Best practices

Review our recommendations for how best to work with your course.

Task What we recommend

Choose test and quiz content

On step 2, the Add/Remove Content tab, use these settings:

  • Use question pools to increase the variability of questions. Pooling greatly reduces the chances of two students seeing the same question with the same values.

  • Preview a question and select Student to show work to require students to show how they arrived at their answer. We recommend only using this for a few questions.

    This tool might not be 100% screen reader accessible.

Apply test and quiz settings

On step 3, the Choose Settings tab, use these settings:

  • Choose availability options to set the date and time the assignment displays to students and when it is due.
  • Choose what happens for an incomplete attempt (a student does not submit a test).
  • Set a time limit to limit the time students can spend on the test or quiz.
  • Set the timer to not stop once started so the timer continuously runs (keeps counting down) even if the student leaves the test.
  • Scramble the question order to randomly display the questions each time the test is taken. For example, question 1 will be different for all students.
  • Choose how results display to set what happens as soon as a student submits the test.
  • Choose reviewing options to set when a student can review the assignment.

Use the Pearson LockDown Browser

For tests in a proctored space, use the Pearson LockDown Browser. The LockDown Browser locks down the testing environment. It keeps students on the test screen and prevents them from:

  • printing
  • copying
  • accessing other applications
  • opening other browser windows
  • searching the internet during an online test or quiz

Use Respondus Monitor Proctoring

For tests in an unproctored space, use Respondus Monitor Proctoring. Respondus Monitor builds upon the Pearson LockDown Browser and adds webcam proctoring. It monitors and records students taking an online test or quiz.
Task What we recommend

Set up grade sync

Start from your learning management system. Select the MyLab and Mastering or Pearson link and, if needed, link your accounts. Then pair your LMS course with a new or copied MyLab or Mastering course.

Next, open your course from your LMS and create assignments, if necessary.

In your Gradebook, select Grade Sync Settings from the toolbar.
Task What we recommend

Accept cookies

Accept cookies to fix:

  • sign-in issues
  • problems loading assignments

Turn off pop-up blockers

Disable all browser pop-up blockers when using your online course. Pop-up blockers might be in your browser, firewall program, or as a standalone program.

 

Updated 14 Apr 2025