NOTE: Setting up CEA groups will not be required in an Ultra course. If you are currently working in an ultra course please see the Blackboard Learn Ultra: Accommodations article.

Setting up CEA 1.5x and 2x time extensions on quizzes and exams in Blackboard Learn Original.

Extended exam times are a common CEA accommodation. Because there can be more than one student who needs these accommodations, creating groups is the easiest way to facilitate it. Two groups should be created: one for the 1.5 times extension and another for the 2 times extension. After the groups are created, they can then be added to tests and given a different timer according to their need.

Creating CEA Groups

Creating a CEA Group is the same process as creating a group in Blackboard Learn Original. Here are the recommended settings:

  1. Create a Single Group with Manual Enroll.Select Manuel Enroll
  2. Title one group, example: Group A. In the next group you create, title it Group B.
    NOTE: we do NOT recommend labeling the Group CEA 1.5x or something that identifies the purpose of the group in case the visibility setting is set incorrectly. This ensures that students are not identified as CEA students.
  3. In the setting “Group is visible to students”, select No.
    IMPORTANT: This step is VERY important for protecting the privacy of your students.
  4. Remove the tools availability. Uncheck all tools, since they will not need them.
  5. It is your personal choice whether you’d like to create a Smart View in the Grade Center.
  6. Finally, click Add Users. In the pop-up window, select the students that need to be added to the group you are creating.
  7. When finished click Submit.

Here is an image of all the settings. Repeat the process to make the other group.

Adding Groups to Quizzes and Exams

Once the groups are set up, you can add them to the timed assessments in the “Test Options” menu. If the test is already posted to the course, click the chevron to the right of the assessment’s title then select “Edit the Test Options”.

  1. In the Test Availability Exceptions, click Add User or Group.
    add user or group
  2. Select the groups, then click Submit.
  3. By default, the groups will have the same settings that were set in the Test Availability section.
  4. Change the timer according to the group’s need.
  5. When finished modifying the Test Options, click submit.

Your timed assessments will now have your groups added, and their members will have the altered time settings.

If you have further questions, please reach out to tips@uark.edu.