Guide to Taking Tests in Blackboard

NOTE: This page is archived and maintained for historical purposes only. Please be aware that this information is almost certainly out of date. If you are looking for the Guide to Taking Tests in Brightspace you can find it here.

The assessment feature in Blackboard is a helpful tool for providing online quizzes, exams and surveys. This guide will help minimize problems when you take assessments in Blackboard.

Before taking a test

Use a web browser that is compatible with or certified to work with the version of Blackboard we use here at XU. Visit the supported browsers page for a list of recommended browsers.

Also run the browser test to make sure your web browser is properly configured to run Blackboard.

Tips

• Consider using a lab computer. XU computer labs offer Internet access that is usually more stable than off-campus.
• Avoid using a wireless Internet connection, if possible.
• Turn instant messaging off before starting the exam.
• Turn e-mail notifications off before starting the exam.
• Turn Call Waiting off before starting the exam; incoming phone calls may interrupt Internet service.
• Do not resize the browser window during the exam. You should resize it before you start the exam.
• Do not take a test until you are ready. Once you click OK to enter a test that allows only a single attempt, it is considered an attempt. This is true even if you look at the test and do not answer any questions.
• Click the link once to enter (begin) the test. Wait for the page to load completely before starting the test.
• Do not use the browser's "Back" button while your taking a test. Navigate by using the arrow keys within the Blackboard exam.
• Do not refresh the web browser.
• Do not double-click in the test; use a single-click instead.
• Do not click anywhere outside the test window or open additional windows or applications. This may cause you to loose access to the exam.
• Use caution when scrolling if you are using a mouse with a scroll wheel. First click a blank area on the test (assessment) window, and then use the scroll wheel. Otherwise, you may accidentally change your answer.
• Keep the browser window active. Typing or clicking answers is not considered activity; clicking the Save button will keep the server active.
• Before submitting the test, check over your answers to make sure none of them were accidentally changed by improperly using the scroll wheel on the mouse.
• When you are finished with the test, click the Submit button once and give Blackboard a few minutes to complete the submission process. You will receive a confirmation screen when your test has been submitted successfully. If you do not receive a confirmation screen, contact you instructor immediately.
• If you experience a failure of the Internet connection/system keep the assessment browser window open and attempt to re-connect to the Internet immediately. If the browser is kept open and the connection is re-established, you may be able to successfully submit the test.
• If you loose power, your browser hangs, you loose Internet connectivity, or have any other technical issue, contact your instructor immediately and explain in detail what happened. Your instructor will decide how to handle your issue.
• Take the test early in the alloted time frame. This will allow for a better resolution if you happen to run into problems when taking the test.
• If your instructor provides a practice test to let you test your computer system, use it. Take the practice test well in advance of the real Blackboard test.

Taking the test

Review this guide to taking tests in Blackboard for detailed information (including video demonstration) on taking tests in Blackboard.