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Finding the Pencil Icon

In May, 2021, Wichita State began the transition from "Old" Blackboard to Blackboard Ultra. The first step in this transition was a cosmetic change to the login page and the overall Blackboard environment, but courses remained largely unchanged. Throughout 2021 and 2022, courses will default to being in the "Old" Blackboard format unless and until the instructor of record decides to change to the Ultra format for the course.

If you have attempted to convert your Old Blackboard course to an Ultra course but you can't find the pencil icon, follow these extra steps:

  • Login to Blackboard and click into the course you want to convert.
  • On the left-hand side of the screen under "Course Management" click "Customization" > "Properties" and under "Set Availability" click the radio button next to "Yes" and then submit.
  • Look to the top right and click the icon that looks like a padlock.

    Make course available to see pencil
  • If the pencil is now visible, return to Convert "Old" Blackboard Course to Ultra and continue the steps from there.
  • If the pencil is still not visible, email us at OIR@wichita.edu and we will look into it for you.