Exceptions for Exams

Some tests don't go as planned and at times, an exception needs to be granted by the instructor.

What do to when a student was in the middle of taking a test or writing an assignment post when everything was lost?

It is important to advise students that if they experience problems during a test and cannot continue, they need to contact instructor immediately.

Here are some reason why such loss may occur:

• • The internet connection dropped.

  • The browser was refreshed.

  • Your browser timed out due to inactivity.Blackboard has a security setting that logs you out if it doesn't receive any input for a period of time. That period of time is typically 30 minutes.

The following tips can help avoid this issue in the future:

• • Use a wired connection if possible when taking a test. Wireless internet connections are less reliable.

  • Do not refresh the browser page. Do not close the browser window

  • Do not click the browser's back button.

  • If possible, write out the text in an external application and then paste it into Blackboard Learn. Working offline first ensures that work in progress will not be lost.

Instructions for setting up an exception in Blackboard Learn.

Test Availability Exceptions settings are located on Test/Survey Options page, available only after the test or survey is added to a content area. These settings allow instructors to select one or groups of students and make a number of exceptions to the already established availability settings. Instructors can use exceptions to provide an accommodation to a disabled student, or provide accommodations for technology and language differences.

You can change these settings at any time, even after the test has been attempted by some students. If conflicts in rules occur, the most permissive settings for that user or group of users is granted. For example, students would receive the greatest number of attempts, longest availability time, and so on.

You can create exceptions for:

• • Number of attempts.

  • Time of test.

  • Auto submit on or off.

  • Availability of test using start and end dates.

  • Force completion on or off.

Example

For a test with one attempt, you can allow more attempts for a student who is blind and using screen reader technology for the first time.

Please note:

A setting called "Do not allow students to start the Test if the due date has passed." (on the "Test Options -> Due Date" page) may not allow the student given the exception to access the test. Please un-check this option if previously chosen.