Canvas has two types of quizzes, Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes. Classic Quizzes, which is no longer receiving updates or new features, is available by default in Canvas, while New Quizzes can be enabled in each class. Here is a feature comparison of the two types of quizzes.
Both types of quizzes are online, auto-graded quizzes. If you have a quiz in an online textbook, it can be imported into Canvas. Canvas's quiz tools provide online delivery and grading of quizzes. Students can take quizzes in or outside of class. You can restrict the number of times a student is allowed to take a quiz and determine whether correct answers are displayed. Most question types, except for essay questions, can be graded automatically.
A comprehensive guide to creating Classic Quizzes or New Quizzes is available in the Canvas Community.
Importing Quizzes from a Textbook
If your publisher provides quizzes you'd like to import into Canvas, you can do so easily. But the quizzes must be in QTI format. Usually, they will specify that they're compatible with Canvas and the files will have an extension of .zip. Please check with the publisher or Instructional Technology if you're not sure about compatibility. Complete instructions for importing quizzes from a textbook can be found in the Instructions for Importing Quizzes.
Creating Quizzes in Canvas
Canvas has a quizzing application that allows you to create new quizzes. Quizzes can be set for a single attempt or multiple attempts. They can be timed, too. Review the Canvas Guide on Quiz Options for complete instructions.
Quiz Settings to Maximize Security
There are several ways to enhance the security of your Canvas quizzes. These include
- Randomizing questions from a question bank so that no two students get the same quiz
- Setting a time limit on the quiz
- Shuffling answers on multiple choice questions so it's not so easy to share the answers
- Letting students see correct answers only after a specific date and until a specific date. These can be set for a week after the due date if you want to allow for students who need additional time to take the test.
Details on these options can be found in the Canvas article "Quiz Settings to Make Your Exams More Secure."
Proctoring Online Quizzes in Canvas
Online proctoring is available in Canvas through HonorLock.
Honorlock provides on-demand proctoring services that let students take online exams at any time, without pre-scheduling. Instead of in-person proctoring, Honorlock records the student's screen and video while they take the exam. Honorlock is available 24/7.
For more information on using Canvas, please visit the Canvas Community for comprehensive resources.