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Overview

Blackboard can be configured to administer and automatically grade tests. The feature is found under Course Management>Course Tools as "Tests, Surveys, and Pools." Once an instructor has created a test in this area, they can be deployed in any content area. Results from tests will automatically display in the Grade Center.

Many instructors administering online exams are concerned about cheating and have asked about the Respondus Lockdown Browser. The Respondus Lockdown browser is not available for use at Syracuse University, however, the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence offers guidance on alternatives to traditional exams for student assessments. While there are strategies you can employ to help reduce cheating you should also expect that students will access class materials while taking the test. Blackboard does not limit a student's browser to the exam window and it cannot prevent them from accessing resources on other devices. Blackboard tests are best used as open note/open book tests or as practice tests for students to review course materials.

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• Use a timer, which limits the amount number of time times students have access to the materials. Students with academic accommodations can be given additional time.
• Use question pools so that Blackboard can provide different exams to different students.
• Randomize question order and the order of answers on individual questions.

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Blackboard provides documentation on all of the test settings on their help site. SU users should reference materials for the "Original Course View."

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Videos for Getting Started

OLS has created a video for creating and deploying tests in Blackboard at SU.  

Blackboard live webinars and webinar recordings on its Assignment and Assessment tools were created during the emergency transition to online instruction in the Spring 2020 Semester. There is also a webinar recording has a section specifically on the test tool. These remain useful for getting started with tests in BlackboardA Blackboard webinar recording on the Test tool.

The following videos provide more granular instruction:

• Test Creation 
• Question Creation
• Question Pools
• Random Question Blocks
• Deploy Tests
• Time Limits
• Uploading Test Questions from Microsoft Excel

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Guidance for Students

Instructors may direct students to this Answers Page for advice on how to successfully complete a Blackboard test. 

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Training on LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning has courses on Blackboard Learn. Login to LinkedIn Learning with your SU NetID and visit the sections on creating tests and deploying and grading tests. 

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Links to Additional Documentation

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