Canvas Keys/Quizzes allows you to administer formative tests within Canvas.
With this tool, as a teacher, I can:
set twelve different question types, for both open and closed questions;
administer tests within a fixed time limit;
set up a test bank so that these questions can be used with an entire course or in multiple subjects, for example; have closed questions automatically marked;
displaying correct answers at a time of your choosing;
Allowing multiple attempts at assessments so students can practice with the material;
Allocate extra time and test attempts to specific students.
Watch an impression of Canvas Quizzes
Why should I use this tool?
With this tool you can easily offer practice tests. This way you can follow the progress and understanding of students and adjust your teaching accordingly.
Students gain more insight into their own learning process: their progress becomes visible and they see what they still need to learn/practice to achieve the learning goals.
By integrating quizzes into the course, students have more variety in their self-study.
What is this tool less suitable for?
The tool is not suitable for summative assessments. Canvas Tests may factor into the student’s final grade for up to 10%. If you want summative assessments for more than 10%, consider Testvision.
The tool is less suitable for tests during lectures (synchronous). If you would like to test knowledge during a lecture, then you could look at Wooclap, for example.
When does this tool work best?
Communicate explicitly about the purpose of the test(s) within Canvas: is it aimed at practicing the material, practicing exam questions, or is the test partially assessed?
Consider whether students will be allowed to view the correct answers immediately: do you want to give them this opportunity immediately after taking the test? Or do you want this to be discussed later in a lecture, for example in smaller student groups?
In addition, consider how you will incorporate the answers into your teaching. What will the students do, or what will you do with the input? Will you use the results for a discussion, for example? You can also choose to use the results as the starting point of your instruction. This will make your instruction more effective and efficient1.1Schildkamp, K., van der Kleij, F. M., Heitink, M. C., Kippers, W. B., & Veldkamp, B. P. (2020). Formative assessment: A systematic review of critical teacher prerequisites for classroom practice. International Journal of Educational Research, 103, 101602.
