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Illinois Compass 2g, Canvas, Students, Best Practices for Taking Online Tests

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Close unused Programs, Compass Sessions, Tabs and Windows

If you regularly access Compass or Canvas from different computers, multiple tabs, and/or web browsers, make sure to log out from other sessions open on other computers or web browsers, and close any other tabs or windows where you are logged into Compass or Canvas. Closing unused programs, browser tabs and windows will ensure that system resources are optimized for test-taking. This is especially important for high-stakes online exams.

Wired Connections are best

Use a wired internet connection if possible. It is understandable that students will not always have access to a wired connection, but it is still the best option for taking assessments online. Wireless connections are more prone to network issues which may create undesirable conditions for assessments. Students on campus can review a list of Computer Lab locations and hours here: https://techservices.illinois.edu/services/computer-labs/computer-lab-locations-and-hours

Avoid Mobile Data Connections Entirely

Do not attempt Compass 2g or Canvas assessments/tests using a cellular 3G or 4G data connection. The connection is not stable enough to ensure successful completion of an assessment.

Avoid using touch screens, mobile devices, and tablets

Answer text is clickable for certain question types such as for Multiple Choice, True/False, and Multiple Answer. If a student is using a touch screen to scroll through a test -- for example, when reviewing responses before submitting – the student can inadvertently change some of their answers.

Be Aware of Force Completion

Force Completion is a configuration that Instructors can choose to use when deploying a Compass 2g or Canvas Test. Instructors can see Illinois Compass 2g, Force completion for more information.

Force Completion requires the student to complete the test before leaving the page. If the student is disconnected from the assessment in any way (including clicking the Back or Refresh button, or closing the browser window or tab), there is no way for the student to reenter and complete the assessment.  Only instructor intervention can assist the student.

Force Completion is indicated before students begin a test. If Force Completion is ON, students will be presented with the following: “Force Completion: Once started, this test must be completed in one sitting. Do not leave the test before clicking Save and Submit.” See example screenshot below:


If at this point a student is not fully confident in their ability to complete an online test in one sitting and would like to change location, connection, or device, then it is advised to click Cancel and begin the test later, under more optimal conditions.

Force Completion is turned OFF when presented with text that reads “Force Completion: This test can be saved and resumed later.” It is safe to proceed under less than optimal conditions with Force Completion OFF, since a student can rejoin if disconnected, clicks Back or Refresh, or closes the browser tab or window.

An instructor determines if a test uses a Timer. If a test does use a timer, the timer starts when the student begins the test for the first time. If the student leaves the assessment, the timer continues to run. Reentering the assessment will NOT reset the timer.

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