Canvas Quizzes
Canvas Quizzes
Overview
Canvas Quizzes provide instructors with tools to assess student learning through various question types, randomization, and automated grading. They are useful for graded assessments, practice exercises, and knowledge checks.
Canvas Quizzes can be used for:
Assessments: Graded quizzes, exams, and knowledge checks.
Practice Quizzes: Ungraded opportunities for students to self-assess understanding.
Surveys: Anonymous or graded feedback collection.
Classic Quizzes vs. New Quizzes
In 2021, Canvas introduced “New Quizzes.” Currently, instructors may elect to use either Classic Quizzes or New Quizzes when they create an assessment. We generally recommend utilizing New Quizzes for its expanded analytics and offerings. That said, there are pros and cons to each.
Classic Quizzes
Pros
Integrated with existing Canvas question banks.
Supports quizzes, graded surveys, and practice quizzes.
Cons
Limited scalability for complex question types or logic.
Less robust analytics compared to New Quizzes.
No ongoing feature updates as Canvas transitions to New Quizzes.
New Quizzes
Pros
It should be noted that hot spot questions are not accessible and are therefore discouraged.
Expanded question types (e.g., ordering, hot spot, stimulus questions).
Enhanced moderation tools for individual student accommodations.
Improved analytics and item-level statistics.
Options for partial credit on certain question types.
Cons
Requires migration of existing quizzes from Classic to New Quizzes.
Limited integration with Classic Quiz question banks (requires manual conversion).
Variety of Question Types: Create multiple-choice, essay, matching, and other question types.
Question Banks: Build and organize question banks for reuse across courses.
Quiz Randomization: Randomize questions or answer choices to ensure fairness.
Moderation Tools: Provide extra time or attempts for individual students.
Data Insights: Access quiz analytics to review performance and identify trends.
Quiz Tools: Use tools like auto-save and time warnings during assessments.
Practice Quizzes: Self-check understanding through ungraded quizzes.
Immediate Feedback: View correct answers and instructor feedback after submission.
Complex Branching Logic: Advanced question logic is limited compared to specialized assessment platforms.
Dynamic Multimedia: Quizzes may not fully support dynamic or interactive multimedia content.
Offline Access: Quizzes require an active internet connection.
Accessibility for Timed Assessments: Instructors must carefully set accommodations for time-sensitive quizzes.
Formative Assessments: Use practice quizzes to help students identify areas for improvement.
Gamification: Incorporate quizzes into gamified learning experiences.
Pre-Lecture Quizzes: Encourage preparation by assigning quizzes before class sessions.
Canvas Quizzes support accessibility features:
Auto-save prevents data loss for students with unstable internet connections.
Extra time and attempts can be granted through Moderate Quiz settings.
Screen reader compatibility for question navigation and completion.
Many instructors will leverage Canvas Quizzes in their courses. Below are some resources to get familiar with the feature.
Cost: Free
Status: Available
How to Access:
Log in to Canvas at Virginia Tech and access Quizzes via your course navigation menu.
Get Help:
Explore the Canvas Instructor Guide or Canvas Student Guide for instructions.
Check out our Canvas - Creating Quizzes (for Instructors) or Canvas - Taking Quizzes (for Students) articles.
Select Support on any Canvas screen and choose from help options. Canvas provides 24-7 support, including live chat and a support hotline.
Want to talk with someone at Virginia Tech? Go to the 4Help Portal, sign in, and select Get Help.
Or schedule a consultation with TLOS.