Brightspace Quiz Tips for Students

Summary

This guide provides students with practical tips and answers to common issues encountered while taking quizzes in Brightspace. It covers how to respond to disconnections, freezing pages, saving answers, mobile access limitations, and the use of Respondus LockDown Browser. Designed to help students stay prepared and minimize disruptions during online exams.

Body

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)

Details

Details

Article ID: 164016
Created
Tue 6/17/25 5:51 PM
Modified
Tue 6/24/25 10:25 AM