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Blackboard Help: Tests and Surveys

Avoiding Lockouts

I was in the middle of taking a test or writing a post when I lost everything.

Unfortunately, the information is probably lost permanently. You will need to recreate the information. If you experience problems during a test and cannot continue, contact your instructor immediately. Blackboard does not have access to your institution's Blackboard Learn site and cannot help you with these types of questions.

Here are some reason why you might lose information that you are entering in Blackboard Learn:

  • The internet connection dropped.
  • The browser was refreshed.
  • Your browser timed out due to inactivity. Blackboard has a security setting that logs you out if it doesn't receive any input for a period of time. That period of time is different from institution to institution.

The following tips can help you avoid this issue in the future:

  • Use a wired connection if possible when taking a test. Wireless internet connections are less reliable.
  • Do not refresh the browser page.
  • Do not close the browser window
  • Do not click the browser's back button.
  • If possible, write out the text in an external application and then paste it into Blackboard Learn. Working offline first ensures that your work in progress will not be lost.
  • If you are working in assignments, save your work in progress. Saving often helps avoid any browser timeout issues.

Need Help?

Students should seek assistance from a librarian by visiting the Service Desk on the second floor of Goebel Hall or by calling (630) 617-3767.

  • Your Blackboard username and password are the same as your technology account name and password.
    If you change your password on Blackboard, you are NOT changing your technology account password.

Faculty should consult with their Departmental Library Liaison for Blackboard assistance.

Additional Resources:

System Requirements

1. Browser Choice

   
   
   
Desktop OS
Browser Versions		 Mobile and Tablet OS
Browser Versions*
Android Browser Not available 4+
Chrome                           87+ 33+
Edge 87+ 46+
Firefox 78+ 33+
Internet Explorer Unsupported Unsupported
Safari 13+ (desktop/Mac iOS) 12+ on iOS

 

  • Microsoft Edge does not support NPAPI-type plug-ins including Java plug-ins and many media browser plug-ins. Blackboard doesn't support these browsers for use with the Virtual Classroom and Lightweight Chat tools, the multiple-file upload interface, or embedded media that require NPAPI plug-ins for viewing.

Use the browser checker tool to check for compatibility and recommended software upgrades.

2. Devices & Operating Systems

Category

Tested

Operating Systems

Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, MacOS 10.8, MacOS 10.9, MacOS 10.10, iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, Chrome OS

iOS Devices

iPod Touch , iPhone 4S, iPhone 5S, iPhone5c, iPhone 6, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad Mini 3, iPad Air 2

Android Devices

Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, HTC G1, LG C800 Mytouch, HTC One, Galaxy Note 2014, HTC One M8

Windows Mobile Devices

Venue 8 Pro, Lumia 520, Lumia 930

Chrome OS Devices

Chromebook

Note that mobile and tablet browsers for both Android and iOS are much better equipped to handle the Ultra Experience than the Original Experience. 

3.  Java Installation & Java Runtime Environment 7 & 8

 

4.  Third Party Plug-ins

  • You may require third party plug-ins to view certain content.
  • Check to see if you have the updated versions of Flash, Acrobat Reader, and Quick Time.

5. No longer supported by Blackboard:

  • Windows XP
  • Windows, MacOS, and Linux systems not running a supported browser
  • Internet Explorer
  • Firefox versions 50 and lower on desktop; all Firefox versions on mobile devices
  • Chrome versions 56 and lower (version 34 and lower on mobile devices)
  • Safari versions 10 and lower
  • JRE 6 for Blackboard Learn Original user interfaces

The most current information on System Requirements for Blackboard Learn  can be found here.