• Blackboard Settings
  • The Force Completion setting
  • Saving the Test vs. Submitting the Test
  • The Prohibit Backtracking setting
• The Allow Multiple Attempts setting
• Tips and Suggestions
• Test-taking Tips

Blackboard Settings

The Force Completion setting

• If the Instructor selects the Force Completion setting, Students must complete the Assessment the first time it is launched . Students may not exit the Assessment and continue working on it at a later date. The Save button is available for Students to save the Assessment as they work through it, but they may not exit and re-enter the Assessment.
• If the Force Completion option is enabled, it is noted and explained to Students at the top of the Assessment.
• If Force Completion is not enabled and a Student exits a Question-by-Question Assessment, the Assessment will open to the first unsaved question when it is re-entered.

Saving the Test versus Submitting the Test.

• If an Assessment is set to Display All questions, the Submit and Save buttons will always be displayed.

The Prohibit Backtracking setting

• If a Student is taking an Assessment that does not allow backtracking, an error page will appear if they submit a question and then attempt to use the browser’s Back button. The Student will be sent to the last unsaved questions from this page.

The Allow Multiple Attempts setting

• If a user selects the Back button after submitting an Assessment a receipt page appears stating that the Assessment has already been taken.  For multiple attempt Assessments they may choose to take the Assessment again; for single attempt Assessments they may review the results of the Assessment.

Reference: Blackboard Learning System Student Manual (Release 6)

Tips and Suggestions:

• Click Submit ONLY ONCE. If your Internet connection is slow, you may think the quiz is not being sent. Wait at least 2-5 minutes for a confirmation that your quiz was received. The quiz must be sent, scored, and the results returned to you.
• If you must enter a password to begin the quiz, click the Submit button. Do not press the Enter key
• If you have call waiting, be sure to disable it by dialing *70 before connecting to the Internet.
• Insist that no one in your home pick up another phone while you are taking the quiz. This can disconnect you.
• Contact your instructor directly if you have a situation that you are unable to resolve.

Tips on taking a Test in Blackboard

Also See Test Taking Tips
Step 1. Check Your Browser Options before the Test to ensure that it is not set to disconnect after several minutes of inactivity.

• The location of this setting depends on your browser. For example, in Internet Explorer 5 & 6 it is located under Tools>Internet Options>Connections>Settings> Advanced
• If you have an Internet Service Provider that will break your connection if you don’t visit a new site after a certain period of time, then keep another window open and occasionally visit it and load a new page or refresh the page to keep your connection open.
  

Step 2. Do Not Open the Test until you are ready to take it, as online tests are set to only allow you to access the test once. Find a time to take the test in which you will be free from interruptions. Let friends and family know you will be occupied.

TIP: If your computer and telephone share the same telephone line, unplug your telephone while taking the quiz.

Step 3. Do Not Use the "Back" Button on Your Browser During the Test once you have begun taking the quiz. Instead, use the scroll bar to move back to check earlier questions.
Don’t close the window of the test for any reason.

If something goes wrong, send an e-mail to your professor immediately, documenting the exact problem and asking how you should proceed. Include your username and the course and section number.

Step 4. Review All of Your Answers Before Submitting the Quiz. Make sure you have not accidentally changed your response to a question or made a typographic mistake.

Step 5. When you are satisfied with the result make sure you finish by clicking the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the screen. Click the Submit Button ONLY ONCE!
After you submit the test answers, you will receive a score unless you have exceeded the time limit for the quiz.

To Check Your Grades: Click “Student Tools” then “Check your grade. ” You will see only your grades.

Keep In Mind: It is important that you click the SUBMIT button every time you access an online assessment. Even if you are just logging on to print the quiz, you must click the submit button. Otherwise you will be locked out of the exam.