Release Notes for Learn SaaS

This page contains features and updates currently on Learn SaaS Test/Stage and Production environments. Visit Archived SaaS Release Notes to see features and updates in older versions. Visit In-Product Updates to learn more about in-product updates.

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Blackboard SaaS release 3900.123.0

Blackboard Learn SaaS Continuous Delivery v3900.123.0
Release to Test/Stage: Tuesday, 8 July 2025 | Release to Production: Thursday, 7 August 2025
Original Course View, Ultra Course View

For full feature details, please review the corresponding notes for the Blackboard 3900.123.0 version included below on this page. Details can be found on Anthology Global Support.

Latest release to Test/Stage servers to take place on 8 July 2025.

For more information on updates and bug fixes, please visit Anthology Global Support.


Instructional Design

Enhance Documents with block styling options – 3900.123

Impact: Instructors
Updated Help Topic: Create Documents
Idea Exchange ID: LEARNU-I-5171

Instructors

We added block styling to Documents, giving instructors new ways to enhance visual appeal and guide student attention. The styling options feature both color and icons. The style options include: 

  • Question
  • Tip
  • Key points
  • Next steps
  • Highlight 

Image 1. Instructors can select styling options from a dropdown menu that appears in Edit mode on all block types.

The content block toolbar with the block styling option highlighted in blue, showing an expanded menu. The question option is represented by a ?. The tip option is represented by a light bulb. Key points is represented by a pin. Next steps is represented by two arrows. The highlight option is represented by a star. The reset styling option at the bottom shows two arrows circling each other.

This update helps instructors create more engaging content.

Administrators 

Availability:  Available for all Ultra courses. 

Activation:  None needed. 

Configuration:  None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Ensure new courses use the latest Learning Object Repository content – 3900.123

Impact: Instructors and administrators 
Updated Help Topic: Learning Object Repository
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

Instructors and Administrators 

We enhanced the syncing logic in the Learning Object Repository. Courses that have ended or are marked as complete don't receive updates from the Learning Object Repository. This means Learning Object Repository objects may be updated after a course ends, but before that course is used as a template for a new one, which could cause outdated content to be copied forward. 

Image 1. The current sync model can result in an outdated copy of an object.

A flowchart illustrating the current syncing process in the Learning Object Repository through a series of boxes and arrows. An open course receives updates, but after that course goes through a status change and is closed, updates are blocked. When the course is copied in the next semester, that course now has outdated objects, but it still receives updates.

Now, when content is copied from one course to another, the system will automatically pull in the latest version of each Learning Object Repository object to ensure that new courses always start with the most current materials. As a result, content authors no longer need to manually update Learning Object Repository objects after a course begins. 

Image 2. Copied objects are automatically updated in the new sync model.

A flowchart showing the new syncing model. An open course receives updates, but after the status change of closing, updates are blocked. When that same course is copied, it is updated to the latest version and will receive updates.

The new behavior doesn't apply if the destination course is past its end date or has been marked as complete.

Administrators

Availability:  Available for all Ultra courses. 

Activation:  None needed. 

Configuration:  None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Enhance usability on the Associations page of the Learning Object Repository – 3900.123

Impact: Administrators
Updated Help Topic: Learning Object Repository
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

The Associations Page has been improved for better clarity and usability. 

  • Added support for courses with a duration type of "Days from the date of enrollment"
  • Fixed an issue where a 0 would display when loading the Associations Page
  • Associations that aren't part of a term will now display as "--" under the Term Column
  • Accessing an object's associations from the More options menu will now take the user to the tab view of the Associations page 

Image 1. The Associations tab now shows a “--” under the Term column.

The Associations tab, showing 2 ongoing courses where the term is marked as an "--" and a course with a set term showing that the term is Fall 2027.

Administrators 

Availability:  Available for all Ultra courses. 

Activation:  None needed. 

