Q: What are some tips for taking a Blackboard test successfully?

Here are some tips for taking a Blackboard Test or Quiz:

• If you are using Internet Explorer 9.0 or 8.0,  change the  Compatibility View Settings. On the menu bar, go to Tools, Compatibility View Settings, and put a check in "Display all websites in Compatibility View" and close.
• Be sure that http://shoreline.blackboard.com a trusted site on your browser prior to opening an assessment. To do this, click on Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > Sites (for IE) or Exceptions (for Firefox) and enter http://shoreline.blackboard.com and then allow. You can also turn off the pop up blocker from the Privacy tab.
• Be sure that the latest version of Java installed and enabled on your computer.
  Go to www.java.com and click “Do I have Java?” to determine if you have the latest version of Java on your personal computer. Blackboard runs on Java so it is important that you have the latest update. (Free download is available from http://java.com/en).
• Wireless connection in the Shoreline Library has been reaching capacity during midday; use a campus computer lab for best internet connection.
• Once you click on a test that only allows one attempt, it is considered an attempt, even if you do nothing more than look at it.
• Do not minimize or maximize the browser window while taking a test. Select a comfortable window size prior to clicking on the test link.
• Do not click the Back button on your web browser as this will kick you out of the assessment .
• Avoid clicking outside the test area (for example, on the "Announcement" button). This will submit the test before you have finished.
• Do not open another window and surf the net while taking a test.
• Do not take a quiz with other applications running in the background, like watching movies, listening to music, sending e-mail or running instant messaging.
• For tests that present one question at a time, students should click the Next Page arrow rather than hit Enter on the keyboard.
• Do not start a quiz and then walk away for several hours. Blackboard has a timeout for security purposes and will end your session if it’s idle for three hours.
• Remember to click Save and Submit when done!
  The Save All Answers button will save an interim version of your work, but only Save and Submit will allow your work to be graded.
• Don’t click the Save and Submit more than once!
  For example, when beginning a password-protected test that does not allow multiple attempts, clicking Save and Submit more than once will lock the user out of the assessment. These errors also can occur if the screen refresh function takes longer than expected and the user clicks Save and Submit again, in an effort to speed up Blackboard.