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6.a - Problems with home computer disconnecting from the Internet

A common problem which students encounter when accessing Blackboard from a home computer involves the Internet connection at home "timing out" and disconnecting from the student's Internet Service Provider (ISP). Typically, this only affects students who are connecting through a MODEM and telephone line to their ISP. This problem can be disastrous if the connection times-out while taking an online test for which there is only one attempt. If the computer becomes disconnected, the test will not be able to be submitted, and the student will have to contact the Instructor to request to take the exam again. Some instructors will not allow a test to be taken twice, so ensure that your computer is not disconnecting from the Internet, or "timing-out".

First, check your Internet Options in Internet Explorer to ensure that your connection has a very long "time-out". The following instructions demonstrate how to increase your Idle Time-out using the Internet Explorer Browser on a Windows XP Computer with Service Pack 2 installed:

1. Open Internet Explorer, and click on "Tools > Internet Options":
   
   
   
2. On the following screen, click on the "Connections" tab at the top, select your Internet Service Provider from the list, and click on "Settings" to configure the connection settings for your ISP:
   
   
   
3. This will open the connection settings page. On this page, under the Dial-up settings frame, choose the "Properties" button:
   
   
   
4. This will open the properties for you Dial-up settings. On this screen, you will need to increase the "Idle time limit" for hanging up. Increase the value to a suitable time limit for your household (1-4 hours). The default of 20 minutes is generally NOT enough time to take an online test, as most tests are generally at least 1 hour long. Once you have selected your "Idle time limit", click on OK:
   
   
   
5. Continue clicking on OK for the remaining open screens. Then close your Internet Browser and re-login to Blackboard to continue.
   

It is also possible that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may have imposed a connection time limit at their service provider side of the Internet Connection. You may need to contact your ISP and request to have this restriction removed. Explain that you are taking an Online Course from home, and that you need to have any connection time limits removed in order to take the Online Course.

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