Creating Blackboard Tests Using Random Blocks

The Random Block feature within Blackboard enables instructors to create exams using blocks of randomly generated test question pools. For example, if an instructor wanted to create a final exam from various chapter or topic question pools, the Random Block feature in Bb automates this process.

To create an Blackboard using using the Random Block feature, do the following:

1. Log into Blackboard.
2. Select Control Panel.
3. Select Test Manager.
4. Click Add Test.
5. Type the Name of the test, description of the test and any instructions in the spaces provided.
6. Select Submit.
7. Choose the Random Block option from the Add pull down menu (upper left) on the Test Canvas screen.
   
   
   
8. Click GO.
9. Select the title of your question pool you want to randomize from the Search for Pools and Assessments list.
   
   
   
10. Check the All box if you want to randomize from all question types or select the specific types of questions you want (Multiple Choice, etc.).
11. Enter the total number of questions you want to import for this pool in the text box provided .
12. Enter the Total # of Points per question you want for the questions (Note: you can always change the point value for individual questions later if you choose to)
13. Click Import.
14. Submit to add the pool to the test you created.
15. Select OK.

Adding a Randomized Exam to a Blackboard Content Area

1. Select the Course Content folder you want to add the exam to. (Course Documents, Syllabus, Assignments, etc.). Note: It is recommended to create a content area called EXAMS and put all of your computer based exams in this folder. This will provide consistency for your students and will help them to locate exams more easily.
2. Select the + (Add) Test option
3. Choose your test from the pull down menu.
4. Click Submit
5. Click OK.
6. Verify that your exam is had the correct # of questions listed at the bottom of the screen is correct and that the Random Block Feature is displayed (see below)
   
   
   

Making your Randomized Exam Secure Using Respondus

1. Open Respondus on your desktop
2. Select the Preview & Publish tab
3. Click on the Update Settings tab
4. Choose the Blackboard server menu option from the pull down menu
5. Select Use Current Settings option
6. Choose Next
7. Select the course where your exam is located
8. Select the exam from the pull down menu option list
9. Click the Settings button
10. Select the Require Respondus Lockdown Browser option
11. Click on the Publish New Settings. An Update Successfully completed message will be displayed in the text box.
12. Log in to Blackboard and select your course
13. Select Control Panel and click on the Exams button from the Course Content area. The title of your exam should be displayed with a "Requires Respondus Lockdown browser" appended to title of the exam. There should also be an Item is not available text message below the title of the exam.
    
    
14. Click Modify.
15. Select Modify the Test Options.
16. Select Yes in the Make the link available option.
    Note: Verify that the password box has been checked and that there is a system generated alpha-numeric value that has been automatically entered in the password text box. DO NOT CHANGE OR MODIFY THIS PASSWORD IN ANY WAY. If you modify this password, the exam will no longer be secure.
17. Choose Submit
18. Click OK.
19. Verify the exam has been added by going to the content area and viewing the test listed in the content area. The Item is not available text should no longer be visible. At this point you should be unable to access the exam using a convential browser. To verify that the exam is working correctly, you will need to log into your course and the exam using a Lockdown browser. The Testing Centers are the only locations which have the Respondus Lockdown browser. It is recommended that you verify the test is working correctly before you inform your students that the secure test is available.

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