Test Taking Tips for Blackboard
The instructions below will give you an overview of test-taking in BlackBoard as well as some important guidelines to follow to ensure that you can successfully complete your test.
Before Beginning Your Test in Blackboard:
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Close down all other programs you may have running on your computer. Having multiple programs open may cause problems with your test, including loss of data.
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Make sure your computer is free of spyware and/or viruses.
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Use one of the following Web browsers when taking Tests in Blackboard:
PCs -- Internet Explorer (recommended) or Mozilla Firefox
Macs -- Safari or Mozilla Firefox -
If you have a pop-up blocker, make sure it is turned off. See Minimum Requirements and Browser Settings for Blackboard for more information on how to turn off pop-up blockers.
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If you are using a dial-up modem, disable call waiting. If you use the same line for voice calls, make sure no one picks of the phone and disconnects you from the Internet.
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If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure your ISP time-out settings are st to the maximum time allowed.
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Make sure your browser window is the size you want it before entering the Test. Most browsers refresh the window when you resize the screen. When the browser refreshes, it will want to reload the page -- which may prohibit you from taking the test.
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Have a clock or timer nearby. Most tests are timed and you will want to keep an eye on the time to insure you complete the test.
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Know how to contact your instructor should you experience problems during the test.
After clicking on your test from the Learning Unit page, the Begin Test page will appear. Click OK button.
At the top of the test are specific instructions on your test -- read them very carefully.
Blackboard permits a variety of test question types -- multiple choice, true/false, matching, short answer, essay, math problems requiring calculations, ordering, etc.
It is very important that you read your instructor's directions carefully:
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Some tests may be taken more than once, while others can only be taken once. Your instructor will inform you if the test can be taken more than one time.
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Some tests may require that they be completed in one sitting (force completion), while some tests may allow you to complete one section, and then return to finish additional sections. Your instructor will give you directions as to whether you must complete the entire test before exiting.
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Some tests may be timed. Your instructor will tell you if the test is timed and the time allotted. While Blackboard will not stop the test after the allotted time has elapsed, it will record the time spent on the test. Your instructor may penalize you if more time was taken than allotted for the test.
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Some tests are all-at-once assessments, allowing you access to the entire test and move freely item to item (permits backtracking). Some tests are one-at-a-time assessments, showing only one question at a time; you may not return to a previous question. Your instructor will tell you if your test will permit backtracking or not.
Complete the question. Check your answer to make sure it is correct. To move to the next question, click the next arrow located in the bottom right corner of the page.
A confirm submission box will appear. Click the OK button to confirm your answer and move to the next question.
Things to remember while taking your test:
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Do not click anywhere outside the test.
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Do not click the back button or the refresh button on your browser tool bar.
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Do not double click on any links or buttons.
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When using a mouse with a scroll wheel, be careful with scrolling. Always click a blank area on the test before using the scroll wheel. This will insure you do not inadvertently change an answer on the Test.
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Click the Save button every 20 minutes to record your answers to the grade book and ensure you remain connected to the Internet. Do not click and save more often than every 20 minutes as this could cause Blackboard to run slow for everyone using it.
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Check over your answer before confirming submission. If your test allows, check your answers before submitting your test -- to make sure you did not change an answer accidentally.
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If you receive an error message, write it down word for word! Also note the time and date the error occurred, along with the Web browser you were using, what you were doing when the error occurred, and any other relevant details you can think of. Contact your instructor and provide this information.
Submitting Your Completed Test:
When finished with your Test, click the Submit button one time. Please allow as much as 5 minutes for the Test to finish submission to Blackboard.
When your test is completed Blackboard will confirm that the Test was completed and successfully submitted. It will also be time stamped.
Click the OK Button. This will allow you to see the results of your Test.
After You Have Completed Your Test:
Access My Grades to see if your score was recorded properly. (Click on Course Tools then My Grades.)
If your grade shows an "!" then the instructor will need to grade some parts of the test manually before you will see a score for the Test.
If You Experience an Incomplete Attempt:
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If your Internet connection was terminated or your Internet browser was accidentally refreshed, it will result in an Incomplete Attempt. You will need to contact your Instructor for directions/policy regarding Incomplete Attempts. Make sure you provide all details about what happened that may have caused the Incomplete Attempt.
Incomplete Attempts will show as a grading error in My Grades. Only the instructor can clear Incomplete Attempts.