Pre-tests for Physics & Astronomy 107

Pre-tests - generally due at midnight the day before class:
Pre-tests are worth a up to a 5% additional points each (scaled by the percentage right)
on the first quiz either the day they're due or
following the day after they're due, to a maximum of up to two pre-tests per quiz
(see description/instructions for each pre-test).  Alternatively, they're worth
+1% if the next test is a midterm, or +0.33% if the next test is the final.
You MUST take the quiz/test to get any extra credit on pre-tests.
Some people have technical problems with pre-tests due to slow modems.  Try it
with at least a day to spare to get help if you need it.
They are a required part of the course.

The pre-test in AceAstronomy (on the textbook website) is excellent training for
the chapter pre-test.  It does not count for credit.
You are strongly encouraged to master the one from AceAstronomy
first (click on course materials, then the book, then the chapter),
then to take the pre-test on Blackboard which does count for extra credit.
You will generally have a week to do a pre-test.
    I design the BlackBoard pretests with the intention that you
1) read the chapter
2) learn the material on AceAstronomy, including active
  figures and tutorials,
3) take the pre-test on AceAstronomy and master it
4) THEN go to BlackBoard and take the pretest for
  extra credit.  You have one hour and possibly only one chance on
  Blackboard.  Don't wait until the last minute, to avoid
   bad luck with technical problems on BlackBoard.
For help with BlackBoard, call Linda Leake at 852-4332 during business hours.
Tips for BlackBoard pre-tests: 
A number of students have had problems with BlackBoard,
including quite a few pre-test sessions that have been locked for weeks.
They often have problems using slow modems from home which time out.
1) A support person at the Delphi Center said that you should NOT
sign in to BlackBoard using ULINK. There is a 20 minute timeout feature which will
log you out -- and presumably lock you out of your pre-test -- if you do not show
activity for 20 minutes. When you log in to BlackBoard for your pre-tests, log
in *directly*, not via ULINK.
     More suggestions from the Delphi Center:
2) Do NOT to double-click during
a pre-test.  Double-clicking can start, then stop the submission process.
Make sure you only single click on anything when taking a pre-test.
3) Make sure you SUBMIT before exiting

If your pre-test hangs, contact the Delphi Center (preferred) or me.  
I do not necessarily check e-mail more than once per day.  I can clear
hung pretests up to 24 hours before they're due. You can't necessarily get to
me to clear one if you've waited till the last minute.