Creating Blackboard Tests and Quizzes from a Word Document

📝 Creating Blackboard Tests from a Word Document

(No Respondus Test Generator Required)

🎯 When to Use This

If you need to quickly create a test in Blackboard from an existing Word document — especially during unexpected disruptions, emergency remote instruction, or time-sensitive situations — Respondus Test Generator is not required.

Blackboard Ultra includes a built-in question upload feature that allows instructors to create tests directly from a properly formatted Word file.

✅ Why We Recommend This Method

  • ⚡ Faster than Respondus for basic test creation

  • 🧩 Fully supported in Blackboard Ultra

  • 🖥️ No additional software to install

  • 😌 Fewer errors and less troubleshooting

  • ✔ Supported and documented by Blackboard (Anthology)

📄 Step 1: Format Your Word Document

Blackboard Ultra supports simple, text-based formatting.

✔ Supported Question Types

  • Multiple Choice

  • True/False

  • Short Answer

  • Essay

✏️ Example: Multiple Choice Format

1. What is the capital of Rhode Island?

a. Newport

*b. Providence

c. Warwick

d. Cranston

📌 Formatting Tips

  • ⭐ Use an asterisk (*) before the correct answer

  • ➡️ One question per block

  • 🚫 Avoid tables, columns, images, or special formatting

  • 🧾 Save as .docx or .txt

🧭 Step 2: Upload Questions into Blackboard

  1. Go to your Blackboard course

  2. Select Content

  3. Choose Create → Test

  4. Select Upload Questions

  5. Upload your Word or text file

  6. Review questions and make any edits

  7. Deploy the test as usual

🛠️ Optional Helper Tool (Free)

If you prefer a guided template to help format questions correctly, this free tool can assist with preparing your Word document:

🔗 Blackboard Quiz Generator
https://ed.oc.edu/blackboardquizgenerator/

ℹ️ This tool does not require Respondus Test Generator and works well for basic question types.

📘 Official Blackboard Documentation (Optional Reference)

For instructors who would like more technical detail directly from Blackboard, Anthology provides official guidance on uploading questions into Ultra tests:

🔗 Upload Questions in Blackboard Ultra (Anthology Help)
https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Instructor/Ultra/Tests_Pools_Surveys/Reuse_Questions/Upload_Questions

ℹ️ Note: This documentation is more detailed and technical.
For most CCRI faculty, the steps outlined above will be sufficient.

🚫 When NOT to Use Respondus Test Generator

Respondus Test Generator is not recommended when:

  • The goal is simply to get questions into Blackboard quickly

  • Time is limited

  • Faculty are unfamiliar with Respondus

  • The test does not require advanced Respondus features

Respondus may still be appropriate for complex test banks, but it is not required for standard Ultra tests.

⭐ CCRI Best Practice

For Blackboard Ultra courses, use the native “Upload Questions” feature whenever possible.
This approach reduces setup time, minimizes technical issues, and aligns best with Ultra going forward.

🆘 Need Help?

If you have questions or run into issues uploading questions, contact Online Learning & Technology (OLT) through the Help Desk.

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