Base Navigation

On May 15, 2022, WPU Blackboard will activate Blackboard Learn Ultra Base Navigation. This is the first step of a phased transition from the Original format to the new Ultra format. While this upgrade will lead to many improvements to user experience and navigation within Blackboard, the changes happen outside of course sites and will not affect course content, structure, functionality, and tools.

What Is Base Navigation?

	In Blackboard Learn, base navigation is a user interface and the experience a user has outside of a course. Base Navigation, which will be enabled on May 22, 2022, is a new and modern user interface and experience in Blackboard Learn Ultra and a new way of navigating Blackboard. Base Navigation is part of the Blackboard Learn Ultra, which is comprised of: Base Navigation – the main navigational structure Original Course View – the current course format Ultra Course View – the new course format Enabling Base Navigation brings some changes in user experience and certain capabilities. However, Base Navigation is the experience you have outside of a course. Navigation inside your current courses will remain unchanged.

Why Is This Change Necessary?

Compared to Blackboard Learn Original, which is what we currently have, Base Navigation provides many improved user experiences:

Offers modern, intuitive user experience. The new interface is less complex, more intuitive, and more engaging.
Works well on mobile devices due to its Mobile First design. Base Navigation is designed to work well regardless of which device you are using.
Streamlines user interface. The system-level navigation menu on the left hand side provides a global view across all your courses.
Aggregates important information. All your course and organization information – like activities, calendar, messages, and grades – are now consolidated into one global view, minimizing the time spent navigating into each individual course.
Just one click away. When you see something that needs your attention, just click it and you will be taken directly there, minimizing clicks and saving time

Base Navigation Menu Items

Click the highlighted link to explore each menu item.

Profile: Select your name in the list and make changes to your online persona.
Activity Stream: See up-to-the- minute action for all of your courses.
Courses: Navigate to past, present, and future courses.
Organizations: Access the organizations that you lead or are a member of.
Calendar: View course events and due dates for all your courses.
Messages: View and send messages in all courses.
Grades: See what needs grading across all your courses.
Tools: Access global functions that are outside of your courses such as portfolios or the Content Collection.