Dynamic Quizzes? (Quizzes that change based on performance?)

[mbmacdonald]

A faculty member asked me if it was possible to make a Quiz in Canvas that adjusted dynamically based on the student's performance. For example, if they get the first 3 questions correct, they get questions of a higher difficulty level. If memory serves, this is how exams like the GRE work.

This does not seem to be a native feature in either new of classic quizzes, so

• can this feature be explored?
• ideas for workarounds?

Thanks!

[NicoletteStaley]

The idea of an adaptive quiz is a great one, but as you know that is currently not an option in either New Quizzes or Classic Quizzes.  The number of questions required in leveled difficulty question/item banks, would make this sort of behavior immensely complex for instructors to be able to develop quizzes that would function adaptively.  These sort of assessments typically require the resources and expertise of curriculum developers or publishers to create and are out of reach for most instructors.  

Canvas does provide this sort of "adaptive" functionality through the Mastery Paths that can be created in Modules.  Many instructors develop Mastery Paths to adapt the learning experience to the learner.  For example, all students can start with a pre-assessment that determines their "level" on a topic.  Then based on their performance on the pre-assessment, different learning activities, assignments, and resources can be assigned to the students by the Mastery Path.  More on Mastery Paths can be seen in the guides below:

Mastery Paths (Instructors) 

How do I use Mastery Paths in course modules? 

[leward]

@NicoletteStaley , I don't think Instructure should be making assumptions about whether instructors are capable or willing to devote the necessary time to develop adaptive quizzes.  In my experience, instructors who are committed to helping their students learn the material can and will do whatever it takes.  Back in the late 90's, I worked with two professors who developed their own adaptive quiz engines designed to cultivate master problem solving skills in physics and engineering.  These two web-based systems, which were far more sophisticated than today's LMS quiz engines, were used by hundreds of faculty in STEM disciplines.  They were heartbroken when these two systems were replaced a generic learning management systems with a generic quiz engine designed purely for assessment, not for knowledge and skills development.   I understand why adaptive quizzing is not high on the list of priorities for New Quizzes as this point in time.  But it's a worthy goal and one to which I hope Instructure will inspire at some point in the future.  

[mbmacdonald]

I also added this to Idea Conversations: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Idea-Conversations/New-Quizzes-Dynamic-Quizzes/idi-p/543391?emcs_...