Important: Canvas includes two quiz tools – Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes. At The University of Manchester, we use New Quizzes, so staff should follow guidance specifically for New Quizzes.
Quiz Set Up
Can I use sections and differentiation tags to target my quiz at specific students?
Yes – both sections and differentiation tags can be used to target quizzes using the Assign To functionality. Further information is available via the link below.
How do I assign an assignment to everyone, individual students, differentiated tags, or sections?
Does Canvas quizzes offer a calculator for students?
Yes – Canvas has a built in Calculator that can be presented as either a basic or scientific calculator.
How do I allow an on-screen calculator?
To activate the calculator for an individual question only:
- Navigate to your question.
- Open “Options” and check “Show the calculator on the screen”.
- Select the type of calculator, “Basic Calculator” or “Scientific Calculator”.
Can a time limit be set for a quiz?
Yes – time limits can be set via the quiz settings.
How do I set a time limit on a quiz?
Quiz Building
Do fill in the blank questions have to include partial marking?
Yes – this question type can only be marked using partial marking.
Can a question be duplicated?
Once an item (or question) has been added to an item bank, it can be easily copied or moved between item banks. Individual questions in New Quizzes can also be duplicated.
How can I preview my quiz to see what it looks like for students?
You can preview and test quiz questions and settings from a student’s perspective by using the Quiz Preview feature. Please see the article below for instructions on how to open Quiz Preview, submit a quiz, and view student results as a student.
Is the Rich Content Editor integrated with New Quizzes?
The same Rich Content Editor (RCE) is used across Canvas, including New Quizzes. Within New Quizzes, the Rich Content Editor is available in the following feature areas:
- Multiple Choice
- Multiple Answer
- Ordering
- Fill in the blank
- Quiz Instructions
- Question stems for all question types
- Student feedback for all question types
The rich content editor can also be enabled on essay-type questions. Instructors can limit file uploads for answers to essay question types, if required.
Is the Hot Spot question type accessible?
Hot Spot questions are currently not accessible to users who use keyboard-only and screen reader users. This limitation is indicated via a tooltip in the UI.
We recommend that instructors consider alternative question types to ensure accessibility for all learners who use assistive technologies.
Can I copy a quiz to another course?
Yes – you can copy New Quizzes to another Canvas course using the “Copy To” feature.
Configuring Questions and Options
Can I set student accommodations in a quiz?
Yes. Quizzes provides enhanced accommodation options and settings to better support diverse learner needs.
For guidance on setting individual quiz accommodations, see: How do I moderate a student’s quiz attempt in New Quizzes?
For guidance on setting course-wide accommodations for a student, see: How do I add accommodations for a student in New Quizzes?
Can extra time be allocated to individual students?
Yes. This can be achieved via the Moderate tab within a quiz. Select the students who require the extra time via the pencil icon, and then use the Time Adjustments dropdown.
How do I add accommodations for a student in New Quizzes? – Select Time Adjustment
Can students have multiple attempts at a quiz and build on their knowledge each time?
Yes – students can be given multiple attempts, and the Build on Last Attempt setting allows them to retry only the questions they previously answered incorrectly, helping them build on their understanding.
This setting is found under the “allow multiple attempts” option within the quiz settings.
How can I add extra time during an exam?
To do this, open the quiz, select Build, and go to the Moderate tab. From there, click the pencil (Edit) icon next to the student’s name, then choose Give additional time or apply a time limit multiplier.
Detailed information on how to do this can be found at the page below:
Can I give students additional attempts at a quiz?
Yes – you can give students additional attempts by using the “Moderate“” feature.
Once I publish a quiz, how can I give my students extra attempts?
Marking and Feedback
How do I manage quiz results?
For detailed guidance on managing quiz results, feedback and grade release, please see the page below:
Is it possible to delete student attempts?
No – it is is not possible to delete/clear a quiz that has already been submitted. It is possible, however, to grant additional attempts, should this be required.
Once I publish a quiz, how can I give my students extra attempts?
Is Anonymous Grading supported in New Quizzes?
Yes – anonymous grading can be used in New Quizzes.
How do I create an anonymously graded quiz using New Quizzes?
Can I release feedback at a specific date and time?
Yes – grade and feedback release can be scheduled.
Can I use negative marking in a quiz?
Yes. Negative marking works primarily through the “Partial credit with penalty” option on specific question types, including multiple answer and matching questions.