Student Blackboard Orientation

Welcome
Tutorial Overview
First Steps: SIS & Email
Logging into Bb:
Welcome Screen Tabs
Navigating the Bb Environment
Modifying the My Institution page
Changing Your Password
Your Course Shell
Viewing Announcements
Working with Attachments
Sending Email
Submit Assignments
Take Exams
The Discussion Board
Collaboration
Learning Objects (Wiki/Blog)
Turnitin
Resources

Taking Exams

Please read all the instructions on this page before completing an exam. Take the exam well before the completion date and time so that if any errors occur you are able to talk to your instructor and possibly complete the exam before the deadline. Remember that the 24/7 Help Desk may be available at all times, but your instructor may not be available.

Before you Begin -

• Browser/ Computer Check
  (For complete computer requirements visit the Blackboard Overview page. )
  • Use Internet Explorer (PC) 6.0 or higher and Apple Safari 1.1 (MAC) with the Blackboard Course Management System. Javascipt, Jave and Cookies should be enabled. The AOL browser is not compatable with Blackboard.
    
    How-to: Enabling Javascript, Java and Cookies ( Javascript, Java and Cookies)

  Disabling Pop-Up Blockers (Safari and Internet Explorer Instructions)

  • A telephone connection (56K or better), DSL or cable modem
  • A computer that minimally has 64 MB RAM, 1 G of free disk space and is 150 MHz or higher
    
    
• Preparation
  • Make sure that you are prepared to take the exam in one sitting. Turn off call waiting if you have it (Refer to your modem documentation).
  • Close all other computer applications (Except Notepad if you are taking an essay exam).
  • Make sure your browser window is full-screen.
  • Be aware of your instructors' directions before taking the exam. Is the exam timed? Are you allowed to take it more than once?
  • Remove Spyware from your system using Spyware deletion software.
    

Ready to Take the Exam

• So, you're ready to click on the Exam link
  • Single-click on the Exam link when you are ready to take the exam. Once open you will not be able to "back out" of the exam.
  • Wait for the entire exam to load before beginning the exam!
    
    
• Things to Avoid when taking the Exam
• Blackboard Known Issue - Do not use the Save button next to each question to save the question. Instead, after answering 7 or 8 questions click on the Save button at the bottom of the exam. DO NOT click on the Submit button or you will submit your exam and will not be able to complete it.
• Don't click on any of the browser navigation buttons which include the Back, Forward and Home buttons. Use the navigation buttons within Blackboard.
• Don't Refresh/Reload your browser window once you have begun the exam.
• Don't use bookmarks. Access the quiz/exam through Blackboard links.
• Don't attempt to print the quiz/exam.
• Don't attempt to access other pages while taking the quiz/exam.
• Don't hit the Return key on your keyboard to submit answers. Instead, use the navigation within Blackboard.
• If you are only able to answer one question at a time on your exam, single-click next button to view the next question.
• Don't click on any of the navigation links on the left-side of the browser window. Doing so will prematurally submit your exam.
• If taking an essay test, write your answers in Notepad and cut/paste them into the Blackboard platform. If anything goes wrong, you will have a copy of your answers.
  
  
• You're Finished
  • Single-click on the Submit button and wait patiently. Do not double-click the Submit button.

Reasons your Test Might be Interrupted

1. ISP Connection Terminated
   Find out how long your ISP connection can remain idle before your connection is terminated by calling your Internet Service Provider. Depending on the length of the quiz, you may be logged out because of inactivity. Filling out your exam (which is a form) does not produce acitivity that the server recognizes.
   
   
2. Blackboard System Time-Out
   The Blackboard system will time out in 3 hours of system inactivity.
   
   
3. Modem Problems or Interruptions (call waiting)
   
   
4. Opening Other Applications
   Do not open other applications while taking your exam.
   
   
5. System Crash
   
   
6. Power Failure

Terminated Connection? Follow these directions

1. Do not close your browser window.
2. Attempt to reconnect and try to submit your exam.
3. Call the 24/7 Support Center and report the exam problem.
4. Immediately, email your instructor.

If an error occurs with your quiz or exam, the display in My Grades will show a red question mark. It is important that you contact the 24/7 Support Center and your instructor immediately. You should have the following information ready when you contact the 24/7 Support Center:

• Your Name.
• Course ID, Instructor Name.
• What time the problem occurred.
• The error message that your received (if you received one).

Then, contact your instructor and provide the following information:

• Explain what happened during the exam and the time it occurred
• The time you contacted the 24/7 Support Center and the name of the individual that you spoke to. Provide any technical information that the Support Center staff gave you.

You will not be able to take the assessment a second time until your instructor clears your attempt. It is up to the instructor to decide whether to allow you to access the assessment a second time.