Tests and quizzes

Read the test/quiz instructions carefully before you start

Your instructor will set the rules of the assessment. Ensure that you understand the rules and are prepared to sit the test under these conditions. Always talk to your instructor or tutor if you have questions or concerns.

Test attempts?

It is common for instructors to only give students one sitting of a test.

Are you required to finish the test in one sitting?

Ensure you have enough time to complete the test.

Is there a time limit?

Have a clock or timer nearby. Your pop-up blocker may prevent the Learn.UQ countdown timer from displaying on your screen.

Prepare for success

Ensure your workstation is working properly

Be aware of the hardware, software and browser requirements for using Learn.UQ (Blackboard). This will reduce the risk of technical problems.
A reliable and fast internet connection is especially important when undertaking, or submitting, assessment. If you are on dial-up Internet or have an unreliable wireless connection then you should ensure you have access to a stable connection for your assessment.

Do not leave your test/quiz until the last minute. If you experience technical problems there won't be enough time to resolve the issue.

Try to minimise errors and distractions:

close other computer applications which may impact on your concentration or the performance of your computer. This includes Facebook, iTunes, YouTube or other browsers where you are logged into Learn.UQ
maximise your browser window so a page refresh doesn't lock you out

Click the Begin button once only:

The quiz may take a few moments to load and if you click multiple times you may receive a message saying you have already taken the quiz after which you will be locked out.

Be mindful of the mouse and keyboard:

Do not use the Browser's Back/Forward buttons or the Back/Forward buttons on your mouse
Do not press the Backspace key, on the keyboard, except when deleting something in a text box.
If using a mouse with a scroll button, or function, be careful that you are scrolling up and down the page rather than adjusting your answers. Click on the background before scrolling.
Click the Save button every few minutes to save all your answers and ensure your connection is still active.

Prior to submission

Keep your eye on the timer and be ready to submit before you're out of time.

Check over your answers one final time to be sure none of them were changed accidentally

We recommend you keep a copy of your answers in case you experience technical difficulties. You can electronically copy extended answers but may need to write down multiple choice, true false, matching questions etc.

To submit

Click Submit once only. You will receive a confirmation screen once your assessment is submitted successfully.

Lost Internet connection

You are expected to use a reliable Internet connection when undertaking or submitting assessment items. Wireless can cut out and you may lose your connection to the quiz.

If you lose your connection while taking a quiz, leave the Learn.UQ window open while you reconnect to the Internet. You may be able to finish the quiz once you are back online.
For a prolonged outage - document the problem, as described below, and contact your instructor as soon as possible.

If something goes wrong while completing your quiz:

Document the problem

If you receive an error message write down the exact message. Note the time/date of the problem, which web browser you used, exactly what you were doing at the time and any other relevant details.

Contact your instructor

If you quiz is being used as an exam, e.g. mid-semester or as a general assessment item, your instructor will have a procedure for managing technical difficulties.

This may be:

a phone number you can ring
an e-mail address

For best results:

ensure you are aware of the procedure
be mindful of what you are doing and have notes of the problem you have experienced
act promply to resolve the problem