A Document allows instructors to combine a variety of material for students to view together, such as text, multimedia, and attachments. There are many options for content design with a variety of block types.
⏬ Table of Contents
Creating a Document
In the Course Content area, select the plus sign wherever you want to add a document. In the menu, select Create to open the Create Item panel and select Document.
You can also expand or create a folder or learning module and add a document.
Document Design
Design Documents by selecting from one of the following block types
Document Block Type | Block Descriptions |
|---|---|
Content block | Add content via the content editor |
Knowledge check | Knowledge checks test student comprehension of a document by asking a multiple choice or multiple answer question, More info on Knowledge Checks |
File upload block | Browse for files on the local machine to upload to the Document |
Cloud upload block | Login to a cloud service and select a file to add into the Document |
Convert a file block | Browse for files on your local machine. Once selected, the system converts the file into the Document format. Supported file types include PDF, PowerPoint (ppt, pptx, pps), and Word (doc, docx, odt). Converted content should be reviewed for accuracy. |
Document Menu Bar
The menu bar remains visible while you scroll through the document, allowing you to view, add, or edit content. When in view mode, the menu bar features an Edit option. Upon selecting Edit, the menu bar reveals the following options:
Edit
Add Blocks
Undo/Redo
Cancel
Save
Resizing and Moving Blocks
Design attractive layouts by resizing and dragging/dropping blocks into columns and rows:
Rows
Each row includes a menu to quickly alter your row positioning. To delete a row, select the trash can icon.
Blocks
Each block includes a menu with options to alter the block size
And alter the block positioning
Editing Modes:
Block Mode vs. Column Mode
Block Mode: is the default editing state in Ultra Documents, allowing you to modify, move or delete specific blocks without disturbing the overall column layout. If you see the “book icon” handle, you are in block mode.
Pencil Icon: For text based block, this will open the text editor. For images, you can edit the image options, e.g., display name and image caption
Six Dot Icon: expand the options menu where you can alter block size and/or position
Painter’s Palette Icon: Use the palette to add a block style to highlight key information.
Select the Trash Can Icon to remove the block. Use the undo button to reverse the action, however once saved, deletions are permanent.
Column Mode & Block Stacking: Column mode allows you to group multiple content blocks like text, images, and files into a single vertical stack. By treating the stack as one unit, you can build more sophisticated layouts.
Using the move handle (six dot icon) Drag a content block over an existing one.
Watch for the thick purple horizontal line to appear.
Position the block where you want it until you see that purple line (this is your Stacking Zone).
Release the block to "snap" it into place.
Once all blocks are in place, click the “book” icon to combine and lock them into a single stack.
Note that columns will stack vertically on mobile devices. If the order of information is important, stack blocks in the order you want them to appear on a phone. Use the Student Preview tool to ensure your stacked blocks are configured in the appropriate layout.
Adding Images
Select Add Content and select the Image button to upload images, or add Stock Images from UnSplash that will be autopopulated by your text, or use the AI-Design Feature and insert an AI-generated image by entering a description and selecting generate.
File Options
Choose an Image and and select Next
Enter
Display Name
Alternative Text or Mark Image as Decorative
and choose File Option: View and Download, View Only, or Download Only
Save
Accessibility
Accessibility Checker (Powered by Ally)
The Ultra Accessibility Checker scans content in the rich content editor for documents to identify accessibility issues. It offers explanations about these issues and offers quick fixes to address them, making your content accessible. Select the Score Gauge indicator that displays to the right of content item within your Document to access the results.
Document Visibility
Show or hide the document. You can also set availability conditions based on date, time, and performance on other items in the course gradebook. On the Course Content page, students can see when the document is set to be available.
Document Settings
Allow class conversations: What if your students have questions? You can allow conversations within a document, and anyone can contribute. Students can also discuss the content with you and their classmates. They can ask for help, share sources, or answer questions others have. As the conversation develops, it appears only with the relevant content
Add an optional description: The description appears with the document title on the Course Content page and can be helpful to your students before they select the content item.
The "Goals & standards" feature is a program/curriculum-level planning tool and is not in active use by any college or department at SU.
Example / Idea of Completed Document
