Online assessment tools can enable instructors to create a wide selection of points–based question types ranging from multiple choice questions, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, matching, and written responses.
Vary your question types. Create a quiz that has a variety of quiz question types and mixture of lower and higher-level questions that elicit application, integration, and evaluation. See the article from Vanderbilt University on How to write good multiple-choice questions.
Offer a Practice Test. Offer a practice test to your students each semester to acquaint your students with the process of accessing, taking, and submitting tests.
Include the types of questions you will ask on a real test or quiz, e.g., multiple choice, true/false, short answer/essay, etc.
If you plan to include attached files or images in your real test include these in the practice test as well.
Use settings similar to those you will use on a real test or quiz
Don’t assume your students are familiar with taking online tests using online tools!
Don't make the exam window too short. The quality of student internet connections will vary by service provider, time of day, and competing activity on their network. Leave several hours between the available date and due date to allow students to start a test at a time when their internet connection is more stable.
Set a time limit. To restrict the amount of time a student has to complete a test, you can enforce a time limit in the settings. The “time left” is automatically displayed to students during the test.
Make sure accessibility accommodations are in place. If a student identifies that they require accommodations for online tests, such as a requirement for extra time you can allow for time or date accommodations.
Before every test, remind your students to:
Verify they have a stable network connection before starting a test.
Set their phones in Airplane mode to minimize load on the wireless network while test-taking.
Shut down all other applications & activities on their computer during a test. …and warn your students:
Don't use mobile devices to take tests!
Don't open multiple browser tabs or windows while taking a test! Doing so can cause errors, including lost test answers!
Don't use the browser's back or forward buttons to navigate an online test. Using the browser's navigation can produce unexpected results, including lost answers!
Don't double-click buttons and links! Double-clicking will actually slow down screen loads and could produce errors.
Don't navigate away from a test without saving or submitting your content! A timer on a timed test will NOT pause if you exit the test, so be sure to return to your test as soon as possible if it is timed!
Additional Resources:
Migrating Exams Online: Strategies and Tools (Vanderbilt University)
Writing Good Multiple-Choice Questions (Vanderbilt University)
Designing Better Quizzes (Faculty Focus / Kansas State University)