Blackboard Ultra (Faculty) - Tests, Forms, and Pools: Tips to Secure Online Assessments

Securing Online Assessments in Blackboard Ultra

Maintaining the integrity of online assessments is crucial. Here are several tips to enhance the security of your tests and surveys in Blackboard Ultra.

Using Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor are valuable tools for proctoring online exams. Respondus LockDown Browser prevents students from accessing other websites or applications during the test, while Respondus Monitor uses a webcam to record students during the exam session.

Enabling Respondus LockDown Browser

1. In your Blackboard Ultra course, navigate to the assessment you want to secure.
2. Click the assessment to open it.
3. Click the gear icon to open the Assessment settings.
4. In the Assessment Settings panel, scroll to Assessment security and locate the Respondus LockDown Browser Dashboard link.
5. Click on the Respondus LockDown Browser Dashboard.
   
   
   
   
6. Select the assessment for which you want to enable LockDown Browser.
7. Choose Require LockDown Browser for this exam.
   
   
   
   
8. Configure any additional settings as required, such as allowing specific websites or applications.
9. Save your settings.

Enabling Respondus Monitor

Respondus Monitor builds upon LockDown Browser by adding video proctoring features.

1. Follow the steps above to enable Respondus LockDown Browser.
2. Within the Respondus LockDown Browser settings for the exam, select Require Respondus Monitor and one of the following options based on what is appropriate for the assessment and class: webcam only, both webcam and screen, or screen only.
   
   
   
   
3. Configure the startup sequence and any additional settings, such as facial detection and environment checks.
4. Click the Save + Close button to save your settings.

Randomizing Questions

Randomizing the order of questions can prevent students from easily sharing answers.

1. In your Blackboard Ultra course, navigate to the assessment you want to secure.
2. Click the assessment to open it.
3. Click the gear icon to open the Assessment Settings.
4. Scroll down to Presentation Options.
5. Click the radio button for Randomize questions.
6. Click the Save button to save your settings.

Creating Question Pools

Question pools allow you to draw random questions from a larger bank of questions, making each student's test unique. Pools can also be reused across multiple tests. Refer to this KB article for more information: Blackboard Ultra (Faculty) - Tests, Forms, and Pools: Question Pools.

Additional Security Measures

• Set a time limit: A reasonable time limit can discourage students from looking up answers.
• Shuffle answers: Randomize the order of answers within multiple-choice questions.
• Limit availability: Make the test available only during a specific time window.
• Provide clear instructions: Clearly state the rules and expectations for the assessment.

Need Additional Support?

This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!