Evaluating Classic Quizzes vs. New Quizzes in ISU Canvas

This article provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding Classic Quizzes vs. New Quizzes in ISU Canvas at Idaho State University (ISU). 

• Common Questions about Classic Quizzes vs. New Quizzes
• Additional Resources

Q: Why would I want to use Classic Quizzes?

• A: When importing a Moodle ISU backup, your quizzes will be created as Classic Practice Quizzes. To use Classic Quizzes, you do not need to do anything except change them from a Practice Quiz to a Graded Quiz.
• You will want to stay with Classic Quizzes if you…
  • Use certain question types:
    • Fill in Multiple Blanks
    • Multiple Dropdown
    • Text (no question) - there is an alternative in New Quizzes
  • Would like to grade an uploaded file within a quiz using the Canvas Speed Grader.
  • Share question banks with other courses.

Q: Why would I want to use New Quizzes?

• A: You will want to migrate to New Quizzes if you…
  • Use certain question types:
    • Categorization
    • Stimulus (present content with multiple questions related to the content)
    • Ordering
    • Hot Spot
  • Have lots of quizzes and generally have multiple accommodation requests.
    • In New Quizzes you can create the accommodation for the student once and it will apply to all the quizzes.
  • Would like all your quizzes to have the same max grade, but a different number of questions in each quiz.
    • With New Quizzes, you can set the max grade for the quiz, and the points value of each question will automatically be distributed.

Q: When will Classic Quizzes go away?

• A: New Quizzes is the future of Canvas assessments, with Classic Quizzes planned for eventual phase-out. Canvas has not yet announced a sunset date for Classic Quizzes.

Q: Can I convert a Classic Quiz to a New Quiz?

• A: Yes. Quiz content can be migrated from Classic to New Quizzes.
• See How do I migrate a Canvas quiz to New Quizzes? (external link)

Q: Can I convert a New Quiz to a Classic Quiz?

• A: No. Quiz content cannot be migrated from New Quizzes to Classic Quizzes.

• Resource 1: ​​​See a complete comparison of Canvas Classic and New Quizzes: Canvas | Quizzes Feature Comparison (external link)
• Resource 2: What quiz types can I create using Classic Quizzes? (external link)

• Chat with Canvas Support for Faculty (external link)
• Canvas Instructor Guides (external link)
• Visit the ITRC Portal for answers to common questions (external link)
• For additional assistance email AnswersITRC@isu.edu