Configuration:  None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Track sync progress from Learning Object Repository to courses and organizations – 3900.123

Impact: Administrators
Updated Help Topic: Learning Object Repository
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

We added a new task type, "Sync from Repository/Template," to the Tasks and Logs page in the Learning Object Repository. This feature allows users to monitor the progress of updates being applied from the repository to all linked courses and organizations. Users can track when the sync is created, started, and completed. This enhancement helps users confirm that updates have been successfully delivered to the appropriate courses and organizations. 

Image 1. The new task type, “Sync from Repository/Template,” is on the Tasks and Logs page.

The Tasks and Logs page, showing the "Sync from Repository/Template" task for multiple objects in the Tasks tab.

Administrators 

Availability:  Available for all Ultra courses. 

Activation:  None needed. 

Configuration:  None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Improve LTI tool management with flexible copy options – 3900.123

Impact: Instructors and administrators
Updated Help Topic: Not applicable
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

Instructors

Previously, LTI tools were only included when performing a full course copy. With this update, users who have the appropriate permissions can now select and copy individual LTIs. This enhancement provides greater flexibility and control for instructors and administrators using LTI tools. 

While the LTI standard—particularly LTI 1.3 with LTI Advantage—supports copying tools between courses, the actual behavior of copied LTIs depends on how each provider has implemented the standard. Some tools may function immediately after copying, while others might require manual relinking or configuration to work properly in the new course. 

To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend testing all copied LTI links, especially those involving grade synchronization, user data, or other course-specific functionality.

Administrators 

Availability:  Available for all Ultra courses. 

Activation:  None needed. 

Configuration:  None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Communication & Collaboration

Video Studio: Use Video Studio in Announcements – 3900.123

Impact: Instructors
Updated Help Topic: Video Studio (Instructor)
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

Announcements now support video and audio content through Video Studio. This update, including a new Video Studio button in the Announcements content editor, replaces the Capture tool. This feature is integrated in the core Blackboard product and doesn’t require a separate Video Studio license. Video Studio in Announcements makes video and audio creation more consistent across the platform, improving both usability and accessibility.

Instructors

Instructors can use Video Studio in Announcements to record or upload video and audio. The redesigned Video Studio button launches the standard Video Studio workflow, which automatically generates captions and transcripts. This makes content more accessible and supports personalized, engaging communication.

An instructor's class announcement to greet the class contains a Video Studio recording within the announcement that is a tour of the course.

Administrators 

Availability: Included as part of Blackboard. This feature doesn’t require a Video Studio License.

Activation: None needed.

Configuration: None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Ensure consistency with course-level group conversion – 3900.123

Impact: Instructors and administrators
Updated Help Topic: Create and Manage Groups
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

Instructors and administrators

We streamlined the process of converting groups from activity-level to course-level to improve consistency and ease of use for instructors. 

All activity-level groups are now automatically converted to course-level groups:

  • During course conversion from Original to Ultra.
  • When course materials are copied into a new course. 

All group associations with content items are preserved, so instructors don’t need to manually reassociate groups with content. Course-level groups offer more consistent group management and are easier to use across the course. This update ensures a smoother experience for instructors managing group activities. 

Group behavior for exact copies hasn’t changed.

Availability:  Available for all Ultra courses. 

Activation:  None needed.

Configuration:  None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Gradebook

Increased accessibility in the student Gradebook – 3900.123

Impact: Student
Updated Help Topic: Not applicable
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

To improve accessibility, we updated the student Gradebook to use a semantic HTML table structure. This change replaces the previous layout, which relied on stacked <div> elements. The new structure improves screen reader support and keyboard navigation.

Administrators 

Availability: Available for all Ultra courses

Activation: None needed.

Configuration: None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Increased accessibility in the student Overview page – 3900.123

Impact: Instructors
Updated Help Topic: Not applicable
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

To improve accessibility, we updated the student Overview page to use a semantic HTML table structure. This change replaces the previous layout, which relied on stacked <div> elements. The new structure improves screen reader support and keyboard navigation.

Administrators 

Availability: Available for all Ultra courses

Activation: None needed.

