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Evolution 2 Blackboard Worksheet Quiz Introduction

x This page is an attempt to explain the quiz so that you will be less nervous about taking it.

x I understand that this subject often is hard for the student with strong religious beliefs, however, this IS a science class, and evolution is the connecting concept in the field of biology (life science). You do NOT have to agree with the instructor, but I do EXPECT that you to come to college with an open mind for new knowledge! If you don't want to learn you shouldn't be here. You are not graded on your opinion or your faith, but you ARE graded on whether or not you answer this worksheet quiz in a sincere manner.

x Most students will NOT earn 100 the first time -- the idea is that you repeat the quiz several times and in so doing learn and reinforce the material. If you don't understand the terminology used in the questions, look up the terms in your textbook, college dictionary, or online.




Recommended quiz-taking method:

x Ready to take the Evolution 2 Worksheet Quiz? This is how I would take the quiz (if I had to): x


x At a time BEFORE you intend to take the quiz -- READ (or at least look over) the reading assignments, and the various instruction pages.

x The day you are ready to take the quiz:

a. Open the reading assignment on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice.
b. Open a SEPARATE window where you login to Blackboard.
c. Open up a word processor page.
d. Navigate in Blackboard to the Quiz (located in the Other Individual assignments folder).
e. Start the quiz (a window will open up with the first quiz question).

x You now have four windows on the computer screen. If you have a wide screen computer you may be able to have all four next to each other, but most likely you will have them overlapping on the screen -- and will click to jump from window to window.

x The first window is the reading assignment web page -- which you will use to find the answers. (Unless of course you already know the answer. Some answers you really will not "know" since you are going to write or copy text demonstrating that you have read the assignment.)

x The second window is the original window you used to login to Blackboard -- which you can use if you wish to use Blackboard during the quiz taking. (Remember you are not allowed to give away answers on the Class Help Desk -- but you can ask for hints or directions to where you will find the answer.)

x The third window is the word processor page, where you can write or past answers BEFORE you transfer them to the quiz. (Spell checking maybe?) For questions where you are going to "fill-in-the-blank" I recommend that you COPY the reading assignment text, and PASTE it into the quiz blank. (If you use this copy/paste method, make sure that you don't include an additional blank space before or after the answer text -- Blackboard will grade that as an incorrect answer, just as if you misspell an answer.)

x The fourth window is the quiz question window. (I don't think an explanation has to be given what you will use it for.)

x Quiz taking hint 1: Personally, I don't think I would have any use for the general Blackboard window. I would just keep the other three windows open. Now that's how I would do it... x


x Some computers have an automatic copying feature keeping what you previously wrote in the memory. When you start writing the same word again the computer will assume (guess) what you are writing and complete the answer for you. This is a nifty feature (but perhaps not such a great idea for learning), making retaking the quiz easier -- BUT will also increase the chance of submitting an incorrect answer. Always check the answer before submitting it.


x Don't like my quiz-taking method? Select your own method! x x



Worksheet quiz grading criteria:

x Grading is "all or nothing", which means that to receive points you must receive 100 on the quiz. (A worksheet with incorrect answers, with "blanks" or with incomplete answers will earn the grade zero.)

x To receive points MOST answers requiring students to COPY text from the reading assignment -- by writing or use the computer to copy/paste. In doing so it must be SPELLED or copied CORRECTLY. We all do spelling mistakes -- that is why we use spell checkers.



Worksheet quiz details:

(Some of this information is also found on Blackboard. If any discrepancies, the information on Blackboard is correct.)

1. The idea is that you will sit in front of a computer and complete the quiz. Do not attempt to print the questions. The quiz will open as a separate window allowing you to keep both the quiz and the reading assignment (with the answers) open.

2. The quiz is only available as noted in the Semester Calendar.

3. You are allowed as many attempts as it takes you to receive 100. Each attempt has a minimum time of 30 minutes and a maximum time of 3 hours. (You cannot retake the quiz until 30 minutes have elapsed.) Most students will NOT earn 100 the first time -- the idea is that you repeat the quiz several times and in so doing learn and reinforce the material.


x Quiz taking hint 2: I would use the word processor to keep a permanent record of my CORRECT quiz answers. That way, if I have to take the quiz again, I don't have to look for those answers again -- provided they ARE correct (including correct spelling). Now that's how I would do it... x


4. The questions are delivered one at a time, but you may revisit questions to check or change your answers before you submit the quiz.

5. Each time you take the quiz the questions will come in the same order.


x Quiz taking hint 3: I would keep a careful record of the questions that are correct and which ones are wrong. When taking the quiz again I would use the correct answers already copied into my word processor, and go back and read the reading assignment again and look for the answers to the questions I answered incorrectly. Now that's how I would do it... x


6. Only your scores will be released (total and individual questions). You will not be able to see the quiz questions and your answers after submitting the quiz. But since the questions will come in the same order you can make a note (on a paper or in a word processor window) as to what question you answered incorrectly.


Does this remind you of a similar way of taking tests in a classroom?

x This kind of test is similar to a classroom test where the instructor hands you the test in the classroom. You answer the questions on a scantron form and turn in the test and the scantron form. Your instructor use a computer to grade the scantron form, and then return the results by temporarily returning the graded scantron form -- so that you will know your points and which questions you missed. Then you return the scantron form to the instructor. You are not allowed to see the questions again.

x There is, however, one HUGE difference. Since this class uses Blackboard, you can sit at home with an open "book". x

Good advice from the instructor!

x DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE THE TOWNHALL MEETING STARTS TO TAKE THE QUIZ. I can almost guarantee that a student with a "last minute method" will not be able to finish the required quiz in time for the Town Hall Meeting. Remember, for educational qualities during the Town Hall discussion, students must have received 100 on the Evolution 2 Worksheet Quiz to receive points for participating in the Town Hall meeting.

x Quiz taking hint 4: I would read the reading assignment in smaller segments throughout the semester. Some sections that I found especially interesting I would read again several times. Then, when the quiz opens up, it will be really easy to know in what section to look for the answers. I might even know the answers. Now that's how I would do it... x You didn't do that? Opps! Guess you have quite a bit of reading to do just before you take the quiz... x


x If you are about to start taking the worksheet quiz -- have a good learning experience! xx






Dr. Nilsson


The grading criteria for a particular class may be changed due to unforeseen circumstances to meet the needs of a particular class. The instructor therefore reserves the right to alter (add, delete, or revise) any items of the above, online or via verbal instructions in class. The student is responsible for taking note of any such changes and acting accordingly.









Copyright © 2006, 2007, 2008, Jan A. Nilsson. Page created 17.V.2006, last updated 23.X.2008, most likely during the wee hours of the morning on a G3 PowerBook owned by Jan A. Nilsson. Web page layout and design © and intellectual property Jan A. Nilsson. Content on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice may not be used for commercial purposes. All rights reserved. Except for educational purposes and 'fair use' (see below), reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. If used for educational purposes and 'fair use', including photographs, source must be given. (Some clip art, texts and backgrounds used on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice downloaded for educational purposes and/or 'fair use' from Internet free domain has no source.)
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