Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Transitions to “Blackboard Ultra” as a Strategic Step Towards Innovative Digital E-Learning
In a move that represents a strategic and transformative milestone in university’s eLearning journey, and in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 for digital transformation, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University officially launched the new Blackboard Ultra interface, along with the transition project platform, risk management plan, and training framework. The system was inaugurated by the University President, Prof. Fahad Al-Harbi, during the University Council meeting held on Tuesday, 10 Rabi Al-Awwal 1447 AH (September 2, 2025).
Prof. Al-Harbi emphasized that this achievement is not merely a technical upgrade, but an institutional project executed through a precise timeline and robust risk management plan, resulting in a significant leap in the digital learning experience. He further noted that the project reflects IAU’s commitment to digital transformation in higher education and highlights its standing among Saudi Arabia’s leading universities in shaping digital education. He also expressed his appreciation for the support of the Kingdom’s leadership, the Ministry of Education, and the National eLearning Center, as well as the dedicated efforts of the university’s faculty and staff, represented by the Deanship of eLearning and Distance Learning, in accomplishing this landmark project.
For his part, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Abdullah Almuhaideb, pointed to the Deanship’s successful completion of course migration plans, staff training, and delivery of guidance programs. He emphasized the advantages of the new system, including expanded use of AI-powered tools to support diverse learning styles, full integration of virtual classrooms into a unified platform that enhances interaction between students and faculty, a modern global-standard interface, flexible content management, and advanced analytics to support academic decision-making, along with comprehensive support for smart devices.
In this context, the Dean of eLearning and Distance Learning, Dr. Muneerah Almahasheer, expressed her pride in this achievement, affirming that the transition to Blackboard Ultra provides a high-quality digital learning experience that is truly “worth experiencing,” reflecting the university’s ambitions and aspirations in pioneering digital education.
The Deanship of eLearning and Distance Learning successfully migrated and archived 100% of courses to the new system, fully trained and certified the technical team, and launched an extensive training plan that included 18 workshops for faculty members and 6 workshops for students, delivered in both Arabic and English. The Deanship also produced 38 diverse user guides — 34 for faculty and 4 for students — in addition to specialized guides supporting students with disabilities and practical guides on the use of AI tools integrated into the system.
Dr. Almahasheer emphasized that the transition to Blackboard Ultra reflects a national strategic vision that invests in the future of students and faculty, reinforcing the university’s role as an innovative academic institution contributing a unique model to the digital transformation of higher education in Saudi Arabia.
