Please note, if submitting a Test as part of a group task, this tool allows one member of the group to submit and the assignment is assigned to all members of the group.
- Complete a Blackboard Test
- Saving Questions – Connection issues
- Answer Essay Questions
- Timer
- Progress bar
- Question filter
Complete a Blackboard Test
Step 1: Find the Test
Find your submission point. If the test is summative, it will be in the Course Content under Assessment. Each assignment will have a specific folder with all the assignment information including the brief and submission point. If the test is part of an informal learning activity, it may be found in Course Content under Learning Materials.
Step 2: Start your Test
Click on the Test title and a panel will open on the right-hand side of the screen with all the Details & Information for the test. This will remain visible throughout the test.
- (a) Read the Details and Information panel to note the number of attempts allowed and the time limit if timer has been set to automatic submission.
- (b) Click Start attempt
- (c) If there is a timer set for the test a pop-up window will appear with the option to Cancel or Start Timer.
Step 3: Complete the Test
The Test will open and the timer (if one has been set) will begin.
- (d) Instructions and other text can be added before or between questions. Read all text to ensure you follow all instructions.
- (e) The test questions will appear in the centre of the page to be completed. The points of each question will appear on the top right.
- (f) Submit when ready. If a timer has been set to automatically submit it will do so when the time runs out.
Use Save and Close (next to the Submit button) if you wish to exit the test and return to it. The timer will continue.
Once submitted you will be offered the opportunity to download a receipt. This will also be emailed to you.
Saving Questions – Connection issues
Saving questions
Your answers will be auto saved two seconds after you’ve added your answer. Essay question responses are saved every 10s while you’re typing and also again 2s after you’ve stopped typing. Every time an answer has been auto saved, you will see a Last saved notification at the bottom of the assessment. (See Bottom menu)
Loss of internet connection
If you lose your connection to the internet, you’ll receive a Connection lost warning. Do not refresh the page or use your browser back button, and check that you are connected to the internet.
The warning disappears after 20 seconds. If your connection has not been restored by that time, another warning will let you know that your most recent work wasn’t saved.
Your work will auto save once the connection is restored and you will be notified.
Auto saving is independent of your browser’s Undo action. When you use the Undo action, contents change according to your browser settings. Any changes because of an Undo action will auto save.
Answer Essay Questions
As will all questions it is important to read the instructions to essay questions carefully. Any instructions regarding length of answer or whether the answer should be typed of attached as a separate file will be provided in the question.
- (g) Essay questions will have a Text Editor provided with all the formatting capabilities to allow you to type, insert images etc. and format your work. It is also possible to attach a file.
Timer
The timer settings will display in the right-hand side panel before and during the test. It will also state if Automatic submission has been set.
The number of minutes remaining will appear written in text next to the clock icon on the top menu during the test.
Automatic submission
When the timer runs out the test will submit. A pop-up window will let you know that it has submitted (i in the image).
- (h) Timer icon shows time remaining and when Time is up.
- (i) Pop up window shows when the test has automatically submitted, the text reads “Your work was automatically saved and submitted”.
Once you click OK the receipt for the test will appear, a copy will be emailed to you.
Top menu
The top menu is “sticky” and will stay visible as you progress down through the test.
Progress bar
A progress bar will keep account of how many questions you have answered, it will remain visible as you progress through the test.
- (J) Purple progress bar tracking questions completed, number of unanswered (remaining) of total questions also given in text.
Time remaining
The timer will count down with the time remaining displaying in the sticky top menu. Use the crossed out eye icon to hide this reminder.
- (k) Time remaining is displayed in text. Crossed eye icon displays next to the timer, under the progress bar.
Bottom menu
The bottom menu options will remain available throughout the test.
- (l) Last saved counter will start when you first answer a question.
- (m) Question Filter
- (n) Save and Close. You can save and close the test and return to it. If a timer has been set it will continue to count down in while you are out of the test.
- (0) Submit button. You can submit at any time.
Questions filter
The Question Filter can be used during the test to make sure yo have answered all the questions or if you want to jump to your Essay questions etc.
(p) Question filter options
- All questions
- Unanswered questions – use before submitting to ensure you have saved all your questions
- Question types – Essay questions only
- Clear filters
Guide last updated on April 26, 2024
