Blackboard Ultra OER Settings Guide

"Simple Settings for Powerful OER Delivery in Technical Education"
South Plains College | Automotive • Welding • Collision Repair • Culinary

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📌 Why Settings Matter for OER

When you move technical education content into Blackboard Ultra using OER, you want:

• Students to access the right materials at the right time ✅

• Mastery-based progression ✅

• Smooth integration of videos, quizzes, and labs ✅

• Less student confusion ✅

• More lab/shop time ✅

The settings below will help you maximize all of those.

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1️⃣ Build OER Content in Learning Modules (NOT Just Folders)

 Why? Learning Modules allow you to apply sequencing and release conditions easily.

How to Set Up:

• Go to Content > Create > Learning Module

• Title by skill, certification area, or weekly schedule.

• Inside the module, add:

  • Readings

  • Video demonstrations

  • Industry guest videos

  • Reading checks/quizzes

  • Assignments (ex: student video submissions)

🧰 OER Best Practice: Use your SPC OER template for structure!

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2️⃣ Use Release Conditions to Control Access

 Why? Force students to complete key prep before accessing shop/lab content.

Where to Find:

• At the bottom of any content item > Release Conditions > Add Condition

Common Conditions:

• Performance on assessment: e.g. 80% on safety quiz before lab unlocks

• Date and time: release modules in weekly chunks

• Review Status: require student to mark items as read

🧰 OER Best Practice: Use for pre-lab safety training, tool prep, or certification review.

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3️⃣ Create Low-Stakes Reading Checks for Mastery

Why? Prevent students from skipping over key OER content.

How To:

• Create > Test

• Build 5–10 question quizzes using OER content.

• Use auto-grading with multiple choice, true/false, matching.

🧰 OER Best Practice: Build question banks using AI tools + your edits.

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4️⃣ Embed OER & Industry Videos Strategically

Why? Connect learning directly to the field.

How To:

• Upload directly in Ultra using Insert > Media inside document pages.

• Or embed from:

  • YouTube (Unlisted for alumni/employer videos)

  • Flip (for student demos)

  • ScreenPal or Collaborate Recordings

🧰 OER Best Practice: Keep videos short (3-7 min) and skill-focused.

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5️⃣ Use Student Video Submissions for Authentic Assessment

Why? Let students demonstrate competency visually.

How To:

• Create an Assignment

• Allow File Uploads for .mp4 or YouTube Unlisted links

• Provide clear rubric/checklist in assignment instructions

🧰 OER Best Practice: Create “Video Demo Checklists” for each skill.

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6️⃣ Apply Visibility Controls to Simplify Course Navigation

Why? Prevent students from seeing materials too early or all at once.

How To:

• Under any item > Toggle Visible to Students / Hidden from Students

• Combine with release conditions for automated flow.

🧰 OER Best Practice: Only show students 1-2 weeks ahead to reduce overwhelm.

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7️⃣ Use Discussions to Build Industry Connection

Why? Strengthen career focus using OER + alumni/employer involvement.

Settings to Use:

• Post First: forces original response before seeing peers.

• Grade Discussion: optional, but increases accountability.

• Embed employer videos as discussion starters.

🧰 OER Best Practice: Use scenario-based "What would you do?" prompts.

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8️⃣ Optional: Gamify with Blackboard Achievements

 Why? Motivate students as they complete OER milestones.

How To:

• In Gradebook Settings > Achievements

• Tie badges to:

  • Safety training completion

  • Skills video submissions

  • OER module mastery

🧰 OER Best Practice: Small "micro-badges" keep students motivated throughout long-term programs.

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9️⃣ Always Test as a Student

Why? Ensure your OER flow works like you intended.

How To:

• Use Student Preview Mode to experience release conditions, quizzes, and video submissions exactly like your students will.

🧰 OER Best Practice: Run through every module at least once before your students do.

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Pro Tip: Save OER Master Course Shells for Program Consistency

Why? Faculty don’t have to start from scratch every semester.

• Build shared program master shells with:

  • OER content already aligned

  • Pre-loaded industry videos

  • Sequencing built in

  • Consistent student experience

🧰 OER Best Practice: Use your SPC OER Template to keep structure consistent across all sections.

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When You Set Ultra Up Right → More Shop Time. More Student Success. Less Chaos.