Blackboard Student Test Taking Tips

Below, and at this link, are some helpful Blackboard Test Taking Tips for students, posted by the support people at CSU Stanislaus, in Turlock, California.

Note, the content below has been slightly adapted for EWU Students.

Student Help

Test Taking Tips

Before the Exam

1. Update your computer's operating system, virus protection, and other software in advance.  Review the Software and Hardware Recommendations
2. If you are taking the test from off campus, use a high-speed internet connection; avoid wireless connections for tests (or uploading files).
3. Use Firefox (recommended), Safari, or MS Internet Explorer (set to Compatibility View) to take a test. 
   Do not use a web browser provided by your Internet Service Provider (AOL, Comcast, etc.) for Blackboard.
4. Disable pop-up blockers and third-party browser extensions.
5. If you see a dialog box asking for a digital signature verification or a similar item, click Run. 
   Find and click the Always Trust box so your computer remembers.
6. Dial-up users, disable call waiting.
7. Check your Internet Service Provider's practices and policies. Some log you off the Internet if you are not clicking in their browser*.  Others can have slow connectivity at certain times of the day.
   Test by connecting to Bb, waiting for an hour, then clicking in the Bb page to see if you are still connected. 
   Bb logs you out after three hours of inactivity.  Clicking something is considered an activity. Writing in a text box is not considered an activity.
8. Do not run other applications unless directed by your Instructor.
9. If your Instructor provides a practice exam, take it as soon as possible to verify your Internet connection and browser response.
   Report issues to your instructor immediately.
10. Contact the EWU Student Help Desk, the Techeze Desk, at 509-359-6411, for technical assistance with your setup and preparation.

* AOL does not consider activity in another browser to be online use and may terminate your connection.  You may need to return to your AOL browser to keep your active status alive, but you may jeopardize your Bb connection.

Alternately, find a computer using a different provider to avoid this issue.

Taking the Exam

1. Quit all other applications (e.g., Word, iTunes, games, IM tools) unless otherwise directed by your Instructor.  Rebooting your computer may free resources and avoid interference from applications running in the background.
2. Resize your browser window before you start and keep it at that size for the entire exam. 
   Open only one browser window. 
3. Click the link once to enter the test. Wait for the page to load completely.
4. Read your Instructor's policies and the test instructions carefully. 
5. For one-at-a-time question presentation, click the forward arrow once to move to the next question.
6. Click a Save button often while you are taking the exam.
7. Avoid the browser Back or Forward buttons. Use only the links and buttons on the test page.  Do not Refresh the page nor use keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Alt-Tab-Command, Command-Tab, arrows). 
   Avoid the scroll wheel on the mouse.
8. At the end of the exam, check your answers and click the Submit button once. Do not press the Enter key.  Wait until you see a confirmation. 
         No confirmation? Go to the page where you started the test and click the link again.   Bb should say the exam is completed.  If not, contact your Instructor ASAP.
9. OOPS!  If you lose power, your browser quits, you lose Internet connectivity, or have any other technical issue, contact your Instructor immediately and explain in detail what happened.  The Instructor will decide how to handle your issues. Taking the test early in the allowed time block may allow for better resolution to such an issue. 

After the Exam

Check My Grades
An exclamation point (!) means the test is submitted and waiting for the instructor to complete the grading.
A score means Blackboard graded your objective test or your Instructor completed the grading subjective assessment. 

A lock icon indicates a problem.  Return to your test and, if possible, click the Submit button.  If Bb says the test has been completed, contact your Instructor immediately. Tell your Instructor exactly what you did, what you clicked in the test, what you saw, what any warnings stated, and when you did everything.