Need bigger fields for writing answers to MC or MA questions

[Heterochromatic]

Hi all!

Attached is a screenshot of the issue. I write multiple versions of the same question for my intro Mol Bio class (I am the instructor), which requires changing text in the answer fields. Problem is, the field shown is small and it is a real hassle to have to keep scrolling through it to see the part of the answer I need to change. Is there some way of making those fields longer/larger so I can see the entire answer as I edit them?

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

Good afternoon, @Heterochromatic ...

Absolutely!  It looks as though you are using Classic Quizzes.  In order to expand that text field, just click on the pencil icon to the far right of the possible answer choice, and then you'll see the full RCE (Rich Content Editor) that you can use to edit the answer choice.

The good news is that the New Quizzes interface uses a full RCE as well, and you don't even need to first click on a pencil icon to expand it.  The RCE just opens automatically for you when you click in the text box field.

This is also covered in the following Guides (look for the sections on "Create Answers with Rich Content Editor"):

• How do I create a Multiple Choice quiz question?
• How do I create a Multiple Answers quiz question?

Hope this helps a bit!  Sing out if you have any questions...thanks!

[Heterochromatic]

Thanks, I knew about the pencil but that's an additional step which is a pain. How do I get the new interface? Does it have to be through the university? Or can I update this myself? And will that mess up all my Qs? I have thousands in banks I have written myself...

[Chris_Hofer]

@Heterochromatic ...

You will want to speak to your school's Canvas administrator about their plans to make the New Quizzes interface available to you and the other instructors at your school.  Some schools have already turned this on for all their instructors.  Some have not.  Also, Canvas administrators have the ability to turn on New Quizzes at the account level, but then instructors have the choice at the course level if they want to turn it on per course.  So, for example, if you wanted to use New Quizzes in one of your courses but not in another course, you have that option for now.

The New Quizzes interface is completely different than the Classic Quizzes interface, so the question banks you have in Classic Quizzes shouldn't interfere with any Item Banks in New Quizzes...as far as I know.

• Quizzes Overview (Instructors)
• New Quizzes Overview (Instructors)
• How do I create a question bank in a course? - Instructure Community
• How do I create an item bank in New Quizzes? - Instructure Community

Eventually, Classic Quizzes will be phased out, and you'll only be able to use New Quizzes.  Here are a couple resources for you:

• New Quizzes Hub - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)
• We’re Listening: New Quizzes Features, Classic Qui... - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)

Hope this helps!