Enhanced Ultra Documents

Introduced November, 2024, Ultra Documents, or "Items" of course content in Ultra courses, now provide faculty with a flexible creative canvas for student-centered course design. Document content that was created prior to the November update is untouched but can be reconfigured using the new tools. The block-based editor provides instructors with the ability to create attractive, multi-column layouts using text, multimedia, file uploads, tool integrations, and knowledge checks.

Content Blocks

The Content, HTML, File upload, Cloud upload, and Content Collection content types were already available but can now be combined using column layouts. The new content block types are Knowledge check and Convert a file.

To add a block, select the plus button at the beginning of a new or existing Ultra Document. The arrows make it easy to undo and redo your changes.

Knowledge Checks

Knowledge checks are embedded multiple choice formative assessments that deliver instant feedback for students on their understanding of the course material.

The correct and incorrect answer feedback is displayed to students and they have unlimited attempts.

Note: Knowledge checks cannot be graded. If you would like to provide a low-stakes formative assessment, you can apply the "Formative" label to a graded Test.

In the instructor view, knowledge checks provide dynamic insights into where students may be struggling with the material that empower faculty to adapt their course content in real-time.

Convert Documents

The Convert a file block converts an uploaded file into an Ultra document. The Convert a file button only displays on new or existing Ultra Documents without content. File conversion works best with Word documents that have minimal formatting. It is common for some formatting to be removed when your document is converted, but you can easily add it back using the text formatting options in the editor.

After selecting the file you want to upload from your device and convert, the conversion status screen will display the name of the file you are converting and provide the option to cancel the conversion and select a different file. The conversion process can take a few minutes depending on the size and complexity of your file.

The converted document will display in the text editor where you can make adjustments. Additional blocks can be inserted above or below the converted content.

When you are pleased with your design, unhide it for students and select the Save button.

Column Design

Ultra documents now support up to four columns for arranging content blocks into unique designs.

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To resize a content block:

1. Hover your cursor over the left or right edge of the block to activate the double arrow icon.
2. Click and drag to the left or right.
3. Release the cursor at one of the four column breaking points.

To move a content block:

1. Hover your cursor over the content block.
2. Click the drag handle with 6 dots and drag the block to the desired position.
3. Release the handle to drop the block in place.

Use the Reorder or Resize Column menu

If you are using a laptop without an external mouse or have an impairment that makes clicking and dragging difficult, content can also be moved or resized with precision using the Reorder or Resize Column menu:

1. Click the 6 dot drag handle for a content block once to open the menu.
2. The move options are used to move the block vertically up or down one row at a time.
3. The shrink and expand options are used to shrink or expand the block size one column at a time.