Configuration: None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Turn on DirectSubmit functionality – 3900.123

Impact: Administrators
Updated Help Topic: DirectSubmit
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

The DirectSubmit feature allows instructors to submit papers directly to SafeAssign for originality checking, even outside of student assignments. With this update, administrators have the ability to manage faculty access to DirectSubmit based on institutional preferences. By default, DirectSubmit remains available, ensuring seamless access to SafeAssign’s plagiarism detection capabilities.

This update to DirectSubmit includes several additional enhancements:

  • Instructors can delete submitted items.
  • Mobile app callbacks improve integration.
  • A new column provides direct links to download original submissions.
  • A workflow for suggesting URLs enhances content comparison.
  • Grading icons now align with updated design standards.

Instructors

When administrators set DirectSubmit as available, instructors can delete submitted items, access original submission downloads, and benefit from consistent grading icons. These enhancements streamline the workflow and improve usability. 

Administrators 

Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.

Activation: None needed.

Configuration: This feature is turned on by default. Administrators can turn it on or off by going to the Administrator Panel. Select Configure in The Ultra Experience is Here! module. Select SafeAssign Direct Submit to turn on or off.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Blackboard Core

Adding Table of Contents to Learning Modules for students – 3900.123

Impact: Students
Updated Help Topic: Learning Modules (Student)
Idea Exchange ID: LEARNU-I-159

A table of contents for the instructor view is coming in a future release.

We’ve redesigned the Learning Module experience for students by adding a collapsible Table of Contents. This update improves navigation, orientation, and progress tracking.  As part of this improvement, assessments now open in a full panel instead of a smaller panel. These updates create a more consistent and focused user experience.

This feature will be released to test environments in July and production in August. Institutions can opt out during the initial rollout.

Students

Students now have a simplified way to navigate and track progress in Learning Modules. Updates include:

  • A table of contents for the items in a Learning Module. Select Contents to open and collapse the table of contents

Image 1: Learning Modules now contain a Table of Contents panel to orient students within Learning Modules for their courses. The panel can be collapsed with the arrow button at the top of the Table of Contents.

Table of contents within a Learning Module. The collapse table of contents button is highlighted with a blue box on the top right corner of the screen.
  • Easy navigation between items  
  • Manual or automatic item completion tracking from within the Learning Module
  • Next and Previous buttons moved closer together at the top of the page for an improved experience. 

Image 2: The navigation buttons Previous and Next now appear closer to each other in the user interface within Learning Modules to give an improved user experience. 

Discussion within a Learning Module with the Learning Module table of contents displayed.

Assessments within Learning Modules. Assessments now open in a full panel, providing a consistent and distraction-free experience.

Image 3: The Assessments pages within Learning Modules now appear as a full-sized panel.

Assessment page in a Learning Module is a full-sized panel.

Forced sequence in Learning Modules. When sequencing is enforced, students must use the Next and Previous buttons to move through content in order. Students can’t jump ahead using the table of contents unless they have already completed the item they are navigating to. Skipping ahead without completing a Learning Module item is disabled in this mode. 

Administrators 

Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.

Activation: Opt-out during rollout. To opt out: in the Administrator Panel, select Configure in The Ultra Experience is Here! module. Select and switch off Content navigator to navigate between learning module items.

Configuration: None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Use SIS integration to bulk update course completion status – 3900.123

Impact: Administrators
Updated Help Topic: Managing Course Terms and Access
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

Administrators can now use the Student Information System (SIS) integration to update course and organization completion status in bulk. This builds on last month’s update, which added bulk completion management via the Administrator Panel. With this enhancement, administrators can automate completion and uncompletion actions through SIS, improving consistency and reducing manual work.

Data can now be added to a new column in their SIS flat file called Complete. Use Y to mark a course or organization as complete, or N to mark it as incomplete. This update applies only during SIS update operations—not during course or organization creation.

To use this feature, go to Data Integration in the Administrator Panel, then select Student Information System Integrations. Select Upload Feed File and upload your file. 

Administrators 

Availability: This feature is available for all Ultra courses and organizations. It can be used for Original Course View, but setting an Original Course to complete will turn off notifications and might block future updates. 

Activation: None needed.

