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Deploying and Modifying a Test

Page history last edited by Keith Restine 9 mos ago

Deploying and Modifying a Test

What it is.

The Add Test feature allows you to add a test or quiz to any Content Area of your course site. You can use this feature to either create a new test or to add an existing test. Tests created in Blackboard may be automatically graded and entered into the Gradebook. Test Availability allows you to make the link available, email an announcement about the test, and other options.

Implications for Teaching and Learning.

If students are unable to see their test, it may be that the test has not been made available. The work you do creating the test is minimized when it is not made available to students. Students will let you know but taking a few moments to check the options for each test is a wise move for all instructors.

Setting it Up.

To deploy a test that you have already created (For instructions on creating a test, see the Using Test Manager page):

1. Go to the Control Panel and click the link for the Content Area where you wish to deploy this test. The toolbar displays at the top of the Content Area screen.

2. Click the "Add Test" button.

3. Select the test you wish to deploy from the “Add Test” list.

4. Click .

5. At the “Test added successfully” prompt, click OK.

Modify Options.

After you click the OK button to confirm, you will be directed to a page where you have two options:
- Modify the Test
- Modify the Test options
In order to make the test visible to students, you must click on Modify the Test options link.
Under Test Options, you will be able to make selections for the availability of your test.

Test Information.

Modify the test name, change the color of the test link, modify or add a short description of the test and/or have the test open in a new window. We do not advise having the test open in a new window, as this may cause an issue if students are using pop-up blockers. (Item 1 below)

Test Availability.

Make Link Available – This feature allows you to give your students access to a specific test. Available means that your students can see and take the test. Typically, documents are made unavailable when you don’t want students to access them yet. This can be changed at any time. If you wish to set a future availability date for your test, you must still select Yes here. This choice overrides any dates you set for the release of the test. (Items 2-8 below)

Add a new announcement for this Test – This feature will automatically create an anouncement when the test becomes available to students, even if you select a future date and time. The announcement will let students know that a new test is available and include a link, taking students directly to the test. (Items 2-8 below)

Multiple Attempts - This feature allows students to take an assessment multiple times. You may choose to allow them to take it an unlimited number of times, or a set number of times. You may then take the highest, lowest, or average grade from all of the attempts within the Gradebook. (Items 2-8 below) See Allow Multiple Attempts for step by step instructions for allowing multiple attempts.

Force Completion - This feature sets the test so it must be completed the first time a student accesses the test. When you force completion, if a student leaves the test for any reason, they will not be allowed to reenter the test. This includes instances where they may lose their connection to the internet. In order for a student to reenter the test, the instructor will have to clear the student's attempt in the Gradebook, and the student must take the complete test from the beginning. (Items 2-8 below)

Set Timer - This feature allows you to limit the time your students have to take a test. The clock starts as soon as the student begins taking the test and displays in the lower left corner of the screen on the browser. Students get a five-minute or one-minute warning, depending on the time limit. If the student goes over the limit they will still be allowed to complete the test, however, they will not receive a grade immediately. The status of the test will be "Needs Grading." You will have to review the test and the time they exceeded, in order for you to change or accept the score. (Items 2-8 below)

Display After/Display Until - These features allows you to set a specific period of time to have your test available. As long as you have selected Yes under Make Link Available, the test will automatically become available on the Display After date and time. The test will remain available and automatically becomes unavailable at the Display Until date and time. (Items 2-8 below)

Password – This feature requires that students enter a password, which is assigned by the instructor, before taking the test. This optional choice can increase security for online tests. (Items 2-8 below)

Self-assessment Options (Item 9 below).

Include this test in Gradebook score calculations - Within this feature you may choose to include the test grade in the Gradebook score calculation or omit it completely. You may also hide the score of the test from the Gradebook. If the self-assessment option is selected, you will not be able to review a test a student has taken or the answers they gave.

Hide the score of this test from the Gradebook - By choosing this, you are deciding that this test is just for practice, the results of the test will not affect the students class grade.

Test Feedback.

This feature allows you to select how much feedback you want your students to receive after they take the test. You may check as many as you wish between: the test score, the students' submitted answers, your corrected answers, and any feedback you gave for each question. (Item 10 below)

Test Presentation.

This feature allows you to decide whether to present your test in a continuous screen to scroll down, or one question at a time. You can also choose whether you want to randomize the questions or prohibit backtracking. (Item 11 below)