Moodle Quizzes: Importing

Importing Test Generator Questions

2011 Information Technoloy Services

Concordia College, Moorhead, MN

January, 2011

2 | P a g e

Importing Test Generator Questions into Moodle Test Generator is a software program developed by Houghton Mifflin to create paper and electronic tests or exams. Test Generator is usually included as an instructor resource; it includes the software and bank of test questions to accompany a chosen textbook. Tests created using Test Generator can be exported in a variety of formats for use with other programs. This handout provides step by step procedures for importing Test Generator test questions into Moodle. This handout does not cover procedures for using the Test Generator program. Please access documentation from the publisher for more information on how to use Test Generator. These instructions may vary slightly depending on the version of Test Generator you are using. Step 1: Install Test Generator software

1. Insert the Test Generator CD into the CD-ROM drive and choose to install the Test Generator software when prompted. Use the recommended or default installation settings.

Step 2: Create a test, save it as a Web CT file format.

1. Launch the Test Generator program from the shortcut icon on your desktop. 2. Choose File, New Exam to create a new test. This opens the Exam window on the right side of

your screen. You may also see options on the right side of the screen to create a new exam. 3. Create the test by dragging questions from the left panel to the Exam window on the right. (You

can move multiple questions simultaneously. See special tip on the next page.)

3 | P a g e

4. Save the test in Test Generator, specifying the filename

and location. 5. Save the test again (File, Save As) and specify the file

type as Web CT test 3.x. Keep the test open and proceed to the next step to export the test for use in Moodle.

Step 3: Export the Web CT file

1. Choose File, Export 2. Export as Web CT 3.x 3. Browse to locate the folder where you want that saved

test file to be stored. Recommended: create a new folder called WebCT Tests

4. Select Save 5. Minimize or close the Test Generator program window

Step 4: Import the questions into Moodle’s Question bank

1. Launch Moodle and locate the home page of your course

2. In the Administrative block select the Questions icon. This is the question bank used for quizzes

3. Select the Categories tab and scroll to the bottom to create a new category for the questions you will be importing. Choose Add Category

4. Select the Import tab a. Select WebCT format b. Select the category you just created c. Locate “Import from file upload…” and choose

the Browse button d. Locate the WebCT folder you created in Step 3

above. e. Locate the WebCT test file and choose the Open

button. (The file name will be similar to “Test_1.webct”)

f. Choose the Upload this File button Your questions will now be listed in Moodle’s question bank. To create a quiz make sure that editing is turned on and select the Add and Activity drop down list. When creating a quiz the question bank appears on the right side of the screen. Check that you are looking at the desired category of questions.

TIP To select multiple, adjacent questions use the Shift key on your keyboard. For example, identify an adjacent group of questions you would like to select. Click the first question in the list, press and hold the Shift key, select the last question within a the list. Release the Shift key. Use the mouse to drag the block of questions to the exam window. To select multiple, non-adjacent questions use the Control key on your keyboard to select questions. To select all the questions press Control+A on your keyboard.