assignment or test after the instructor has cleared attempt for an Original course
  • Attempt count is missing from the header in graded SCORM packages

Version 3.7.1

Release date: September 8, 2020

We fixed some bugs and made some minor improvements.

Version 3.7

Release date: September 3, 2020

We fixed some bugs and made some minor improvements.

Access codes for Ultra tests are now supported in the Blackboard app for students.

Learn more about supported Ultra tests features

Version 3.6.1

Release date: August 21, 2020

We squashed some bugs and made minor improvements.

Prior to this release, users were able to access Ultra course group discussions but their posts weren't properly added to threads. Group discussions are not supported in the app, so users now see a message to access group discussions in the web view of their course to ensure their replies post as expected.

Version 3.6

Release date: August 12, 2020

We made some minor updates and bug fixes in this release for both platforms.

iOS

We improved the announcement editor for Ultra courses so you can add rich text and media when you create announcements in the app.

Version 3.5

Release date: July 9, 2020

iOS

These issues were fixed in this release:

  • 401 error showed when content was opened in some courses
  • Multiple content attachments were unavailable
  • Crash when users accessed content in announcements
  • Reusable content items didn't render properly
  • Attachments from cloud storage providers and rich text and media in instructions were shown as text
  • Error displayed when content was quickly accessed multiple times
  • Error displayed when a graded group discussion was added

Android

These issues were fixed in this release:

  • Reusable content items didn't render properly
  • Attachments from cloud storage providers and rich text and media in instructions were shown as text
  • Error displayed when a graded group discussion was added

Version 3.4

Release date: June 15, 2020

Modify content settings

Now you can change settings like due dates and visibility for assessments and other content.

More on settings in Blackboard Instructor

Bb Annotate

Bb Annotate will replace New Box View as the inline annotation tool for assignment file submissions in Blackboard Learn on May 25 through August 10, 2020. Please see the release plan to find out when your institution will upgrade. When your institution has Bb Annotate, you'll also see it in Blackboard Instructor.

Bb Annotate includes these features:

  • Improved touch screen and stylus support
  • New notation tools such as stamps, images, shapes, and color
  • Reusable content library for comments

More on inline grading in the app

Bb Annotate release plan (login required)

Bb Annotate transition frequently asked questions (login required)

There is a known issue with Bb Annotate in Blackboard Instructor where users can't print or download submitted assignment files or annotations.

Version 3.3.1

Release date: May 12 & 14, 2020

iOS | May 12, 2020

  • Improved app performance in poor network conditions
  • Fixed issue where screen was blank or frozen when users opened notifications
  • Fixed crash that occurred when users navigated through the app in poor network conditions

Android | May 14, 2020

  • Improved the login authentication speed

Version 3.3

Release date: May 5, 2020

iOS

  • Fixed issue where text was cut off text in announcements for iPad users in landscape mode
  • Fixed crash when a user navigated through the app while offline

Android

  • Fixed issue where text was cut off text in announcements for tablet users in landscape mode
  • Fixed audio playback problem where external audio paused while using the app

Version 3.2.4

Release date: April 24, 2020

iOS

  • Fixed a crash that some users experienced when loading the activity stream

Version 3.2.3

Release date: April 16, 2020

iOS and Android

  • We fixed an issue where users saw an error when trying to open an organization from the grades/marks section.

iOS

  • We fixed a notification bug that caused users to experience an app freeze when trying to load assignments, tests, and announcements

Version 3.2.2

Release date: April 11, 2020

iOS and Android

  • We fixed an issue where users were frequently logged out and had to constantly log back in. We also fixed various bugs and crashes.

iOS

  • Resolved an issue where the app was not properly loading after being placed in the background and then re-opened.
  • Fixed an issue where notifications resulted in a frozen app when tapped.

Android

  • Fixed a crash for some devices running Android 6.0 or lower.

Version 3.2.1

Release date: April 8, 2020

Android

Resolved crashalytics issues. Android only.

Version 3.2

Release date: April 6, 2020

We updated announcements with a new look and feel. Instructors can now create, edit, and schedule announcements for Ultra courses.

More on announcements

An upcoming building block update is needed to edit announcements in Original courses. The building block update is currently scheduled for release* in May 2020.

More information for system administrators on the update

Version 3.1.1

Release date: March 18, 2020

We squashed some bugs and made minor improvements.

Version 3.1

Release date: February 27, 2020

We squashed some bugs and made minor improvements.

Version 3.0.1

Release date: February 12, 2020

We squashed some bugs and made minor improvements.

Version 3.0

Release date: January 30, 2020

We made some visual improvements to learning modules for Ultra courses to provide better visibility into your course structure and content delivery.

SaaS administrators can turn off grade pill colors in the administrator panel now. Note that grade pills only show for Original courses in the Blackboard Instructor app.

iOS

We fixed a number of bugs:

  • Issue where iPad users were unable to launch YouTube videos in full screen
  • Crash experienced when some users accepted the terms of use

Android

We fixed a number of bugs:

  • Microsoft Sway links in content that were unresponsive
  • Crash experienced by some users when they accessed settings

Looking for previous releases?

Check out the Blackboard Instructor release archive