How to Take a Test in Blackboard

Written by Sal Chiera. Posted in Articles for Students, Assessments

How to Take a Test in Blackboard

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Before taking a test in Blackboard for your online class, make sure you and your computer are ready:

1. You may want to start by clearing your browser’s cache. For steps to clear cache, click here.
2. Make sure you have a reliable Internet connection. If possible, use a wired connection to reduce the chance of losing connection.
3. Use an up-to-date browser.
4. Review the test availability times.
   • Contact your Instructor if you are unsure of the test dates.
5. Start the test early to allow yourself enough time in case you need technical assistance.

When you are ready to start the test:

1. Navigate to the appropriate content area where the test is located.
   • If you are unsure of where to locate the test, contact your instructor for further information.
2. Click on the name of the test.
3. Review the instructions. Make note of any timer settings and force completion.
   • If force completion is enabled, make sure you have a stable Internet connection as this setting requires a constant connection to the test. Force completion requires users to finish the test in one sitting.
   • If a timer is set, once the test is started the timer begins and does not stop whether you are in the test or not.
4. After reviewing the instructions click Begin.
5. You will see the test information and the Question Completion Status bar at the top of the test. If a timer is set, you will see the timer as part of the completion status bar.
6. Once all questions have been answered, click the Save and Submit button to submit your attempt.
7. You will now see a submission confirmation page. Click the OK button in the lower right to view your results.

Read More about Tests in Blackboard: Tips for Using Blackboard

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If you need further assistance or have additional questions please contact:
Open SUNY Support Services HelpDesk
1-844-673-6786 | opensunyhelp@suny.edu

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5 Tips for Using Blackboard Collaborate

Written by Jamie Frankenfield. Posted in Articles for Students, Communication, Course Tools, Knowledge Base

5 Tips for Using Blackboard Collaborate

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Blackboard Collaborate is a tool that allows instructors to hold interactive classes online and online office hours. Blackboard Collaborate is also used by students who need to participate in group work and crate group presentation. To get started using Blackboard Collaborate, here are a few tips for an easy, and stress-free session.

Finding Blackboard Collaborate

If your instructor requires you to use Blackboard Collaborate, you can find it in the Course Tools. On the left-hand side of the screen, select Tools. When the menu pulls up, click on Blackboard Collaborate.

 Once you select the icon, you can begin using the tool.

5 Tips for Blackboard Collaborate

There are a few tips and tricks to make using Blackboard Collaborate easier when you log in.

1.  Install Adobe Flash Player

To use Blackboard Collaborate, your computer needs the latest version of Adobe Flash Player. The Adobe Flash Player tool is free to users and can be downloaded directly from the Adobe site: https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

If you don’t want to install McAfee or True Key, make sure you uncheck the boxes.

 2.  Log in Early

Some instructors allow you to log in early to Blackboard Collaborate. Doing so allows you to get acquainted with the session and its tools, and to check your camera and mic.

Adjust and Test Mic and Camera Settings

When you log in to Blackboard, check your settings, and adjust and test your camera and mic. If you see lines through the mic and video icons, they are muted.

To enable audio and video, click on the icons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you see an alert telling you that you blocked permissions, click Allow and Remember.

To adjust speaker and mic settings in Blackboard Collaborate, click the purple arrow on the bottom right-hand side of the screen. When the menu expands, you can turn up the volume, locate the audio PIN, and enable closed captions if available.

 3.  Use Your Phone

If you do not have a microphone, you can either listen in or record audio on the telephone. Go to the settings menu on the left-hand side of the screen. Click ‘Use for telephone for audio.’ When you select the telephone option, a phone number and PIN will be provided to you.

4.  Enable Notifications

When you are in a Blackboard Collaborate session, you can enable notifications. Collaborate notifications allow you to see and hear the following:

• Someone joins or leaves the chat
• Someone posts a chat message
• When closed captions are available
• When someone raises their hand

5.  Try the Options

Before everyone else joins, you should try out the features. You can look at a list of the participants, try out the chat option, and raise your hand for a question.

