Duration Update FAQ
The information in this FAQ relates to our December 17, 2021, release and the updates made to lab durations.
change summary
Why did my lab end before I was finished?
Lab Developers define the amount of time allocated for a learner to complete a lab. Also, due to a bug, learners were able to extend labs indefinitely, regardless of the duration set by the Lab Developer.
On December 17, 2021, we fixed the bug, so the platform now enforces the duration set by the Lab Developer and enables lab extensions up to 150% of the configured duration, at the discretion of the Lab Developer.
What happens when the 150% is reached?
The lab will end and scoring, if any, will initiate. This is the same experience as how labs end when they are configured without extensions.
As a learner nears the end of the maximum allowed time (duration + up to 150%, as configured by the Lab Developer), a notification will appear to inform the learner that they are reaching the end of their time and no additional extensions are allowed. The default for this notification is 10 minutes before the timer runs out, but Lab Developers may configure their lab durations differently.
impact to operations managers, instructors and learners
How is this change reflected inside my lab?
The timer displayed within the lab client will now show “Duration” instead of “Max Duration.”
When the timer winds down, Instructors and learners will have up to 150% of the lab duration to complete the lab, unless the Lab Developer has not enabled lab extensions.
How can I request more time for my lab?
If Instructors or learners have concerns with the duration of a lab, they should reach out to their class administrator.
How did Skillable communicate these changes?
Skillable communicated these changes to Instructors via login screen pop-ups within the TMS (see below). We suggest that Instructors reinforce the duration of the lab with their learners.
impact to lab developers
Where is the “Expected Duration” field?
The field is now labeled “Duration” and functions the same as before, enabling you to set the expected amount of time that learners will need to complete the lab.
This field is also now a drop-down instead of a text field (see images below).
Where is the “Max Duration” field?
The “Max Duration” field no longer exists and is now a fixed value of up to 150% of the set duration of a lab.
How is this change reflected in the lab client?
The timer displayed within the lab client will now show “Duration” instead of “Max Duration.”
Does the “Extend Lab” capability still exist?
Yes, but it now extends the duration of a lab up to 150% of the stated duration.
Does the “Minimum time given to saved labs” field still exist?
No, that field no longer exists. Therefore, labs no longer extend time when resuming from save. Please note that the duration of time a lab can remain in the save state has not changed.
Where is the “Automatically Prompt User to Extend” setting now located?
The “Automatically Prompt User to Extend” setting has moved from the Advanced to the Basic Information tab on the lab profile edit screen.
Will my labs marked as “In Development” be subject to this (up to) 150% duration limit as well?
No! Labs marked as “In Development” can be extended indefinitely.
How did Skillable communicate these changes to Lab Developers?
Skillable communicated these changes to Lab Developers via login screen pop-ups within Skillable Studio (see below).
