Answers Display as Symbols - Moodle

If the assignment answer choices appear as symbols instead of normal text while taking an assignment, this is a display issue, not a grading or assignment error. 

Firefox is required for taking assignments.

Follow the steps below in order.

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Step 1: Temporarily disable browser extensions

Browser extensions are the most common cause of this issue in Firefox.

Quick test (recommended)

1. Open Firefox.
2. Press Cmd + Shift + P (Mac) or Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) to open an Incognito window.
3. Log into Moodle and open the assignment.

If the assignment displays correctly, an extension is causing the issue.

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If the issue continues

1. Click the Extensions (puzzle piece) icon in Firefox.
2. Click Manage Extensions.
3. Turn OFF extensions such as:
   • Ad blockers
   • Privacy or security tools
   • Dark mode extensions
   • Grammar or page-modifying tools
4. Close Firefox completely.
5. Reopen Firefox and try the assignment again.

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Step 2: Check Firefox's built-in security settings

Firefox security features can delay page content.

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the three lines (top right) → Settings.
3. Click Privacy and security.
4. Under Enhanced Tracking Protection, select Standard (not Strict).
5. Close Firefox completely.
6. Reopen Firefox and try the assignment again.

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Step 3: Check antivirus or internet security software

Many home computers have web-scanning software enabled by default.

1. Look for a security icon (Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, Webroot, Avast, etc.).
2. Open the security program.
3. Look for settings such as:
   • Web Protection
   • Online Protection
   • Safe Browsing
4. Temporarily turn this feature off for testing.
5. Open the assignment again.
6. If it works, follow the steps here: How to Add Safe Sites

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Step 4: Test the network (quick and simple)

1. Turn on a phone hotspot.
2. Connect the computer to the hotspot Wi-Fi.
3. Log into Moodle and open the assignment.

If the assignment displays correctly on the hotspot, the home network is delaying required page content due to built-in security features.

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Step 5: Clear Firefox's cache and restart

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the three dots → Settings.
3. Click Privacy and security → Cookies and Site Data.
4. Set When to Everything.
5. Check Temporary cached files and pages.
6. Click Clear.
7. Close Firefox completely.
8. Reopen Firefox, log in, and open the assignment again.

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Need Help? Contact Support or Call 936-372-6299

• Computer type (Mac or Windows)
• Firefox version
• Whether the issue occurs in Incognito mode
• Whether it occurs on a phone hotspot

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