CourseArc offers new AI-supported features for UMBC instructors, including image descriptions
The CourseArc tools in Blackboard now feature new AI-powered capabilities to enhance content creation efficiency and speed. From generating alt text and long descriptions to transforming outlines into full lessons and creating quizzes in seconds, these tools are ready to support your workflow -- right where you work.

Writing high-quality alt text and long descriptions is essential for accessibility, but it can be a time-consuming task. CourseArc's new Alt text & Long Description Generator tool, built directly into the Image block, generates clear, meaningful descriptions in seconds. Whether you’re working with simple icons or complex visuals, this feature helps you meet accessibility standards more quickly and consistently.

See this post in the UMBC Instructional Technology group for more information on the new AI tools in CourseArc.
]]> The CourseArc tools in Blackboard now feature new AI-powered capabilities to enhance content creation efficiency and speed. From generating alt text and long descriptions to transforming outlines... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/posts/150597 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150610/guest@my.umbc.edu/b84be7a3cd624d1e4cbc41a23701e92d/api/pixel ai blackboard coursearc teaching UMBC AI https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbc-ai https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/original.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/large.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/medium.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/small.png?1691095779 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxsmall.png?1691095779 UMBC AI https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/610/73f8948009024bac9d1efb52e1a61f9e/xxlarge.jpg?1749604508 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/610/73f8948009024bac9d1efb52e1a61f9e/xlarge.jpg?1749604508 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/610/73f8948009024bac9d1efb52e1a61f9e/large.jpg?1749604508 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/610/73f8948009024bac9d1efb52e1a61f9e/medium.jpg?1749604508 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/610/73f8948009024bac9d1efb52e1a61f9e/small.jpg?1749604508 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/610/73f8948009024bac9d1efb52e1a61f9e/xsmall.jpg?1749604508 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/610/73f8948009024bac9d1efb52e1a61f9e/xxsmall.jpg?1749604508 logo for the CourseArc tools 0 0 true Tue, 10 Jun 2025 21:24:23 -0400 Blackboard Ultra's AI Course Design Assistant Tool, 12-1pm January 8 AI-inspired assessment, question banks, journal, rubrics

Have you wondered how AI technology could transform your course preparation? Blackboard AI Course Design Assistant Tools are available for instructors in Ultra courses. In a 30-minute online quick start session, discover how you can leverage integrated AI tools to create engaging learning experiences in Ultra courses. Instructional Technology staff invites faculty to preview a suite of new AI Course Design Assistant features designed to inspire and assist faculty in streamlining the course development process. Stay after for Q&A.

This session will be facilitated by instructional technology specialist Ben Amudzi and has the following objectives.

Register here for this online event.


UMBC Center for AI ]]> Have you wondered how AI technology could transform your course preparation? Blackboard AI Course Design Assistant Tools are available for instructors in Ultra courses. In a 30-minute online quick... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/136590 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/146429/guest@my.umbc.edu/a76851726df7c7a2b1799e0bd3fed867/api/pixel ai blackboard teaching UMBC AI https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbc-ai https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/original.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/large.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/medium.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/small.png?1691095779 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxsmall.png?1691095779 UMBC Instructional Technology https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/429/683840ce799a6dc579d001382ffc30b1/xxlarge.jpg?1735685655 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/429/683840ce799a6dc579d001382ffc30b1/xlarge.jpg?1735685655 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/429/683840ce799a6dc579d001382ffc30b1/large.jpg?1735685655 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/429/683840ce799a6dc579d001382ffc30b1/medium.jpg?1735685655 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/429/683840ce799a6dc579d001382ffc30b1/small.jpg?1735685655 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/429/683840ce799a6dc579d001382ffc30b1/xsmall.jpg?1735685655 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/429/683840ce799a6dc579d001382ffc30b1/xxsmall.jpg?1735685655 0 0 true Tue, 31 Dec 2024 18:04:32 -0500 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 08:13:20 -0500 Enhancing Student Engagement with AI Conversations in Blackboard Ultra 12-1pm EDT Friday, September 20, 2024; online

Enhancing Student Engagement with AI Conversations in Blackboard Ultra

12-1pm EDT Friday, September 20, 2024; online

Join Dr. Mariann Hawken, director of UMBC's Instructional Technology, and Josh Abrams, Instructional Design Specialist, for an exploration of Ultra’s new AI Conversations, a Socratic questioning exercise powered by AI to support the responsible use of AI. In this session, discover how AI Conversations can be integrated into your courses to enhance student learning and engagement. When defined by the instructor for complexity and personality, the AI Conversation allows students to explore a topic and gain new perspectives.

