Rubrics are a grid-based evaluation system that allows for more accurate assessment of pre-defined categories, associated with one or multiple point values. Many faculty use Rubrics in some form or another when assessing. This article shows how this valuable tool can be digitized and applied in the Learning management system to assignments.
Discussions on Blackboard allow for asynchronous discussion and collaboration to take place within a Blackboard course. Discussions can be used for Student Lounges, FAQs, as well as graded assignment, assessment and project submissions. These articles explain the components of Discussions and demonstrate how to set up forums and grade submissions.
The Overall Grade in Blackboard Ultra (formerly called "Weighted Total") reflects a calculated total in a course to reflect students' progress. Instructors can incorporate categories of assessments and/or individual assessments, and can have it appear as a percentage, total value or letter grade (when used in conjunction with a grading schema). This article provides information to faculty about how the Overall Grade can be set up and managed within a Blackboard Ultra course.
One of the major changes between Blackboard Original and Blackboard Ultra is the Gradebook, replacing the Grade Center. This tool has become more robust, with more features for grading and tracking progress. In August 2026, additional elements of the Gradebook in Ultra have been updated, and new resources were developed to support faculty on how to use this area of their course. This article provides access to training and information on the Gradebook in Blackboard Ultra for faculty usage.