If you are having trouble with Blackboard Collaborate, read more about Troubleshooting Tips.

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If you need further assistance or have additional questions please contact:
Open SUNY Support Services HelpDesk
1-844-673-6786 | opensunyhelp@suny.edu

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Add Image or Video to a Post in Blackboard

Written by Jamie Frankenfield. Posted in Articles for Students, Course Tools Student

Add Image or Video to a Post in Blackboard

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The discussion board is one of the most widely used features in Blackboard. Many online classes use the discussion board to encourage dialogue, class participation, and peer-to-peer feedback. In many cases, a professor will require links, photos, and videos in a discussion board post. Use the Content Editor to customize discussion board posts.

Add an Image

To insert an image into a blog post, assignment, or discussion board. Click the  image icon in the 3^rd row of the content editor.

When the content editor pops up, use these steps to add an image:

1. Browse your computer for the image. The image must be in .GIF, .JPG, .JPEG, .BMP, .PNG, or .TIF format.
2. Enter an image description (optional unless required by your professor).
3. Add an image title (optional unless required by your professor).
4. Click insert.

In the appearance tab, you can change the properties of the photo and its placement.

Add a link to a Post

You can add outside links to your discussion board post, wikis, journal entries, and assignments. Click on the link button   in the 3^rd row of the content editor. The link creator will appear.

1. Select Browse My Computer if you want to link to a file on your computer
2. Select Browse Content Collection if you have an item saved in your Content Collection
3. Click Source URL if you want to add a link from an outside source. (THIS IS THE MOST COMMON)
4. Once you add the link, hit Submit

Add a Link to Text

You can add hyperlinks to text in the text box. When you add text, highlight the keywords to which you want to add a link.

When the hyperlink editor box pops up, paste the link in the Link Path area. Next, click on the chevron icon in the Target area. Here you can choose to have the link open in the same window or open in a new window.

ALERT: Many professors prefer that you have the link open in a new screen so the Blackboard page doesn’t close

1. Highlight the text.
2. Click on the link icon in the second row of the content editor.
3. Click insert.

 

Add a YouTube Video

To add a YouTube video from your personal YouTube channel to your post, click on the YouTube icon  in the third row of the content editor. Sign in to your YouTube account to submit a video.

Helpful Hint: To insert a YouTube video from another channel, use the insert URL option discussed before.

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If you need further assistance or have additional questions please contact:
Open SUNY Support Services HelpDesk
1-844-673-6786 | opensunyhelp@suny.edu

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Blackboard Tips from the Open SUNY HelpDesk

Written by Stephen Race. Posted in Articles for Students, Technical Support

Blackboard Tips from the Open SUNY HelpDesk

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Below is a list of helpful Blackboard tips to follow when working in your online courses.

• • Typing Tip: Always type your work off-line first, then copy the text or use the online assignment area. If you type directly into the message box and something happens with your internet connection or computer, your work may be lost. Imagine if you worked hard on an exam, only to receive an error when you click Submit. Your work would then be completely lost and you would have to start again from the beginning. If you type your work off-line in a word processor, you would still have a copy of your answers.

• • Save Your Work: When you take a test, if you have the option to save your work periodically, we strongly recommend you do so. If you have the same page open for a long period of time you may lose your session. You may want to print a copy of your exam before you click Submit.

• • Time Management: Many instructors use timers on their exams. It is important you remember that as soon as you open the test the timer will immediately begin counting down. Even if you log off or shut down the computer, the timer still counts down. As soon as you begin the test be prepared to complete it in one session.

• • One Tab Only: Do not open your class in multiple windows or tabs. This can cause you to lose your login session and cause your work to be lost.

• • Clear Often: The HelpDesk recommends clearing the cache and cookies in your web browser at least once per week. Directions can be found in our online Knowledge Base.

• Don’t Close Out: Always make sure to use the Logout link in the top right corner when you are finished working, DO NOT click the X on your browser to close the program.

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If you need further assistance or have additional questions please contact:
Open SUNY Support Services HelpDesk
1-844-673-6786 | opensunyhelp@suny.edu

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