Creating a Blackboard Test

Tests are a great tool for quickly assessing student’s knowledege. Blackboard Ultra tests have a range of question types including Multiple Choice, Essay questions and Fill in the Blanks.

The easiest way to create a simple test is to add questions manually. For tests with 10+ questions we recommend uploading test questions using a file.

Instructions

1 Setting up your test by adding questions manually
2 Adjusting Test Settings
3 Accessing tests in Gradebook

Setting up your test by adding questions manually

On the Course Content page, select the plus sign where you would like to add a test and select Create.

The Create Item panel will open, select Test from the Assessment section.

Click on the test name at the top left hand side and give the test a meaningful title.

Click on the plus icon to add content to the test.

If you want to add an introduction or instructions to your test, select Add text from the menu.

Add your first question by mousing over the dashed line beneath the test instructions and selecting the plus.

Select the question type e.g. + Add Matching question from the menu.

Add the question and answer options in the text boxes provided

Remembering to click Save

You can set the mark awarded for each question by clicking on the credit value and entering a number

To add the next question, mouse over the dashed line at bottom of the completed question and click on the plus to reveal the question menu …

…select the question type e.g. Add Multiple Choice Question

Add your question and answer options in the text boxes and consider giving the students automated feedback.

Select the Automated feedback option to add feedback, add your comments to the textboxes provided and click Save.

If using this option remember to set automatic feedback in the test settings.

You can edit and delete questions by clicking on the ellipsis (three dots)

When you’ve added all your questions you you’ll need to adjust the Test settings

Adjusting Test Settings

Key test settings including Due date, Marking, Time limits and Number of attempts, these can can be accessed on the right of the questions.

Attempts allowed

The default is 1 attempt, but you can set multiple attempts for students by clicking on 1 attempt and using the drop down to increase the number.

Time limits, Due dates, Release dates and Exceptions

You have a number of tools that restrict the amount of time students can access their test.

It is good practice to use a due date or time limit to prevent students saving draft submissions.

Time limit: You can set the time limit for your test to restrict the amount of time your student spends in the test. The time limit starts once the student starts the test.

Set the time limit by clicking on the Assignment settings cog at the side of the test.

Scroll down to the Additional tools, click on Add time limit

This opens the Time limit options. Add the number of minutes for the time limit and select whether you want students work to be submitted automatically when the time limit expires or if they are allowed to carry on working.

Selecting the second option gives you additional extra time options.

When you are happy with settings, use the small x to close. Then click Save

Students who have a RAR can have extra time added automatically by having an accommodation set in the Gradebook. Their extra time allowance applies to all time limits in the module.

Due date: You can set a due date, students have to complete the test by a certain time before it is considered late.

Click on the Due date in the Assignment settings to the right hand side of the questions

Click on the date and time to set your preferred due date. If you don’t want a due date, check the box beneath the date.

If you are using a due date, consider whether to ‘Prohibit late submissions’ e.g in progress attempts are submitted automatically or ‘Prohibit new attempts after due date’ e.g. once the due date is passed students can no longer attempt the test.

Release Conditions You can set release conditions which makes content available between certain dates

If release conditions expire while the student is still within their test time limit, their session continues and they can submit their test and see their mark s normal but they will not be able to access their feedback after release conditions have expired. Instead they will have a warning content isn’t available.

If students have an accommodation set in the Gradebook, their extra time allowance will be automatically be added to the test Time limit.

Exceptions or exemptions This setting allow you to change the test settings for a single student in exceptional circumstances.

In the test, click on Submissions. This allows you to see a list of students who are eligible to complete the test. Click on the ellipsis in the row of the student who requires an exception (or exemption).

Selecting Add or edit exemptions allows you to exempt the student’s mark from their final mark. Selecting Add or Edit exceptions brings up additional options that allows you to change access timings or attempts for just this one test.

Assessment Results and Feedback

The default marking setting is ‘Post marks automatically when assessment is marked’, this setting shows shows the student their score straight after they have finished the test and submitted their answers. Click on ‘Change mark posting setting’ to access more settings for marks.

The settings in the Assessment results section controls when students sees their submission, scores, correct answers and feedback.

Automated Question Feedback setting in the Assessment results section controls when the student sees the automated feedback added to the question (see step 11 above)

The feedback appears to the student below their response in the submission.

You can choose between ‘After Submission, ‘After due date’, ‘After all marks have been posted’ and 'On specific date’

Remember to save your settings.

Accessing tests in Gradebook

When you create a test, a Gradebook listing and column is created automatically. Students can access the test via the Course Content area or through Gradebook.

The test's score consists of the sum of all the questions' points.

After the scores are posted, students can view their scores on their Gradebook page or in the Activity Stream. They can also access the test, their submissions, feedback, and their marks from the test link on the Course Content page and via the Gradebook.

Blackboard Ultra staff support