Beyond Multiple Choice Canvas New Quizzes Build Lab

50-minute faculty build lab

What do students need to demonstrate?

Choose Canvas New Quizzes formats that better match the evidence of learning you need. Explore four practical formats, redesign one question, and check the student experience before publishing.

Start with the evidence Go to build mode

Workshop path

Follow the session in order

  1. 1Get ReadyOpen Canvas and a course assessment.
  2. 2Hot SpotLocate or identify.
  3. 3OrderingArrange or sequence.
  4. 4CategorizationSort or classify.
  5. 5StimulusInterpret or apply shared context.
  6. 6Create and CheckBuild, preview, and evaluate.

Decision guide

Start with the evidence, not the menu

This guide suggests likely fits. It is a decision aid, not an absolute rule.

◎

Hot Spot

Locate or identify

Best when the location itself is part of what students must know.
↕

Ordering

Arrange or sequence

Best when one defensible order exists.
▦

Categorization

Sort or classify

Best when categories are clear and non-overlapping.
▤

Stimulus

Interpret or apply using shared context

Best when several questions depend on the same scenario, passage, image, chart, table, or dataset.
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Multiple Choice

Select the best answer from plausible options

Useful when selecting the best answer is the intended evidence.

Quick matcher

What must students do?

Choose an action to see a recommendation.

Four featured formats

Match the response to the learning objective

01

Hot Spot

Use when students must locate or identify something in an image.

Example prompt

“Select the area of the image where the safety issue appears.”

Possible contexts: anatomy, workplace safety, software, automotive, geography.
Check before using
  • The image is essential to the objective.
  • The target area is large enough to select.
  • An accessible alternative is available.
02

Ordering

Use when students must arrange a process, chronology, or priority.

Example prompt

“Arrange the troubleshooting steps in the recommended order.”

Possible contexts: computer support, health sciences, business, history.
Check before using
  • One defensible sequence exists.
  • Each step is concise and distinct.
  • The sequence itself matters.
03

Categorization

Use when students must sort examples using meaningful distinctions.

Example prompt

“Sort each source into the correct category.”

Possible contexts: English, business, science, health.
Check before using
  • Categories are clear and non-overlapping.
  • Each item has one defensible placement.
  • Labels do not reveal the answer.
04

Stimulus

Use shared context followed by connected questions.

Example structure

Present a short patient scenario, incident report, business chart, passage, image, table, or dataset. Attach two or more questions that ask students to interpret or apply the information.

Remember
  • Stimulus provides context. It is not a response format by itself.
  • Keep the shared material concise and organized.
  • Each connected question should require the stimulus.

Guided question makeover

Measure the complete process

Objective

Students will sequence the major steps in submitting a financial aid appeal.

Weak Multiple Choice question

Which step comes first in the financial aid appeal process?

  • Submit documentation
  • Receive decision
  • Review appeal requirements
  • Meet with advisor
Improved format: Ordering

Arrange the financial aid appeal steps in the correct order.

  1. Review appeal requirements
  2. Meet with advisor
  3. Submit documentation
  4. Receive decision
Teaching point

The original question checks only whether students know the first step. Ordering checks whether they understand the complete process.

Independent build time

Build or substantially draft one usable question

Choose Hot Spot, Ordering, Categorization, or Stimulus. Protect 10 to 12 minutes for focused work.

1
Name the evidenceWhat must students demonstrate?
2
Choose the formatHot Spot, Ordering, Categorization, or Stimulus
3
Write the promptAdd clear directions that stand alone.
4
Configure the answerSet the correct response and point value.
5
Add feedback when usefulSupport correction or next steps.
6
Preview or peer reviewTest the student experience.

Draft notes

Student preview and quality check

Four questions before publishing

Check the question from the student point of view, not only from the instructor editor.

Practical accessibility reminders

Keep access integrated into the build

  • Do not rely on color alone.
  • Use readable text and strong contrast.
  • Add meaningful alternative text or accessible alternatives for images.
  • Avoid tiny labels and crowded diagrams.
  • Keep Stimulus content concise and organized.
  • Preview the student experience.
  • Consider whether drag-and-drop interactions create barriers for some students.

Closing commitment

Choose one assessment to improve next

Before you leave, identify one existing or planned quiz where a different response format could provide clearer evidence of student learning.