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I have created a database to manage quiz questions and I'm offering it to the community to see if there is interest.  It stores all my course questions and can be used to assemble and post a fully formed quiz to Canvas using the API in about 5-10 seconds depending on Canvas server load. It save me a ton of time and gives me more control over the questions used and provides the ability to rapidly make changes to quizzes and questions. I created the database from the perspective of someone who needs a resource to manage quiz questions for my own Canvas courses. Importantly, I wanted to avoid the carpal tunnel-inducing clicks necessary to create a quiz on Canvas.  Some key features: Import; quizzes exported from Canvas (QTI format) — if it can be exported from Canvas, it can be imported into the database, at least all the formats I've tried FileMaker, CSV, Excel, Tab data formats Export: directly post a quiz to Canvas using the API export quiz and key to print export into most standards-based formats Quiz question management: create quiz on Canvas with all settings available through the web page  delete quizzes on Canvas questions can be tagged questions can be associated with learning objectives questions can be categorized all current (Classic) Canvas question formats are supported questions can have alternative answers and/or distractors where appropriate I created a few table-based question formats that load to Canvas as HTML figures/images are stored and associated with the question stores and can post general feedback for each question quizzes for an entire course can be uploaded in a single shot with all appropriate deadlines a date layout allows rapid data entry for quiz-associated dates database is fully searchable and questions can be flagged in a variety of ways This is not a comprehensive list. If I wanted a feature and could figure out how to implement it, I did. I've provided two screen shots below of the two main layouts: 1) quizzes and 2) questions. I've also attached a feature log I used to keep track of my progress when developing the database if anyone is interested in the details, known issues, etc.  I am aware of Respondus, although I have never used it because I lean Mac.  As such, I'm not aware of its feature set. My database was created using FileMaker. To use it, you need two things:  1) a copy of FileMaker (trials are available for download and some institutions have site licenses) and 2) download and install the free Base Elements plugin. The database should be Windows compatible, although some of the scripts I've written may need to be altered because of hard drive directory structure differences between platforms — I'd be happy to trouble-shoot if someone is interested in providing feedback.  Regarding New Quizzes: I reverse engineered the current QTI 1.2 format to import Classic Quiz questions into the database. Currently, Canvas does not allow New Quiz export. Moreover, there is currently no public API. Once these are available, I will likely add a New Quizzes format to the mix. However, once a quiz is uploaded to Canvas, it can be readily transferred to the new format using the Canvas backend. A driving principle for me in creating my own database was control of my own data, not being tied to a complex XML format, and the ability to 'future proof'  by being able to export the data in any format I need or choose. So ... if anyone is interested in giving the database a try, see the Github page below. Please note that I'm not a programmer and I'm not selling anything. I'm only offering this as a resource to be helpful. Just send me a note if you're interested. Sean __________ Github: https://github.com/question-db/Any-Questions         ... View more

Problem:  Few if any tools are available to generate QTI packages on a Mac — I'm not aware of any. While it is possible to run Respondus in a virtual environment, it is cumbersome and not practical for the majority of people. For me, it is just too much of a headache to create or modify quizzes using this approach. Solution: Create a solution using FileMaker. I have been developing my own solution over the past several years. It has finally matured to the point that I feel comfortable sharing it / determining if there is even interest. The database houses all the questions I've ever used for exams, quizzes, and homework assignments (currently >900) — it is trivial to add new questions or make changes. I've posted a PDF feature file if anyone is interested in learning about the solution and potentially giving it a try. Things to consider: Besides serving as a platform for question management, probably the most significant feature people might be interested in is the ability to create and post a classic quiz on Canvas (via the API) with a single click without ever logging into Canvas. The time it takes to accomplish this can range from 5-30 seconds — it simply depends on Canvas server load at any given time. What used to be a huge time sink, now takes seconds to post a complete quiz with all the desired settings. Importantly, you control your own data. Database questions are not stored on Canvas. There is no need to export, re-import, or create a Question Bank. If your institution changes platforms, you won't be struck waiting for an import/export solution. As such, your data is portable and can be exported for use in another context. This brings me to 'New Quizzes'. It appears that Instructure is delaying the transition to their revised question model. Currently one cannot even export a 'New Quiz' and there is no published API (yet). However, once these two things are available, I will likely make script modifications that enable integration. The difficulty of doing so remains to be seen. However, if it is QTI-based, it should be straight forward. If structured correctly, the database can import any questions you already have as long as they are in a CSV, TAB, Microsoft Excel, or FileMaker format. While importing takes seconds, the time it takes to accomplish a successful import depends on how your data is structured. I'm happy to make a template, but won't do so unless someone is interested. One final note, there are a number of posted questions relating to QTI packages and quiz import (API or otherwise) in the forum where the 'approved' solution says it isn't possible or that one cannot create a QTI package without a pricey piece of proprietary, single-use software. This comes from well-intentioned individuals trying to be helpful. Unfortunately, in this context, they are wrong. For clarification, it isn't lost on me that FileMaker is one such costly piece of software, but I use daily for a variety of other tasks. The software is worth EVERY penny. So, if someone is interested and already has FileMaker (some institutions may have a site license or one can download a free demo from FileMaker), please make a post and let me know. If there isn't any interest, I'll avoid the effort of generalizing my database for use by others. Cheers ... View more