> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.timelygrader.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.timelygrader.ai/d2l-support-articles/tutorials-oral-assessments-d2l-brightspace/try-as-student.md).

# Trying an oral activity as a student

Run the activity with its current settings before students do. Preview attempts aren’t saved, don’t count as student attempts, and send no grade.

<figure><img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2F2fxvIUk6kO5NV6YbNqZ3%2Farticle-banner.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*Updated · October 2026*

## Before you start

* Questions and response settings are set. If something required is missing, the preview says what to add.
* For an Oral Defense, at least one student has submitted to the source assignment.
* You’re ready to sit through the real timings. The preview doesn’t shorten them.

## Steps

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Start the preview

Click Try as Student on the activity page. A Preview banner stays at the top throughout. For an Oral Defense, first pick a student whose submission grounds the questions.

1. Nothing in the preview is saved or graded.
2. The activity at a glance.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose how to answer

If more than one mode is allowed, choose before the first question. For video or audio, Check your devices lets you test your camera, run Test Mic to record three seconds and hear it back, and test your speaker.

1. Chosen once, before any question appears.
2. Test the microphone and hear it played back.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Prepare and answer

Each question shows its number, your attempt count and any media. Preparation time counts down first, with a hint from Hugo; click Start answering now to begin early.

1. Attempt count for this question.
2. Preparation time. Never scored.
3. Hugo reminds students they can retry.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Review, retry or continue

After answering, you see your transcript and, if enabled, immediate feedback. Retry asks you to confirm and shows how many attempts are left. Continue keeps your latest attempt as the final answer.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Finish

The completion screen lists each question with how many attempts were used and which was final. Use Restart preview to run it again with different choices.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>The preview won’t start.</summary>

Something required is missing, such as questions, a rubric or a response mode. The message links to the tab to fix it.

</details>

<details>

<summary>An Oral Defense student shows “Submit your work first”.</summary>

That student hasn’t submitted to the source assignment. Choose another student.

</details>

<details>

<summary>The microphone test is silent.</summary>

Check your browser has permission to use the microphone, then test again.

</details>

## FAQ

<details>

<summary>Does the preview create an attempt?</summary>

No. Nothing is stored and no grade is sent.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Is it the same as what students see?</summary>

Yes, with the same questions, timing, modes and retries. Only the Preview banner is added.

</details>

## Related articles

* [Taking an oral quiz or defense (for students)](/for-students/student-oral.md)
* [Response settings: answer modes, timing and retries](/d2l-support-articles/tutorials-oral-assessments-d2l-brightspace/oral-response.md)
* [Grading an oral attempt](/d2l-support-articles/tutorials-oral-assessments-d2l-brightspace/oral-review.md)