Best Practices for Online Assessments

Successfully complete online tests and assignments with these best practices.

Prepare for Online Assessments

Manage your time

• Be aware of your test availability and allotted time.
• Start a test well before the due date and time to reduce issues and prevent your test from being marked late.
• For assignments, it is best to give yourself at least 10-15 minutes of buffer time prior to the due date and time.

Verify your browser compatibility 

• Run the browser checker prior to any online test or assignment.
• Ensure your browser is up to date. 

Consider your use of the Blackboard mobile app

• Let your professor know as early as possible.
• Some questions might not be compatible and may require the use of a computer (desktop or laptop) to access.

Use a strong internet connection

• If possible, have a wired internet connection. 
• Be in an area with a strong Wi-Fi connection.

Prepare your computer

• Restart your computer to ensure all updates have been run.
• Close all other windows and tabs to avoid running into issues.
• Only have one tab of Blackboard open at a time.

Take Blackboard Tests Online

Launch the test

• Use the supported and updated browser that you already checked.
• Do not leave or close the testing window or browser tab during the test.
• Read all test instructions that your professor has given, which will appear on the right pop-out window prior to starting the test (including the due date and time, time limit, and number of attempts).

Save your answers

• Blackboard automatically saves as you move through the test. However, it is a good practice to save each answer.

If you use the Blackboard app

• After you launch the mobile app and test, do not navigate away from the test window.
• Answering text messages, phone calls or notifications will result in you being kicked out of the test.

During the test

• Read all pop-up windows thoroughly. 
• If any issues arise, take screenshots to send to your professor and Blackboard Support.

After submitting the test

• Save a copy of the submission receipt in the pop-up window or via email.
• If the test cannot be found in the gradebook or content panel after submission, the professor may have hidden it. Contact your professor for more details.

Submit Assignments Online

Launch the assignment

• Use the supported and updated browser that you already checked.
• Do not leave the testing window or browser tab while uploading your document or typing your assignment. 
• Read all assignment instructions that your professor has given, which will appear on the right pop-out window prior to starting the test, including the due date and time, time limit, and number of attempts.

What is SafeAssign?

• SafeAssign is an online plagiarism checker that professors can choose to enable when creating an assignment.
• If SafeAssign is turned on, your professor will receive a report once you've submitted your assignment.
• This report may be made visible to you. If not, you may contact your professor with questions or concerns.

If you use the Blackboard mobile app

• If uploading a document, ensure that you have the document saved to your device in a manner which can be uploaded.
• If typing your response, phone calls or notifications may result in you being kicked out of the submission attempt.

During the assignment submission

• If submitting a document, wait for the document to fully finish uploading and converting before clicking submit.
• File sizes are limited to 2.5GB per file. If you have a larger file, please contact Blackboard Support for assistance.
• Read all pop-up windows thoroughly. 
• If any issues arise, take screenshots to send to your professor and Blackboard Support.

After submitting the assignment

• Save a copy of the submission receipt in the pop up window or via email.
• If the assignment cannot be found in the gradebook or content panel after submission, the professor may have hidden it. Contact your professor for more details. 

If you Experience Technical Issues

Contact your professor

• Always take a screenshot of what happened and immediately contact your professor.
• Only your professor can allow another attempt.
• After contacting your professor, contact Blackboard Support.

Contact TU Blackboard Support

• Contact support at 410-704-5151.
• Create a service request. 
• Be sure to include all relevant information, such as course number and section, assignment or test name, and date and time of the test or assignment attempt, and any screenshots.