Things you should consider before taking an online test…

• Review the basic eLearning software and hardware recommendations on the eLearning Technical Requirements website and read this post, Run with the ‘Fox.  When testing in Moodle, Clark eLearning tech support strongly recommends using Mozilla Firefox, which is the preferred (and tested) browser.  Also, be sure to check our Browser Issues category to read about any newly discovered issues.




• Consider the reliability of the internet connection you will be using.  Wireless connections are notorious for causing trouble with online tests. During testing, Moodle establishes a state-dependent session with your browser which requires a consistent and dependable connection. Wireless connections are often 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.  Avoid essay tests using an ISP which disconnects their users for inactivity (typing is not considered activity).  Always find the fastest and most reliable connection possible for test taking in Moodle.




• Whenever you log in, Moodle starts a session for you and tracks your time.  After three hours, Moodle may close your session, even if you’ve been typing a long essay answer.  This is because Moodle isn’t aware of that activity until you request it to submit or save your work.  To avoid unexpected shutdowns, it is a good idea to log out of Moodle and log back in, prior to starting your test.




• 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.




• Make sure your hardware is capable of processing a test. If your instructor has set up a practice test, you should 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.  Older computers and mobile handheld devices are notoriously problematic with online tests. Do NOT attempt to take a test with a cell phone.   Make arrangements to use the best computer you can or take the test in a campus computer lab.




• 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 Moodle.




• Only one browser window (the one that will be used to take the test) should be open.  Do not have any other applications running, unless otherwise directed by your instructor.




• 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.




• 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.




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




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




• If something goes wrong and you can’t 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 Moodle class, if not, file a Tech Ticket.