Browser Compatibility File Naming - odu.edu

1 Old Dominion University Blackboard Tips Information Technology Services (ITS) for Students Browser Compatibility Not all web browsers are compatible with Blackboard. To find out if your favorite Browser works well with Blackboard, see a list of Blackboard-certified browsers. File Naming In order to avoid errors when uploading files in Blackboard, please these guidelines: Use only letters, numbers and underscores (_) in file names. Don't use spaces, commas, pound signs (#), question marks, equal signs, dashes or any other special characters in your file names.

2 File names should be no more than 60 characters in length. If possible, keep to 8 characters or less. Assessments - Test and Quizzes Before you start your assessment Most importantly, do not wait until the last minute to take your assessment; if you experience technical problems they may not be resolved immediately. Use only compatible browsers. To check if your Browser is supported, please see link above. Close all Browser windows and launch a new window to login to Blackboard. Maximize the Browser window before starting the test.

3 Close all other applications before taking the assessment (especially chat programs). If your assessment includes essay questions, you may leave Notepad or WordPad open. Use a wired high-speed connection (not wireless). Make sure your computer has the latest version of Java installed. ( ). Disable all pop up blockers. These come installed in the latest versions of Internet Explorer and Firefox, in third party toolbars such as Google and Yahoo, and they can come with utility software such the Norton products from Symantec.

4 Beware of software updates and virus scans. If you have programs such as automatic software updates or virus scans set to run at particular times, do not take your test during a time when those updates are scheduled to occur. Find out about LockDown Browser . Some professors give Blackboard tests through the LockDown Browser . If your professor uses LockDown Browser , you will need to download and install the LockDown Browser program before you take the test. You will need to download the program only once.

5 You've got questions? We have answers. How to get Technical If you experience any technical issues with Blackboard, please contact 1504 Webb Center Mon - Fri: 8 9 the ITS Help Desk. Sat: 8 4 ITS provides technology support services for students, faculty, and staff (24 x 7) which includes 24-hour telephone and email problem reporting and a Help Desk that is open 6 days a week for walk-up support. (24 x 7) The Help Desk is the first point-of-contact for IT applications and services Knowledge Database: and provides centralized technology support to Old Dominion University.

6 Online Requests: Blackboard Tips for Students Assessment Options/Instructions The professor's directions for the test will appear under the link to the test and again at the top of the screen once you click the test link. Information about the timing and availability of the test will be listed below the professor's directions. Any instructions about back tracking, forced completion, and multiple attempts will be listed here. All at Once: If all of the test questions appear on the page at once, the Save Answer button will appear next to each question.

7 Click Save after you complete each question. You can come back later and change the answer and re save it. One at a Time: In this mode, you will have to click Save Answer after each question in order to move ahead with the test. Make sure you check the directions to find out if you will be allowed to go back and review the questions once they have been completed. Sometimes, a professor will give you one chance to answer a question without allowing you to go back and change it. Force Completion: Once you begin the test/quiz, you are required to complete it in one session.

8 As soon as you leave the test/quiz by clicking elsewhere, you will not be able to access it again. For test/quizzes that deliver all of the questions on one page, if you did not save any answers or save the test/quiz, none of your answers will be recorded. Allow Multiple Attempts: You may start and stop the test/quiz as many times as you wish (within the total time limit for the test/quizzes if there is one). Once you finish the test/quiz you will need to click Save and Submit. Time Limits: Most instructors set time limits on exams.

9 The elapsed time appears above the questions in the Browser window, and you are notified when time expires. The remaining time appears on the assessment page. Click the chevron next to the timer to collapse or expand it. Timer warnings will appear when half the time, five minutes, one minute, and thirty seconds remain. When the remaining time reads 1 minute, 30 seconds, the status bar will turn yellow. At 1 minute, the warning will be red, and at 30 seconds, both the status bar and the warning will be red.

10 If the timer is collapsed, the color changes will not be visible. Auto Submit: If the instructor has set a time limit, they can also set the system to force submit your exam when that time expires. Blackboard will send a message warning that time has expired and it will submit the exam for you. While in your Do NOT navigate within Blackboard after you start your assessment or it will lock . Do NOT open any other Browser windows or applications or resize the Browser window while taking a Blackboard assessment.