Brightspace Quiz Tips for Students

Introduction:

If you experience any technical issues while taking an online quiz in Brightspace, follow the tips below to minimize disruptions and protect your progress.

Troubleshooting Tips:

  • • Contact Your Instructor Immediately
    • If your internet disconnects or you get locked out of a quiz, email your instructor right away. Include
      • Your course name
      • The quiz title
      • The time the issue occurred
      • A summary of any answers you already submitted or typed
    • This helps your instructor understand your situation and decide how to proceed.
  • • Use a Desktop or Laptop When Possible
    • Mobile browsers may lack some features needed for taking quizzes. For the best experience:
      • Use a desktop or laptop with a modern browser
      • If you must use a phone or tablet, download the Brightspace Pulse App
      • Make sure you're in a location with a strong and stable Wi-Fi or data connection
  • • Update Your Browser
  • Check troubleshooting options here:

    • Access Brightspace via Google Chrome (recommended web browser)

    • Enable Third-Party Cookies

    • Delete Browsing Data

    • Cross-Site Tracking for iPad

    • Settings > Chrome > “Turn on Allow Cross-Website Tracking” (make sure this is off)

    • Check for Chrome Update (different for Chromebook)

    • Chrome App > three dots > Help > About Google Chrome (does automatically)

    • iPad: Open the App Store > Tap Profile in the top right > Scroll to "Available Updates" > Search for Chrome > If Chrome is listed, tap Update to install

    • Check for Device Update

    • Windows: Windows logo > Settings > [right side] Windows Update > “Check for Updates”

    • iPad: Settings > General > Software Update [enable automatic updates in “Automatic Updates”]

    • Mac: Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update

    • Chromebook: Select the time in the bottom right > Select Settings > Select About ChromeOS in the bottom left > Find your Chromebook's operating system version under "Google ChromeOS" > Select Check for updates > If an update is available, it will download automatically > When the download is complete, select Restart to finish the update

    • Make sure you’re using the latest version of a recommended browser. Older versions may cause loading or saving issues during a quiz.
    • If you're not using LockDown Browser, also try:
      • Disabling ad blockers or extensions that may interfere with page functionality
    • For LockDown Browser exams, refer to this guide: LockDown Browser for Students Handout (Brightspace)
  • • Close Unnecessary Apps and Windows
    • Running too many applications can slow your internet connection. Before starting a quiz:
      • Close all other programs—especially streaming services
      • Reboot your browser to start a fresh session
      • Only keep the tab for your quiz open
  • • Ask Others to Limit Bandwidth Use
    • If others are sharing your internet:
      • Kindly ask them to pause streaming, online gaming, or large downloads
      • Even social media video scrolling can use bandwidth and affect your connection
  • • Write Long Answers in a Text Editor
    • Don’t risk losing your work. For essay or long-answer questions:
    • Write in Word, Notepad, or TextEdit
    • Save your work regularly
    • Copy and paste your response into the quiz when ready
  • • Stay Active During the Quiz
    • Brightspace may log you out for inactivity, even if you're typing in a long response but not clicking. To stay active:
      • Click “Save Answer” regularly
      • Interact with the quiz interface periodically (e.g., switch questions or click buttons)
  • •Use One Browser, One Session
    • To avoid session errors:
      • Only use one browser window or tab for your quiz
      • If you need to access course materials during an open-book quiz, open them in a different browser

Additional Resources:

FAQ Section:

  • • I got disconnected during a quiz. What should I do?
    • A: Don’t panic—this can happen! First, try to log back in and resume the quiz if it’s still open. If you can’t re-enter:
      • Email your instructor right away.
      • Include your course name, quiz title, time of the issue, and any answers you remember submitting. Instructors have the ability to reset attempts or extend time based on the situation.
  • • I accidentally submitted my quiz early. Can I retake it?
    • A: Only your instructor can authorize a retake. Contact them as soon as possible and explain what happened. Be clear and polite in your message, and provide the quiz title and course name.
  • • The page froze while I was answering a question. What caused that?
    • A: This may be due to:
      • Weak internet connection
      • Too many open browser tabs or background apps
      • An outdated browser version
        • Try refreshing the page, but make sure your work is saved first (click "Save Answer"). If the issue continues, switch to a stable device and updated browser, then contact your instructor with details.
  • • I can’t see or open the quiz. What do I do?
    • A: Check these first:
      • Make sure the quiz is open (check start/end dates in Brightspace)
      • Confirm you're using a supported browser
      • Try accessing the quiz in Incognito/Private Mode or switch browsers
      • Still having trouble? ASK COLTT
  • • My answers didn’t save. What happened?
    • A: If you didn’t click “Save Answer” or stay active in the quiz window, your session may have timed out. Brightspace may also not recognize typing alone as activity.
    • Going forward:
      • Click “Save Answer” regularly
      • Avoid walking away from your device during a quiz without saving progress
      • Compose longer responses in Word or Notepad first
  • • Can I take a quiz using my phone or tablet?
    • A: You can, but it’s not ideal. If you must use a mobile device:
      • Download and use the Brightspace Pulse App
      • Ensure you’re on strong Wi-Fi
      • Avoid using mobile browsers, which may lack key features
    • Whenever possible, use a laptop or desktop for a smoother and safer testing experience.
  • • My quiz says I need Respondus LockDown Browser. What is that?
    • A: Respondus LockDown Browser is a special browser used for secure online testing. You must:
      • Download it from your institution’s provided link
      • Open the quiz within LockDown Browser, not a regular browser
    • For setup help, follow this guide: LockDown Browser for Students Handout (Brightspace)
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