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Canvas Testing Best Practices for Instructors

Preparing an online test

Canvas Quizzes provide a basic method to build online tests using different question types, the ability to import question pools, and the ability to manage certain testing and feedback options. Canvas separates the processes of creating and deploying a test into two different stages. The following tips and recommendations are made to assist in minimizing common problems experienced by faculty and students.

   
Practice exams

If using Respondus LockDown to proctor a quiz, consider creating a practice quiz to address any concerns students may have when using LockDown Browser.
Split up long exams

Especially if your exams are presented all-at-once, the connection to the server can be lost while the student answers a long series of questions, or composes a long essay.

For tests with a large number of questions, present the questions one at a time rather than all at once

While this will increase the time needed to take the exam, it has the advantage of automatically saving students' answers for each question as they go, as well as keeping their internet connection alive.
If giving a short quiz, display questions all-at-once This will reduce the number of times a student must hit the submit button. They can still save each individual answer and then submit when complete.   Answers are still ‘auto-saved’ within a few seconds of a student  submitting their answer.
Set the Test Timer The Timer starts when the student clicks the Begin button and stops when the test is submitted. If the user leaves the test and then comes back, the timer continues to run the entire time.  Please note: the test will save and submit automatically when time has expired.
If a student reports an error on submitting the test, you can submit the attempt for them When a student views a timed quiz and time expires, Canvas auto-submits the quiz. However, if a student navigates away from the quiz page, the quiz submission remains outstanding. On the Moderate Quiz page, Canvas generates a warning message about the outstanding submission. For more detailed information, please visit this webpage.
Make the Test Link Available Quizzes need to be deployed in the Modules area of your course. It is recommended to publish the link and then limit the time it is available by selecting Display After and Display Until date/time restrictions.
Check the Points System for the Test If you migrated a test from Blackboard, or copied a test from another Canvas course, there's a slight chance that the overall points or points per question may not be totaling the desired points total. Be thorough and check the points system. This is easier to complete before students begin submitting their tests.

 

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