Configuration: None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Upgrade to Ultra

Enhance visual consistency for embedded LTI tools – 3900.123

Impact: Instructors and students
Updated Help Topic: Not applicable
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

Instructors and students 

Previously, the width of embedded LTI tools was determined by the dimensions specified by the provider. This often led to unused space and grey letterboxing on either side of the content within Blackboard. With this update, all embedded LTIs now default to 100% width. This ensures that responsive tools make full use of the available space and aligns their behavior with standalone LTIs on the Course or Organization Content page, which also use 100% width by default. 

This change brings visual consistency across Blackboard and enhances the user experience by eliminating unnecessary spacing and improving content presentation. 

Attention LTI Providers: With our recent update, all embedded LTIs now default to 100% width. This ensures responsive tools utilize the full available space. We strongly encourage providers to test their integrations and make any necessary changes to ensure proper display and compatibility with this new behavior.

Administrators 

Availability:  Available for all Ultra courses. 

Activation:  None needed. 

Configuration:  None needed. 

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Premium

Course Catalog: Discover important information about courses on redesigned course tiles

Test/Stage: week of 14 July 2025; Production: week of 14 July 2025
Impact: Students
Updated Help Topic: Not applicable
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

Redesigned course tiles now display important information for guests and logged-in users, preventing the need to open the course details panel to access that information about the course. A consistent Learn More call-to-action button now appears on each tile to provide a consistent look and feel throughout the catalog. These updates make course information more accessible to all students.

Students

Each course tile now clearly states:

  • whether the course is free or paid
  • how many badges and certificates are associated with the course
  • if an access code is required to enroll in the course
  • if admin approval is required to enroll in the course

Each tile also includes a Learn More button that provides a consistent look and feel throughout the catalog.

Image 1: The course tile shows the course is free, that one certificate is associated with it, and that an access code is required to enroll. It has a Learn More button for students to discover more details about the course.

The course tile for a course titled Introduction to Technical Writing. It includes a banner with stylized picture of a computer, a sheet of paper, and a pen, the title of the course, a summary, the information that the course is free, starts anytime, has one certificate associated with it, and requires an access code to enroll. It also contains a Learn More button.

Administrators 

Availability: Available for all Course Catalog courses

Activation: None needed

Configuration: None needed

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description


Course Catalog: Clarify enrollment steps with improved prompts and feedback 

Test/Stage: week of 14 July 2025; Production: week of 14 July 2025
Impact: Students
Updated Help Topic: Not applicable
Idea Exchange ID: Not applicable

We improved the enrollment experience to reduce confusion and streamline the process for both guests and logged-in users. These updates clarify next steps and provide better feedback during key interactions. They create a smoother, more predictable path from course discovery to enrollment for students.

Students

  • Redesigned enrollment prompts provide relevant information about the course, such as whether admin approval is required or an access code must be entered.

Image 1: A window appears that informs the student that the course requires admin approval to enroll and provides a Continue button.

A window that says "Enroll in Documentation 101 This course required admin approval to enroll. Would you like to continue to request approval?" and has a Continue option at the bottom.
  • A confirmation message is displayed after enrollment is complete, giving the user a success message and a choice of actions: Browse Catalog or Go to Dashboard.

Image 2: A confirmation message is displayed after the student enrolls that offers them the options to Browse Catalog or Go to Dashboard.

A window that says "Enrollment Successful You have been successfully enrolled in Anatomy I. You will receive a confirmation email. The course will now appear on your dashboard." and has Browse Catalog and Go to Dashboard options at the bottom.
  • When a guest selects an enrollment action and signs in, the system now remembers the original action. After the user signs in, a window appears that prompts them to complete the action they started.

Image 3: A window appears that prompts the user to continue with the action they started before they signed in.

A window that says "Enroll in Arthurian Literature This course is free to enroll. Would you like to continue with enrollment?" and has a Continue option at the bottom.

Administrators 

Availability: Available for all Course Catalog courses.

Activation: None needed.

Configuration: None needed.

Return to August 2025 – 3900.123.0 Release description



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