AI Conversations will be available in the September release and future updates to this tool in late fall will include roleplaying and debate exercises.

Get more information and register for the event here.
UMBC Center for AI
]]> Enhancing Student Engagement with AI Conversations in Blackboard Ultra 12-1pm EDT Friday, September 20, 2024; online Join Dr. Mariann Hawken, director of UMBC's Instructional Technology, and... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/132067 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/143999/guest@my.umbc.edu/2ae84bdc4f5a139548225f4b18f445e4/api/pixel ai blackboard education teaching ultra UMBC AI https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbc-ai https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/original.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/large.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/medium.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/small.png?1691095779 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxsmall.png?1691095779 Instructional Technology 1 0 true Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:34:19 -0400 Blackboard's Ally now suggests alt text descriptions for images without them
Example of Ally's AI generated image description.

Here's an interesting application of new GenAI systems: helping instructors make their course materials more accessible. A best practice for web accessibility is to ensure every non-decorative image has a good, descriptive alternative text (alt text) description to make content accessible to users with disabilities, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired. 

The latest version of the Ally tool built into the Blackboard system used at UMBC will find images without alt text descriptions and offer to help by automatically generating descriptions.

Ally will flag images that lack a description in a Blackboard course. Instructors can enter a description themselves, mark the image as decorative, or leverage AI tools, powered by Microsoft Azure AI Vision, to scan the image and generate a suggested description. Instructors retain full control over the image and can edit the content to make corrections or clarify the information before saving it.

You can read more about this new Ally capability in this post in UMBC's Instructional Technology group.
UMBC Center for AI ]]> Example of Ally's AI generated image description. Here's an interesting application of new GenAI systems: helping instructors make their course materials more accessible. A best practice for... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/posts/143089 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/143175/guest@my.umbc.edu/59cf9843074d049a0a97c180f1d71b85/api/pixel ai ally alt-txt blackboard genai llm UMBC AI https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbc-ai https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/original.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/large.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/medium.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/small.png?1691095779 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxsmall.png?1691095779 UMBC AI 0 0 true Tue, 13 Aug 2024 21:24:53 -0400 Build Assessments with Blackboard AI Course Design Assistant Online session on using new AI tools, 12pm Thur. March 28

Have you wondered how to use AI tools for course and assessment design, but weren’t sure where to get started? What if you could begin by opening your Blackboard Ultra course? 

The Blackboard Ultra AI Design Assistant, available to instructors since December 2023, supports course and assessment design by providing suggestions for course structure, images, assessment questions, and rubrics. 

Join Instructional Technology for a 45-minute session to explore the AI Course Design Assistant Tools for assessment in Ultra courses. Learn how to use Ultra AI tools to create and develop test questions and rubrics while exploring opportunities for authentic assessment. Use the new AI Context Picker to specify which course content items should inform generated test questions.

You can get more information here and, if you have a UMBC account, register for the event.

]]> Have you wondered how to use AI tools for course and assessment design, but weren’t sure where to get started? What if you could begin by opening your Blackboard Ultra course?  The Blackboard... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/128484 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/139822/guest@my.umbc.edu/f12fd67988c5c0f4ff38e41f27b3c265/api/pixel ai blackboard teaching UMBC AI https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbc-ai https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/original.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xlarge.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/large.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/medium.png?1691095779 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/small.png?1691095779 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xsmall.png?1691095779 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/081/cfb27ebe008c2636486089a759ea5c36/xxsmall.png?1691095779 UMBC AI https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/822/805f8836ceb0fe05e4c56d102545b42d/xxlarge.jpg?1710170774 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/822/805f8836ceb0fe05e4c56d102545b42d/xlarge.jpg?1710170774 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/822/805f8836ceb0fe05e4c56d102545b42d/large.jpg?1710170774 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/822/805f8836ceb0fe05e4c56d102545b42d/medium.jpg?1710170774 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/822/805f8836ceb0fe05e4c56d102545b42d/small.jpg?1710170774 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/822/805f8836ceb0fe05e4c56d102545b42d/xsmall.jpg?1710170774 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/822/805f8836ceb0fe05e4c56d102545b42d/xxsmall.jpg?1710170774 0 0 true Mon, 11 Mar 2024 11:33:35 -0400