Creating tests in Blackboard is an efficient way to have timed assessments even when the student is not currently in the classroom. Blackboard tests have all the traditional test options of multiple choice, True/False, fill in the blank, matching, essay, ect...
To create a test:
- Decide whether you want the test under the "Quizzes and Tests" navigation bar or directly in the course folder or modules (either option is fine, just make sure you're consistent)
- Navigate to where you'd like to have the test
- Go up to the gray menu bar and click on "Assessments"
- Click on "Test"
- You can create a new test by clicking on "Create" or you can insert a saved test be selecting one and hitting "Submit" (saved or existing tests can come from tests you've already created, imported from course cartridges, or downloaded from vendors)
- For creating a new test, click on "Create"
- Next you can name your test, this is the same name that will appear in Grade Center
- You can include a description of what the exam will cover and types of questions the student will see
- Include any special instructions such as time limit or allowed study materials
- Click on "Submit"
Your next window is the Test Canvas, you've created a test in Blackboard and now you use the canvas to input all of the questions and answers
- You have three options in the gray menu bar
- "Create Question" to create your own question from scratch
- "Reuse Question" to insert a question you've already created or uploaded
- "Upload Questions" to upload questions provided from test banks
- You will see all the types of questions you can create under "Create Question", select the type of question you wish to create and fill in the information on the screen
- For questions with automatic right or wrong such as multiple choice or True/False, make sure you set up the correct answer. You also have the option to input "Feedback" for correct or incorrect answers. This could include further information or suggested chapters for review
- After you've created or uploaded your questions, you can set how many points each question is worth
- When you're all finished, click on "Ok" in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, this will bring you back to the "Add an Existing Test" window where you can select your new test and hit "Submit"
Now you can set your "Test Options"
- Change the name of the test
- Make the test available to students
- Set how many attempts students have
- Force Completion (once students start the exam they must finish, they can't leave the exam and come back)
- Set Timer for how long students have to finish the test, and choose whether the test is automatically submitted at the end of the timer or not
- You can a password needed to begin the exam (useful for proctoring)
- Due Date, which will be visible on the course calendar
- Set what the students see after the test is submitted (right and wrong answers, final grade)
- How the test is presented, one question at a time or all of them, are the questions presented in a random order
- Once everything is set you can hit "Submit" and your test is ready for students
Test Availability Exceptions
This is where you will add individual students who require an exception to the above options. This would be for a student who missed class due to illness and need the test on an alternative day or students who have an accommodation card for extra time.
Share a Test, Quiz, Survey, or Pool with Another Instructor
You can share your created tests and other items with your fellow instructors. Follow this handout for directions.
Respondus LockDown Browser
(Printer Friendly Handout)
Respondus is a special browser that "locks down" a computer while accessing Blackboard. It prevents students from accessing other programs or websites while taking an exam. It is only available on-campus.
To require students to use Respondus for an exam:
- Create your exam according to the steps above
- Go to the left side of your screen, click on "Course Tools"
- Click on "Respondus LockdDown Browser"
- Click on the orange "Continue to Lockdown Browser" button
- You can click on the small gray arrow by each exam and use "settings" to require LockDown Browser
When you require a student to use Respondus LockDown Browser, the software auto-generates a password under the "Test Options" menu where you set your tests availability to students. Do NOT delete this password, it is required for Respondus to work correctly.
Video: Setting up an Exam in Respondus Lockdown Browser
Video: Create Duplicate Exam for Proctoring