This page provides some tips that will help you successfully prepare for and write an online timed exam in Brightspace. These tips are particularly useful for those who will be writing their exams using the quiz tool in Brightspace. Looking for study space while you prepare for your online exam? Visit the Centre for Academic Communication.
Looking for more tips? Check out this Brightspace course that’s all about your UVic learning technologies.
Here are some things to consider before you start your exam
Set up your study space
Be sure to find a quiet, comfortable and well-lit study space and remove any clutter and distractors that may hinder your focus.
Turn off or put away your phone
It’s also encouraged to disable push notifications on your laptop, including email, social media, and Microsoft Teams. If you are completing a closed book exam, make sure to close all programs, documents, and tabs on your computer. The only page you should have open is your exam.
Check your internet connectivity
To avoid technical issues, check your internet connection before your exam and troubleshoot any issues in advance. If possible, use a wired connection to avoid internet service disruption. If you are writing a flexibly timed exam, consider writing your exam during low traffic hours.
Notify others in your space that you are about to take an exam
If possible, reduce background noise so you can remain focused for the duration of your exam.
Leave yourself lots of time to prepare for your exam
Get lots of rest, stay fed and hydrated, and remain calm—you’ve got this! For more information on how to prepare for your exams, visit Preparing for online exams on UVic Learn.
Timezones
If you are located in a different time zone, please make sure you are aware of the time change and take this into account when starting your exam.
Log on early, especially for synchronously timed exams
It’s important to start your exam on time, especially if you are completing a timed exam. To avoid access issues, try to log on 5-10 minutes early. You may not be able to access your exam until the start time, but this will ensure you are prepared to start when the time comes. For flexibly timed exams, remember that once you start you will have to complete the exam in one sitting.
Here are some things to consider during your exam to help you stay calm, focused and avoid technical issues
Read your exam questions carefully and thoroughly
Make sure you understand what is being asked before you respond. You may even wish to skim through your exam before writing your responses, so you know what to expect and can budget your time accordingly.
To select question responses, use a single-click
A double click may cause you to unselect a response, so make sure you have selected an appropriate response and your answer has saved before moving on to the next question.
Budget your time
Pay attention to the time limit, number of questions, and number of marks each question is worth. Generally speaking, you should spend more time on questions that are worth more marks, and try to save some time at the end of your exam to review your responses before submitting.
If you don’t know an answer, don’t panic
If you’re getting stuck on a difficult question, jot down some notes in the question box or on some scrap paper and come back to it later. Start with the easier questions then return to more challenging ones at the end.
If your exam has multiple pages
Navigate by using the Next/Previous buttons within the Brightspace exam, rather than using the back/forward buttons on your browser.
If you are required to write a long-answer question
You may wish to draft this out in another document then add it to the question box to avoid technical issues. You may also wish to keep some scrap paper handy to draw out diagrams, equations or jot down quick notes to guide you as you write. Remember: if you are writing a closed book exam you are not allowed to access any course material outside of your exam. Be sure to check with your instructor about using blank paper or documents to work through questions during an exam as well.
Before submitting your exam, review the questions
Ensure you are satisfied with your responses. Once you are satisfied and all responses have been saved, click the “submit quiz” button at the bottom of your exam, then select “submit quiz” again on the next page to confirm your submission.
If you experience issues saving or loading a question
Wait for the page to load or use the refresh button beside the quiz question, if available. Avoid using the refresh button on your web browser as you may lose unsaved progress on your exam. If you experience prolonged technical issues, contact your instructor and the help desk immediately helpdesk@uvic.ca, 250-721-7687 (Toll Free: 1-844-721-7687).
Your responses will be saved automatically, but make sure you double check
If your response has been saved a checkmark and “saved” comment will appear beside the question. If a question is unsaved, two dashes (–) will appear under the question number in the list of questions on the left-hand side of the page. Make sure all questions have a checkmark beside them before submitting your exam.
More resources on exam preparation
Check out more resources on UVic Learn to help you ace your next exam