When instructors make a new quiz by clicking the +Quiz button on the Quizzes page, a window will appear prompting instructors to select either Classic Quizzes or New Quizzes.
- Classic Quizzes is the quiz tool that has been available since our transition to Canvas.
- New Quizzes is a quiz tool that integrates with Canvas as an LTI.
The New quizzes tool offers several new features and question types, but is currently missing many features from the Classic Quizzes tool which many instructors use for assessment. It is important you understand the differences between Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes and choose the tool that fits your instructional needs best.
New Quizzes vs Classic Quizzes
While Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes share many of the same features, the tools function differently and use different approaches to aid the instructor in quiz development. This article will help you better understand the differences between these two tools and what you can expect moving forward.
When to Use (or Keep Using) Classic Quizzes
Continue using Classic Quizzes if you:
- Currently use proctoring tools such as Proctorio and/or Respondus Lockdown Browser.
- Currently use Question Banks to create quizzes.
- Download the quiz submissions in bulk/all at one time.
- Use graded or ungraded surveys.
- Use Practice Quiz(zes).
- Use Design Tools to customize content in the Quiz Instructions and/or Question fields.
- Use video or audio files embedded in quiz questions.
- Shuffle responses to quiz questions.
- Currently use the Student Analysis Report and/or the CSV Download.
When to use (or keep using) New Quizzes
You will need to use New Quizzes if you:
- Want to set a waiting time between quiz attempts.
- Want to use hotspot, ordering or categorization question types.
Understanding Limitations of New Quizzes
New Quizzes currently lacks some features used by instructors in Classic Quizzes:
- New Quizzes currently do not work with 3rd party tools such as proctoring tools (Proctorio or Respondus Lockdown Browser).
- Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes keep separate question banks - it is not possible to copy a question bank from Classic Quizzes to New Quizzes and vice versa.
- Questions created in Classic Quizzes cannot be migrated to New Quizzes without a time-consuming workaround.
- New Quizzes do not offer access to the same Rich Text Editor (RCE) used in other areas of Canvas. As such, the New Quizzes Rich Content Editor does not support external tools or apps, HTML editing, audio and video recording, videos hosted in Kaltura (My Media or Media Gallery), or the Accessibility Checker.
- New Quizzes do not support partial credit for Multiple Choice, Matching, Ordering, and Categorization questions.
- New Quizzes do not come with the functionality to build surveys.
- Instructors cannot revert from New Quizzes to Classic Quizzes.
- People enrolled in the course as Designers cannot edit New Quizzes.
For a more detailed comparison, please refer to the Canvas New Quizzes vs Classic quizzes comparison chart.
Please note: When you choose Classic Quizzes or New Quizzes, that option will be applied by default to other quizzes you create. If you choose New Quizzes and later decide you want to go back to using Classic Quizzes, you will need to reset the default quiz option on the Quizzes Index page.
Understanding expectations moving forward with New Quizzes
Eventually, New Quizzes will replace Classic Quizzes. There will be an extended transition period from Classic Quizzes to New Quizzes. Training will also be available from Academic Technology Support Services and Instructure.
You are encouraged to provide feedback on New Quizzes. If you have experience with New Quizzes, Sharing your experiences and suggestions with the greater Canvas community will help shape the tool before broad use of New Quizzes starts.
Reach out to Academic Technology Support Services or your Academic Technology support contact with questions and to learn more before using New Quizzes.