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FACULTY FAQS
What is the process for informing the Testing Centers that a secure exam is ready to be delivered?
Instructors who want to deliver secure, computer based exams in the ACC Testing Centers, need to inform the Testing Center staff that a secure, computer based exam will be made available for students by completing a Testing Center Transmittal form and ensuring that each of the Testing Centers which offer computer based testing (CYP, EVC, NRG, PIN, RGC, RVS, SAC) is notified.
A Testing Center Online Transmittal Form is now available at: http://dl.austincc.edu/onlinetesting/transmittalform.html. This transmittal form enables you to notify every Testing Center simultaneously that you intend to make a secure computer based exam available.
What is Respondus?
Respondus is a desktop application that enables instructors to make their Blackboard exams secure. Respondus also enables instructors to upload previously created exams in MS Word or in Text format into Blackboard without having to retype those questions into Bb. For secure exams, the main feature that Respondus provides is to establish a secure setting for that exam. However, all Respondus exam question types are exactly the same as what is in Blackboard currently. Respondus does not add any additional exam features (i.e. additional question types, etc.) beyond the capability of Blackboard. In other words, the Bb exam features and functions do not change with Respondus, with the exception of the secure exam setting. Any Bb features (date ranges, exam question types, forced completions, # of retakes, etc.) which are available currently will not change. The only place, however, where you can make a Bb exam secure is by using Respondus on your computer desktop and then uploading that secure setting up to your Bb exam.
Who can offer a secure computer based exam in the Testing Center?
Currently, secure computer based tests are only available in the ACC Testing Centers and are available only for DL instructors. Instructors with lecture courses who would like to offer a secure, computer based test in the Testing Centers must first obtain approval from the Testing Center administrative staff.
How should my exam file be formatted?
Respondus have specific file formatting guidelines that need to be followed for secure exams to be delivered in the Testing Centers. Prior to uploading a Word or Text file into Blackboard, the file needs to formatted For a reference of specific exam file formatting guidelines, see the following:
Can I use Respondus if I don't use Blackboard?
No. Respondus was designed to interface directly with course management systems such as WebCT and Blackboard. Therfore, it is not possible to use Respondus without a Blackboard account. To learn more about how to obtain a Blackboard account, go to http://acconline.austincc.edu.
How can I make the Blackboard tests I already have into secure, computer based tests?
Instructors who have already developed tests within Blackboard can make those tests secure by converting the exam settings within Respondus. Unlike the other exam settings, this Lockdown browser security setting can only be made in Respondus, not within Blackboard.
What information should I provide to my students about secure computer based testing?
Refer students to the process on how take a secure computer based test. You may also want to refer them to the Testing Center web site so they can familiarize themselves with Testing Center administration information. Also, Testing Center student guidelines are available at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/studentarea.php.
Which Testing Centers offer secure computer based testing?
The following ACC Testing Centers offer secure computer based testing:
- CYP
- EVC
- NRG
- PIN
- RGC
- RVS
- SAC
Can I change or delete exam passwords within Blackboard?
No. If you change either the name of the exam or the system generated password within Blackboard, the exam will no longer be secure. Any changes to either the exam title or security level (Requires Respondus Lockdown browser checkbox) must be made within Respondus.
Should I issue an instructor generated password for a secure, computer based exam?
Generally, it is strongly suggested to NOT issue an instructor generated password unless there is a compelling reason to the contrary. An instructor generated password could potentially lead to issues during the exam's administration and deliver because the password needs to be communicated to the TECE staff and the TECE staff needs to supply type it in during each student's exam log in process. It is usally not needed and increases the likelihood that an issue will occur during the delivery of an exam.
How do my students take computer based tests in the Testing Centers?
The administrative process for taking a secure computer based test in the Testing Center is the same as for a paper-based test. The student will need the appropriate identification. In addition, the student may need additional documentation such as a permission slip, etc. With a computer based test, your students will take their exams at one of the Testing Centers. The more information you can give students before they go to the Testing Centers, the better.
My student was locked out of an exam. How can I retrieve the results?
Click on the "Lock" icon within the Bb gradebook, select "View" to view the results. If there are results it means that a partial answer was either submitted or saved at a certain point in the exam. If it is blank or there is no student responses, it means that Blackboard timed out before they could save and anything that was typed on the screen was lost. Remind students that they need to save their work approximately every 15-20 minutes. It is also recommended to remind students to organize their typed response as much in advance as possible before logging into Bb.
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STUDENT FAQs
How do I take a secure computer based test in the Testing Center? READ THIS FIRST! Familiarize yourself with the process for taking a computer based test. It is strongly recommended that you print this process out and farmiliarize yourself with it before you go to the Testing Center. After you have familiarized yourself with the computer based test taking process, review the Testing Center student guidelines at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/studentarea.php.
What do I need to bring to the Testing Center? You will need a valid form of identification. In addition, your instructor may require a permission slip for you to access the exam. Check with your instructor to verify not only what you will need for the exam but also the dates the exam will be available.
When I receive the "Has your instructor issued a password for this exam" question in the Password box, prior to taking a secure computer based test what should I select?
Unless your instructor has told you otherwise, select "NO" in this Password dialog box and then simply click "Submit" to enter test.
How do I log in to the test in the Testing Center? Select the Bb Test icon. Respondus uses your ACCeID for the user ID, and your Bb password.
Where are the Testing Centers and what are their hours? For a complete list of the ACC Testing Center locations and hours, visit their web site at: http://www.austincc.edu/testctr.
How do I report a problem or issue with my test? First, notify a Testing Center staff member of the problem or issue. They may be able to troubleshoot the problem. If they cannot resolve the issue, they will contact the instructor. In addition, it is recommended that you contact your instructor also to notify him or her of the problem.
Is computer based testing available at all the Testing Centers? No. Computer based testing is available at CYP, EVC, NRG, PIN, RVS, RGC, and SAC.
How many computers are available? The number of computers varies from location to location. However, there are a limited number of computers available at each of the Testing Centers. It is strongly recommended to not wait until the last minute to take your test. If you do, you run the risk of a computer not being available when you want to take your test.
Can I access my exams from home? No. You can only access your exams from an ACC Testing Center.
Can I use the internet during the test? No. Exams are accessed using a special secure browser interface. This secure browser interface blocks access to the desktop and to external web sites.
Do I get to view my test results right away? This depends on what your instructor has established for the exam. Blackboard exam results are sent to the instructor's grade book. Therefore you will need to check with your instructor about your grades. Testing Center personnel does NOT have your exam results. Essay exam results are not available until the instructor has manually graded the responses.
How often should I save my work when taking a C-Test?
Be advised that Blackboard WILL TIME OUT. Therefor you need to be sure to save your work approximately every 15-20 minutes. This will prevent Bb from timing out. If you are composing an essay question, it is recommended to compose as musch as you can on paper (outline, structure, etc.) before logging into Bb to begin typing. If you do not interact with Blackboard for an extended period of time, it will time out and lock you out of your test.
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