Tests/Quizzes

To minimize technology problems that can occur with testing in Blackboard, please read the following tips.

Setup Suggestions

Split up long exams. Especially if your exams are presented all-at-once, the connection to the server can be lost while the student answers a long series of questions, or composes a long essay.

Present the questions one at a time rather than all at once. While this will increase the time needed to take the exam, it has the advantage of saving students' answers for each question as they go, as well as keeping their internet connection alive.

Turn off Force Completion. This allows students to pick up where they left off in case they get kicked out. This spares them from having to contact you to reset their test. This is not a second attempt; they resume the test at the point they were kicked out. Force Completion is a completely different setting than Multiple Attempts. NOTE: if you are concerned about cheating (getting the test questions then looking at notes), consider disabling the ability to "backtrack" that way they pick up where they left off, but cannot go back and change their answers after having reviewed the material.

Note about the Timer. The Timer starts when the student clicks the Begin button and stops when the test is submitted. If the user leaves the test and then comes back (assuming Force Completion is off), the timer continues to run the entire time. The timer does not shut down the test when time is up, but it will note the attempt as Needs Grading even if it is an objective exam (e.g., no essay or short answer). You will need to view the attempt that needs grading, and click the Test Information link to see the time the student took. Blackboard does not record where the student was in the test when time expired.

Clearing Student Submissions

If a student experiences an issue, you need to clear their attempt before they are able access the exam again. To do so:

    1. Click on Grade Center / Full Grade Center

    2. Find the cell where the student name meets the graded column and click on the chevron

    3. Select View Grade Details

    4. Optional, but highly suggested – Click on View Attempt to see if there is any data that can be obtained (sometimes all but a couple answers were captured before the technical issue occured).

    5. Once you are sure you wish to clear the attempt, click Clear Attempt. This cannot be undone – it will remove all data associated with the attempt.

Click here for a printable Student Test Taking Tips reference guide. This is also available in the Blackboard Student Resource Center.

Also see the Test/Quiz video tutorials under Tutorial Links on the left.