Printing an exam from Blackboard is a task that many instructors encounter at the end of a semester. While the platform is designed for digital assessments, there are times when a physical copy is necessary for proctoring or archival purposes. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough to ensure you retrieve the exact version of the exam you intend to distribute.
Before initiating the print command, it is crucial to verify you are in the correct location within Blackboard. Instructors should navigate to the specific course shell where the exam is housed. Do not assume you are in the current semester’s shell; double-check the course name and term in the dashboard or course list to avoid printing an outdated version or a draft that contains errors.
Locating the Exam in the Content Area
Exams are typically housed inside content folders or learning modules rather than sitting directly on the main course page. You will need to open the specific folder where the assessment is stored. Look for descriptive titles such as "Midterm Exam" or "Week 5 Quiz" to identify the correct item.
Opening the Exam for Viewing
Clicking on the exam link will usually open it in a new view. It is important to distinguish between viewing the exam as a student would and accessing the gradebook or settings. You want to see the questions and instructions as they appear to the test-taker. Right-clicking on the page at this stage often reveals the print option, or you can proceed to the browser's main menu.
| Action | Location |
| Open Exam | Within a Content Folder or Learning Module |
| Access Print | Browser Menu (three dots) or Right-Click Menu |
Adjusting Print Settings for Clarity
To ensure the exam is legible when printed, you should adjust the printer settings before confirming the command. Selecting "Print" from the browser menu opens a dialogue box where you dictate the output. Margins set to "Minimum" or "None" maximize the space used on the page, allowing more text to fit without truncation.
Handling Headers and Footers
By default, most browsers inject a header and footer containing the URL and page number. For a clean, professional exam copy, you should disable these elements in the print preview. Look for the "Headers and Footers" toggle or checkbox and set it to off. This removes unnecessary navigation aids and keeps the focus solely on the exam content.
Two-Sided Printing Considerations
If the exam is lengthy, consider the layout of the pages. Selecting "Landscape" orientation can prevent text from running into the binding edge, making the physical copy easier for students to read. However, portrait orientation is usually standard for tests. Review the preview pane to ensure questions are not cut off or crammed into the margins before committing to paper.
Final Verification Before Printing
Always utilize the "Preview" function offered by the print dialogue. This allows you to scroll through the entire document digitally to catch any formatting errors, such as a misaligned table or a question split across two pages. Taking a moment to verify the pagination ensures you do not waste ink on a flawed print run.
Once the preview looks correct, proceed to print the desired number of copies. Keeping the original file untouched in the course allows you to reprint specific pages if needed later in the semester without having to search for the exam again.