Building and Launching Courses: 2. Tests

Tests are a crucial component of the DigitalChalk learning management system, allowing you to assess student knowledge and track progress. The platform offers a robust set of tools for creating engaging and effective tests. Here’s how to create and manage tests in DigitalChalk:

Creating a Test Element

To add a test to your course:

1. Navigate to your course’s Elements page.

2. Click “Add Element” and select “Test” from the dropdown menu.

3. Enter a title for your test and any optional descriptions or tags.

4. Click “Save” to create the test element.

Configuring Test Settings

After creating the test, you’ll be taken to the test settings page where you can customize various options:

• Forward Only: Prevents students from going back to previous questions.
• Allow Changes: Let students modify their answers before submission.
• Shuffle Questions: Randomizes the order of questions for each student.
• Review Last Attempt: Enables students to review their answers after completion.
• Immediate Feedback: Provides instant feedback on correct/incorrect answers.
• Max Minutes on Test: Set a maximum duration for the entire test or individual questions.
• Max Amount of Questions: Total number of questions delivered on a test (particularly if you have a large bank of questions) 
• Passing Grade: Establish the minimum score required to pass the test.

Adding Questions

DigitalChalk offers 13 different question types, including:

• Text Choice
• True/False
• Short Text
• Long Text
• Order
• Fill in the Blank

To add questions:

1. Click on the “Content” tab in the test editor.

2. Select “Add Question” and choose the desired question type.

3. Enter the question text, answer options, and correct answer(s).

4. Set point values and any feedback for correct/incorrect responses.

Best Practices for Test Creation

• Use a variety of question types to assess different levels of understanding.
• Provide clear instructions for each question.
• Use the “Shuffle Answers” option for multiple-choice questions to reduce cheating.
• Set appropriate time limits to discourage excessive use of external resources.
• Utilize question pools to create randomized tests for each student.

Activating and Previewing Your Test

Before making the test available to students:

1. Preview the test to ensure all questions and settings are correct.

2. Make any necessary adjustments.

3. When satisfied, toggle the “Active” switch to publish the test.

Remember, you can always edit and refine your test even after it’s been activated. DigitalChalk’s flexible test creation tools allow you to craft assessments that effectively measure student learning while maintaining engagement and academic integrity.