Test-Taking Tips for SE Blackboard Users

• Internet Browsers - Use Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher, Firefox 2, or Safari 2.
  Note: Any other browser versions may result in your receiving error messages.

  • IE8 Users – Click on the Compatibility View button on the IE 8 Toolbar, located to the right of the URL on the IE Address Bar. This will allow you to view the website in IE 7 mode.
  • AOL, Google Chrome, and Netscape browsers are not recommended.
    • AOL Users – If you are using AOL to access the Internet, once the connection is made, minimize the AOL window and use a different browser. Internet Explorer is recommended for PC users and Safari is recommended for Apple users.
  • MS Windows - Make sure all of the latest Windows updates have been installed on any computer you may use for taking tests online.
• Internet Connections - Dial-up, satellite, and wireless Internet connections (such as public & home networks, cellular air cards, WiFi, etc.) are NOT recommended for accessing and taking tests in Blackboard. A wired connection is the most reliable and should be used for taking online tests.
• JAVA – Make sure you have the latest version of JAVA. Check to see that it is working properly.
• Enable JavaScript.
• Enable Cookies.
• Security - Make sure you have http://blackboard.se.edu added as a Trusted Site. To do that, open the Internet and click on Tools > Internet Options > Security > Trusted Sites > Sites and add http://blackboard.se.edu.
Note: there is no www.
• Clear the Memory Cache before accessing the test.
• Disable all Pop-up Blockers and close Instant Messaging, email notifications, music players, etc.
• Firewalls – Both personal and corporate will frequently block access to Blackboard. This includes the free download of ZoneAlarm, as well as Norton and/or McAfee Personal Firewalls.
• Browser Buttons – To prevent the loss of data, loss of the page, or loss of a secured connections, DO NOT use the "Back" or "Forward" navigation buttons from the browser toolbar. Use only the buttons located on the Blackboard screen. After submitting a test, be sure to click "OK" to ensure the submission process completes.
• Essay Questions – After entering your answer in the text box, be sure to click the Save button, located to the right of the text box. Save every answer and save often! You can also compose your answer in MS Word, and then copy and paste it into the text box of the Blackboard essay test, but some formatting loss may occur. However, you will have a Word document as backup. Refer to your syllabus and/or instructor for specific instructions regarding essay exams.
• Save Often! – Be sure to click the save buttons located throughout the Blackboard exam, saving after each question or saving after every three or four by clicking on the Save button, located at the bottom of the page.
• Use an SE lab – If you are also taking classes on campus, or live close to the campus, sometimes the most efficient way to take a Blackboard test is in an SE computer lab.
• Contact your instructor as soon as possible if you get locked out of a test during the allowed testing time.

REMEMBER - - - Your attempt at an online quiz may be interrupted by the following possible situations:

• Stopping a quiz/test for any reason
• Resizing the browser window
• Using the browser Back or Forward button
• Using instant messaging, e-mail notification, call-waiting during the assessment
• Failure of Internet connection/system, such as a power surge, weather conditions, etc. See additional information above.
• Your Internet Service Provider’s timing-out feature
• The Bb server's timing-out feature - After three (3) hours of inactivity, Blackboard will time out.
• Using a dial-up connection - Be sure to turn off "call waiting." If you receive a phone call while call waiting is enabled, you will be disconnected from the Internet.