Blackboard Testing Tips
Testing in Blackboard can be nerve-wracking and frustrating, but there are steps that can help this process go a little smoother. Of course there isn't a guarantee that you will never encounter a problem, but if you follow these steps you will hopefully lessen your stress while testing online.
Before You Begin A Test or Quiz in Blackboard
1. Make sure your computer is up-to-date and ready to go. (See Computer Maintenance Tips) Additional Note: Mozilla Firefox is a better web browser for testing in Blackboard, but if possible, please refrain from updating to Firefox 11 at this time. Firefox 11 is a very recent upgrade, and it is generally best to wait awhile before updating to the current version.
2. If you have dial-up, make sure that call-waiting is disabled and that everyone in your house knows not to pick up the phone. You should also check with your Internet Service Provider to set your ISP timeout setting to the maximum time they allow.
3. It is best to use a computer with a wired connection to the Internet. Wireless connections can be unreliable.
4. Some instructions require you to complete a test in one sitting, but some will allow you to save and finish later. Make sure you read all testing instructions carefully. If you are required to complete it in one sitting (this is called "Force Completion"), make sure that you have enough time to finish the test. Do not start the test and then get a drink or snacks. Do not start it until you are ready to complete it. If you are taking a test set-up in this format, it is especially important that you utiilze a high speed, wired, internet connection. If you lose your connection or your connection is too slow, you could be "kicked out" of the test and not allowed back in. Read through instructions your instructor has posted concerning testing, and if in doubt, contact them to see if they are utilizing this "Force Completion" option.
5. If you have been working in Blackboard, click the 'log-out' button at the top of the Blackboard window and log back in before you begin the test. Blackboard has a three hour time-limit and a 90 minute inactivity limit. (Typing is not recognized as activity.) Do not just X out to close the Blackboard window, you must actually click the log-out button.
6. Make sure you single click the link to begin the test. No double clicking!! Blackboard recognizes the second click as a second attempt to enter the exam, which may not be allowed by your instructor. If this is the case, you will be locked out of an exam before you even begin. You would then need to contact your instructor to reset the test.
7. Don't wait until the last minute to take an exam. With technology, there is always the possibility that something could go wrong, so give yourself extra time so any issue can be resolved before the deadline.
8. Exit out of any other programs and/or websites that have been open on your computer. Having multiple programs open can cause you to encounter problems during testing. If you are taking a test with essay questions, you could have either Notepad or Wordpad open to type in and save your answers. Then copy and paste those answers into the Blackboard exam.
9. Maximize or resize your browser window, as needed, BEFORE you begin the quiz. When you resize your browser, it refreshes your screen and could cause you to get locked out of an exam.
10. You MAY want to disable the visual text box editor within Blackboard while completing an essay question test. We have had some students experience a problem when completing a test with multiple essay questions displaying on one screen. The student could type in the first text box with question one without any problems, but they were unable to click into any of the other question boxes to type in their answers. This seems to be related to Firefox 11, and the current work around is to turn off the text box editor within Blackboard. You can turn it off during the test and back on after the test if you choose. Text Box Editor Availability Instructions
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During a Test in Blackboard
1. To begin a test, single click the OK button only when you are ready to begin and complete the assignment. (Single click all buttons within this testing area. No double clicking!)
2. Once a test opens, read all information and instructions related to the assignment carefully.
Multiple Attempts: If your instructor allows multiple attempts, you can complete the test, submit, and then retake and submit.
Force Completion Enabled: If forced completion is enabled, you must complete and submit a test in one sitting. If you lose your internet connection, are timed-out, or encounter some other problem that kicks you out of the exam, you will not be allowed to reenter the test. You must then contact your instructor and request that your attempt be cleared. At that time, all previously saved answers will be lost, and you will be reset to the beginning of the assessment. If you had saved all answers and lost your connection at the end of the exam, you could request that the instructor grade the saved work manually as long as everything saved properly.
Force Completion Not Enabled: (In the instructions, it will state that the test can be saved and resumed later. See image above.) If forced completion is not enabled and you encounter a problem and lose your connection to the exam, you can reenter the exam without requesting that the instructor clear the attempt. If you were saving answers periodically, those answers should still be selected when you reenter the exam.
Timer: If your instructor is utilizing a timer on a test, currently the test will let you complete the exam, but it will not display your score when finished. It will display in the student grades area with a "Needs Grading" icon. It would then be up to the instructor as to what score you would receive after reviewing how long it took you to complete the test. Once you begin the test, the timer starts. Be aware that the timer WILL NOT stop until you click the "Save and Submit" button. Even if you exit the test and/or Blackboard, that timer will continue to run. When your instructor is using the timer, YOU MUST complete the test in one sitting. (There are some changes to the timer coming in for the Summer 2012 session when Blackboard is upgraded. These instruction will change after the Spring 2012 session ends.)
3 . You should save the test periodically if a test displays all questions at once. Every five questions, you should either scroll to the top or bottom of your test and single click 'Save All Answers'.
4. You can double check what questions have saved answers by clicking the 'Test/Survey Status' at the top of your testing window.
5. Always single click buttons in the test taking area (save and submit, next question, save answer, etc.)
6. Make sure you don't click your web browsers back, forward, or refresh buttons while completing a test.
7. Don't click outside of your browser window into another area of your course.
8. For tests that present one question at a time, students should click the "Next" or right arrow button rather than hitting Enter on the keyboard. It automatically saves your answer to that particular question when you move to the next question, and it can take 10-15 seconds to load the next question.
9. Do not use the scroll wheel on your mouse or touch pad when scrolling up and down in a test. You can inadvertently change answers.
10. After you have checked all answers, single click 'Save and Submit' on the test. Only click this one time.
You can then view your grade through the Student Grades areas or by clicking back on the link for the test.
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