Respondus for D2L Quizzes

Kathleen Allen (Nursing) asked for a review of the process to convert tests created in Respondus (Windows software) for Blackboard to Desire2Learn. Multiple choice questions are the usual question type for Kathleen and the quiz came in beautifully. 

We had success because 1) we worked together, four eyes not just two; 2) she had tests already created to jumpstart our review; 3) I'd Googled some .edu sites for D2L quiz tips; 4) she had a development course shell where we could practice the import process. 

Briefly: Open Respondus

Start Tab > change to QTI personality & open existing test

Note any warnings about question compatibility

Preview/Publish Tab > Save as QTI & use the Save As option to keep both existing and new files

Click the Create File button and note the location on your hard drive

Open D2L - Development course

Edit Course link > Import/Export/Copy Components

From a file > browse to the .ZIP file and click Next ... several times

Go to Quizzes to see the imported quiz

Other publisher test banks might also export quizzes as QTI. Experiment! 

If you are a Macintosh user interested in developing a Respondus quiz bank, stop by the New Media Lab and use the Windows computers in LR 114. Respondus is site licensed by Sacramento City College and our faculty can use it on home computers (Windows) as well.  

Advice to pass on

Today I found old advice, "sage advice", if you will. It is from a 2005 presentation by Alan Aycock at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, "The 20 Minute Rule: If you've been trying to do something for 20 minutes and it doesn't work, STOP - and find someone who knows how to make it work. don't get frustrated, and don't rely on a manual. People are there for a reason." 

Another Alan quote in this presentation is "High-tech is high-risk: don't choose learning technologies that are smarter than you are!" 

Here are the lessons for a 2009 update: 

1. Anticipate the areas of technology struggle for your students. Point out that there this activity might need deliberate thought and action. Provide a way for students to communicate with each other and ultimately with you about their efforts. In D2L this could be opening a Discussion Board for student-to-student interactions. 
   
2. New technology and change are constants. Start with the basics of D2L - posting handouts and updating student's grades. Add new options as your comfort zone expands. 
   

Peoplesoft downtime to affect D2L/Bb enrollment updates this weekend 2/6-2/8

The PeopleSoft HR/Student system will be down for Scheduled Maintenance from
Friday, February 6, 11:30 PM through Sunday, February 8, 9:00 am. The D2L and Blackboard systems will not be updated Friday night with student enrollments. The
updates will run Sunday night and will be up-to-date on Monday morning.

If you have any questions about this scheduled down time please contact the help desk @ 3012.