Using Timed Tests in Blackboard

Curious about timed tests? Here are some things you need to know:

• When a student enters a timed test, the browser immediately displays a countdown clock. When one minute of the test remains, the student sees a warning notice. However, no additional warnings are displayed when the time limit expires.

• The timer does not prevent students from submitting a test beyond the allotted time. However, if a student exceeds the time limit, Blackboard will place a "Needs Grading" exclamation mark in the Grade Center. The item must be submitted by the instructor. On the Grade Detail screen, the instructor may see the time taken by the student. The instructor can decide whether to accept or reject the test.

What should I do about students who exceeds the time limit?

• If you haven't already, consider adding a notice to your syllabus or even your exam instructions about a specific penalty if students exceed the given time. Some instructors may feel that any time over the limit is unacceptable. If so, tell students that they will receive 0 points for an exam. For example, see: http://lpc1.clpccd.cc.ca.us/lpc/hanna/FAQ/FAQ.htm#examtimelimits or http://www.uta.edu/webct/POLS2311.pdf
  

• Other instructors assess a time related penalty, such as a one point deduction for every 2 minutes over the time limit (see http://www.umsl.edu/~rkeel/200/200syllabus.html).  Percentages could also be used (2% over the time limit means 2% loss of points on the exam).

More

The following universities also describe the functioning of timed tests for your reference:

• Texas Woman's University describes how timed tests work as well as providing helpful tips and scenarios: Instructor Tips for Testing in Blackboard.



• Southeastern Louisiana University has a student page, Test Taking Tips for Blackboard, and provides this guideline:

  Some tests may be timed. Your instructor will tell you if the test is timed and the time allotted. While Blackboard will not stop the test after the allotted time has elapsed, it will record the time spent on the test. Your instructor may penalize you if more time was taken than allotted for the test.

• Arizona State University explains how timed tests work and describes conditions in which the timer displayed to the students may not work: Timed Tests and the Exam Timer

What about Force Completion?

The Force Completion setting may cause you unintended problems, and is not recommended. See Blackboard Tests and Force Completion for additional information.