Blackboard's Assessments tool serves many very useful functions. While it may be used for traditional tests such as multiple choice, true/false, short answers, etc., it also allows users to upload (submit) documents such as essays, spreadsheets and much more. Instructors are able to grade and give feedback in the same location for review later by users through Blackboard's Gradebook.
Throughout the training, you will complete assessments using the Blackboard Assessment Manager. These assessments are not meant to be previewed so only access the assessments when you are ready to take it and complete it. If you access a quiz or test which allows only one attempt and then leave it, the system locks it. Contact your instructor to unlock any assessments. All other assessments allow multiple attempts and you can retake them so you are not locked out of them even if a lock appears in the gradebook.
Guidelines for Using Blackboard's Assessments:
1. Any uploaded assignments must be submitted in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
2. In assessments that allow multiple attempts (this means you are allowed to re-do the assessment if desired), it is very important to note that:
- for "file response (upload)" items: submitting a new file will permanently replace your prior submission; and
- for tests and other multiple choice, short answer, and similar activities: if you begin a repeat attempt on the activity, your prior attempt is permanently erased and is not recoverable.
Troubleshooting Blackboard's Assessments:
Some of the common problems encountered while using Blackboard Assessments and preventions include the following:
| Problem | Tip |
Inactivity |
When taking a test, you are essentially just viewing one web page. This makes it appear as though you are inactive, and may find yourself disconnected due to inactivity. One way to prevent disconnection is prior to taking the test to open a second browser window and use it to generate Internet activity every now and then. |
Quitting by accident |
If power is lost, the window is accidentally closed or the browser crashes, students will need to contact the instructor. |
Double-clicking to access or submit a test |
If a student double-clicks on the link to a test, Blackboard reads the first click as an attempt to take the test and the second click as a second attempt, and will therefore block access. Students will need to contact the instructor. |
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The web browser's "Back" or "Forward" buttons should never been used within Blackboard, and particularly when taking a test. If these buttons are used, a student will be locked out of the test and won't be able to re-take it until the instructor clears their attempt. |
Clicking outside the test area |
Clicking the course outside the test area (for example, on the "Announcements", "Course Information", etc) will cause the system to prematurely "Submit" the test before the student is finished. |
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Be careful not to close or resize the window. Select a comfortable window size prior to clicking on the test link. In Netscape, resizing the test window will cause information entered up to that point to be erased. All answers will need to be re-entered. |
Pop-up Blockers |
Ensure you disable any pop-up blockers as these may affect tests in Blackboard. Pop-up blockers come as a part of many software products such as Windows XP, Service Pack 2, Norton Antivirus, Yahoo and Google Toolbars. |
Firewalls |
If a firewall is installed on a computer and/or network system, an error message may be generated informing you that your system was configured to deny access to this URL. The solution is to take the test somewhere that does not have a firewall. |
Pressing “Enter" on the keyboard rather than clicking “Next" |
For tests that present one question at a time, students should click the Next button rather than hit Enter on the keyboard. |
Backing-Up Work: To ensure you do not have to redo an assignment because of a technology glitch or loss of data, please be sure to save a copy of all work on your computer, on a back-up disk, CD, or drive.
