Before the Test…

  1. Review the Blackboard software and hardware recommendations on the eLearning Technical Requirements website and read this post, Browsing for Browsers.  When testing in Blackboard, Clark eLearning tech support strongly recommends using Mozilla Firefox, which is fully certified by Blackboard.  If you must use another browser, be sure to check our Browser Issues category to read about the proper settings and ways to avoid trouble.

  2. Consider the reliability of the internet connection you will be using.  Wireless connections are notorious for causing trouble with tests in Blackboard. During testing, Blackboard establishes a state-dependent session with your browser which requires a consistent and dependable connection. Wireless connections are generally not stable enough for this type of activity.  Online testing can also be an issue for users who have a satellite internet service provider, due to latency errors.  Some ISP’s which disconnect their users for inactivity should also be avoided.  Always find the fastest and most reliable connection possible for test taking in Blackboard.  More information is available in this post: Need for Speed

  3. Whenever you log in, Blackboard starts a session for you and tracks your time.  After about three hours, Blackboard may close your session.  To avoid unexpected shutdowns, it is a good idea to log out of Blackboard and log back in, prior to starting your test.

  4. Make sure that your computer is free of malware or spyware applications.  These programs will run in the background, slowing your computer, and may periodically open a pop-up window containing an ad, which may interfere with your test.  You can use a free program like Ad-Aware from Lavasoft to evaluate your computer.

  5. If your instructor has set up a practice test, be sure to take it on the computer that you plan to use for your tests.  Do this early so you have time to identify and resolve any issues that may exist.  Taking the practice test an additional time, right before the actual test, is a good exercise to verify that the computer is still setup and responding properly.

  6. Make sure that you have plenty of available computer RAM.  It is recommended that you restart your computer prior to taking tests.  Programs and websites do not always release computer memory after closing.  Restarting your computer will ensure that Blackboard has all of the resources it needs to function properly during the test.

  7. Do not use browsers provided by your internet service provider, especially those such as AOL, NetZero, Comcast or SBC.  These browsers have been modified and are not compatible with Blackboard.  See this post for more information: Browsing for Browsers

  8. Internet Explorer 8 users must have the Compatibility View button turned on or you will not be able to submit your test.  If the Compatibility View button is turned off then the Test Time Status indicator will cover up the Submit button, preventing you from submitting the test.  This is a known issue, but if you must use this browser, be sure to read Microsoft’s instructions for the Compatibility View button.

  9. Only one browser window (the one that will be used to take the test) should be open.

  10. Do not use the browser back button (or programmed mouse buttons or wheels which do the same), and make sure the browser window is the size you want before going into the test.  Most browsers refresh the page when you resize the screen or hit the back button.  This means it will try to reload the test and may prohibit you from completing it.

  11. Turn off third-party browser extensions.  These extensions include (but are not limited to) features such as Google or Yahoo toolbars associated with the browser.

  12. Pop-ups must be allowed.  Make sure that the pop-up blocker feature is turned off on the browser or that Clark’s Blackboard site is made an exception.  Read this post for directions: Blocked by Blockers?

  13. Check for Blackboard system announcements when logging in and Smart Penguin alerts on Twitter, before committing to a test. If we are tweeting about system instability or a rolling restart, wait until we give the go ahead. Always avoid taking a test during a scheduled Blackboard outage since system slowness or service interruptions will most certainly cause issues with tests.

  14. Do not have any other applications running, unless otherwise directed by your instructor.

  15. Beware of using a scroll wheel for multiple choice tests as it can change your answers without you knowing it.

Taking the Test…

  1. When beginning the test, click the link or OK button only once.  Sometimes it takes awhile to load the test.  If you click twice, you will get a message saying you already took the test and will be prohibited from completing it.

  2. Do not try to run other applications unless otherwise directed by your instructor.

  3. Your attempt at an online test could be interrupted by these situations:
    • Using the browser back button (or programmed mouse buttons or scrolling wheels)
    • Double-clicking instead of single-clicking
    • Resizing the browser window
    • Using instant messaging
    • Having e-mail notification on
    • Having Call Waiting on
    • Failing to keep the browser window active.  Typing or clicking answers is not considered activity; clicking the Save button does keep the server active.
    • Experiencing failure of the internet connection/system.  If this happens, keep the assessment browser window open and attempt to re-connect to the internet immediately.  If the browser is kept open and the connection is re-established, you may be able to successfully submit the test.  Do not use the browser ‘Back’ or ‘Forward’ navigation buttons.

  4. Save the test using the ‘Save’ button at the bottom of the test, right before submitting the test.

  5. Click Submit only once.  It may take a few moments to receive confirmation of a successful submission.

  6. If something goes wrong and you get locked out of a test or you cannot get confirmation that your test was successfully submitted, contact your instructor immediately to inform them of your circumstances and allow them a reasonable amount of time to respond.  Your instructor’s contact information should be available within your Blackboard class, if not, contact eLearning.  Avoid clicking around in the test as it might make matters worse.