Skip to content

Guide to Taking Tests in Brightspace

keyboard with quiz key emphasized

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

Before taking a test

Use a web browser that is compatible with or certified to work with the version of Brightspace 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 Brightspace.

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 (start) the quiz. Wait for the page to load completely before starting the quiz.
  • Do not use the browser's "Back" button while your taking a quiz. Navigate by using the next/previous buttons within the Brightspace exam.
  • Do not refresh the web browser.
  • Do not double-click in the quiz; 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 quiz, 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 quiz, click the Submit button once and give Brightspace a couple minutes to complete the submission process. You will receive a confirmation screen when your quiz 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 quiz to let you test your computer system, use it. Take the practice quiz well in advance of the real Brightspace quiz.

Taking the quiz

Watch this guide to taking quizzes in Brightspace video for helpful information on taking a quiz.

Note: Your instructor may require you to use the Respondus LockDown Browser® to take quizzes. You can click the Respondus LockDown Browser link in the Quiz Requirements section to download and install it for free. If you have installed the Respondus LockDown Browser already, the Start Quiz page will open automatically within it. For more information about Respondus LockDown Browser, refer to the Respondus LockDown Browser FAQ.

After submitting quiz

After submitting a quiz, you may have access to a submission view or results page, at the discretion of your instructor. The submission view can show you your answers and whether or not they are right or wrong and the correct answers. The instructor determines what information will be available in the submission view.

Most times, scores can instantly be viewed by clicking the Grades link on the navigation bar. If you take a test containing essay, long answer, or short answer question types, your grade may not be accurate until those questions are manually graded by your instructor.

Follow this link for more information on how to view a completed test submission.

Troubleshooting Tips

Tips for your access, connection and submission questions related to quizzes.

Image credit: image by from Pixabay