You can access our test courses to try out the process of submitting online.

First please log into Blackboard and then choose the appropriate course for your Faculty: 

• Faculty of Arts and Humanities
• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Medical, Dentistry and Health
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Social Sciences

You will be asked to enrol on the course when you first access it. After this the course will appear in your list of courses, alongside your existing modules on Blackboard.

• Visit the Blackboard Browser Checker in advance of the Spring Assessment period to check your browser and operating system.
• Check your WiFi / Use a network cable
• Minimise other internet usage and avoid using streaming services when trying to submit work or taking an online test
• Manage your Windows Updates to ensure your PC does not try to restart itself whilst you are taking a test.
• If you’re using a laptop, check the power supply is plugged in to the mains and turned on.

If you experience any issues during an online timed assessment that impacts your performance or ability to complete the assessment within the time allowed, you should complete the form linked below. 

You do not need to submit the form during your assessment but must do so as soon as possible afterwards. 

Online Assessment Report Form for August Reassessment 2019/20

301: Academic Skills Centre have developed resources to help you tackle the range of assessments you may be undertaking remotely, as well as tips and techniques on creating a good working environment to help you stay on top of your workload.

301 Guide to Alternative Assessment

301 Remote Study Strategies

The Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS) have information on how disabled students' exam support requirements will be accommodated with the move to online assessment.

DDSS also has guidance on how to take part in the University's yellow sticker scheme indicating you have a documented disability which affects your written communication when submitting assessments electronically via Blackboard Assignments or Turnitin.

DDSS: 2019-20 semester two exams - important information if you access University exam support adjustments

DDSS: Yellow Stickers 

Your course may require you to submit handwritten work with equations or drawings. This should be done as a PDF. It is important to ensure your work is in the correct order and legible. Some home printers will have a scanning function or the Microsoft Office Lens app can be used to create pdfs with a smartphone as shown below. You can take photos with the app or use ones you have already taken of your work.

If you are unable to use either of these methods please email digital.learning@sheffield.ac.uk copying in your course administrator or module leader. For issues with the MS Office Lens app, Microsoft provide online chat support.

1. Download the app which is available on the Google Play store or Apple App store.
2. Choose or take a picture and use the cropping tool to select the relevant area.
3. Click add new in the bottom left hand corner to add more pages.
4. When you’ve finished scanning all of the pages click on the circle with the number on in the right hand corner. You will be given another chance to edit your work so you should check that everything has been included and that the writing is clear.
5. Save your work to your phone or tablet gallery. This will then need to be submitted to your course. To do this you can email the file to yourself or save it to your Google Drive so that you are able to access it on the device you use to access Blackboard.

This is a picture of the handwritten work. Black pen will show up best.	The app allows you to select the relevant area to remove the background and any irrelevant work.	When you have finished you are able to further edit your work or add additional pages before saving to PDF.	Click on the three dots next to the file to share it.