The LMS at University of Notre Dame Australia is Blackboard, both Original and Ultra. Over time all courses will transition to Ultra.

Both versions of Blackboard use a standard Minimum Presence template for courses. The minimum presence template describes the way in which the Blackboard site will be used for teaching purposes. However the instructors can add to this Menu with further items, but the minimum items MUST stay in place. The minimum items are:

  • Homepage Hub: This section is the entry portal where a welcome message and a Unit Banner and colours can set the tone for the semester. It is used to email enrolled students and to post important unit information, updates and reminders.
  • Announcements can be used for ongoing, week-by-week class management.
  • Staff Contact: This Tool is for staff profiles and contacts
  • Course Outline: The course outline should be uploaded here. 
  • Learning Materials: : Learning content, lectures, resources and activities are uploaded here.
  • Reading list: Leganto is the Library’s reading list management system and copyright compliance tool. Leganto, which is connected to the Library Services platform, is embedded in Blackboard. 
  • Discussion board: This Tool will enable you to provide students with feedback and allows students to collaborate with one another. Staff can add or remove student forums and activate the RSS feed for subscription.
  • Echo360 media: Used to record lectures for watching later.
  • Zoom: This is a real-time video conferencing tool that lets you add files, share applications and use a virtual whiteboard to interact; the session can be recorded so that the students who could not attend are able to watch later.
  • Assessment: Information regarding assessment and marking criteria and links to online assessment submissions (including Turnitin) and tests and quizzes should be uploaded here.
  • My Grades: This Tool provides students with marks and feedback on tests and graded assignments
  • Additional Student info: This page contains information about the extra support students can access to succeed in their courses, and the University policies and guidelines they must abide by..
  • Academic Support: Takes students to an external page of links to various supports including Studiosity, appointments with library and student success, academic integrity.
  • Pastoral Care: details on packages available to students.
  • UNDA Library link

A variety of Blackboard-related guides with step-by-step instructions are available on Blackboard at the Digital Asset Toolkit.

The same content is required in Ultra courses however the layout is different. Tabs have been moved from the left-hand side of the screen to to the top of the screen and they are:

  • Content - organized into Modules or Weeks including a
    • Getting Started introductory area
    • Leganto reading list
    • Assessment details
    • Academic and Pastoral Support information and links.
  • Calendar
  • Announcements
  • Discussions
  • Gradebook
  • Messages
  • Groups
  • Achievements

Links & Files

FAQ Actions