Testing

Online Testing

Taking tests is as much a part of the online classroom as an on-campus classroom.

First, find out where and when your instructor administers quizzes and exams.

• Are exams/quizzes administered online or on-campus?
• What are the dates and access periods?
• How much time do you have to take the exam?

Next, record this information in a prominent place near your computer and on your personal calendar.

• Online Testing - online tests are delivered in a variety of ways using various types of software. Those currently in use include; WebCT, Respondus, and QuestionMark. Each procedure includes examples for first time users.
  • Access time: BbV uses a 12 or the 24 hour clock. Make-sure you know the difference between 0600 (6 A.M.) and 1800 (6 P.M.) if your instructor uses the 24 hour clock.
  • Exams have an access opening and closing time, generally a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 64.
• Each online student is responsible for becoming familiar with testing procedures and completing all tests in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Complete your exam in the time allotted. Avoid penalties! Some instructors assess a penalty for students who take more than the allocated time. Do not loose points for going over the deadline.
• Make sure that you mark an answer for each question prior to hitting the submit button.
• Determine if you have access to review your complete exam prior to submitting.
• Can you return to a previous question?
• Keep track of the time. Prepare carefully for your exam. Do not become dependent on searching your notes or textbook for the answers, a time-consuming process that will detract from a timely completion.
• Remember, when testing online in a non-proctored environment preparation is essential. See Test Preparation in Strategies for Success: Test Taking.
• Even though you may have your textbook open, notes laid out, and any other tools that you particularly like to use, you are testing in a limited time environment. You will not be able to look everything up and submit within the allotted period.
• Note: while most online testing is done from your personal computer, some instructors conduct their online tests in an on-campus proctored environment.

• On-campus testing - Internet course in-person exams administered on-campus are assigned a designated time and place. Select the one best suited to your schedule and be there.
• Courses which test On-campus generally have an "arrival" and designated "last-arrival" time. Be aware that you will not be admitted after that time.
• Consult a campus map to make sure you know the location of your exam.
• Find out if the exam will be administered using a computer in a proctored lab environment or in a regular classroom (also proctored) requiring exam materials and a scantron or exam booklet..
• If you have a scheduling conflict for any on-campus exam date and time, contact your instructor at least one week in advance in order to select a mutually agreeable alternate.
• Virtual College of Texas students should immediately determine the method and place of on-campus proctored testing at their test center.

Reminder: one of the most common problems for first time, and even experienced online students, is failure to access an exam/quiz during the available time.

• Most online professors only allow make-up exams for documented reasons of health or family emergency.
• Early in the semester, identify and record the policy and the appropriate procedures you are instructed to take for a missed exam.
• IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE REQUIREMENTS OF YOUR INDIVIDUAL ONLINE INSTRUCTOR REGARDING MAKEUP EXAMS. Consult with your instructor if you are not able to locate a clearly stated policy.

Please send any questions or comments to Carol A. Keller, email, ckeller@alamo.edu
Last update August, 2009

The development of this website is made possible by an ACCD Instructional Innovation Grant for Spring/Summer 2002.
© 2002 Carol A. Keller and the San Antonio College History Department. All rights reserved.