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Turn your notes into timed Canvas quiz questions

DeckOwl writes multiple-choice, true/false and short-answer questions with explanations from your own material. You set the clock in Canvas, where the time limit belongs.

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How timed Canvas quizzes work

Starting a Canvas quiz timer is easy once you know where the time limit lives, but the harder part is writing questions worth answering in that window. Canvas stores the limit on each quiz, so one setting applies to every student who takes that quiz.

Set the time limit in the quiz settings, not in the question text.
Give extra time to individual students through Canvas accommodations instead of changing the whole quiz.
Remember that the clock keeps running if a student leaves the quiz page.
Test the quiz once yourself to check that the time limit fits the number of questions.

Example Canvas quiz timer questions

Does a Canvas quiz time limit pause when a student leaves the quiz page?No, the clock keeps running, so students should stay on the page and save their answers as they go.

What is the difference between a time limit and a due date on a Canvas quiz?A time limit controls how long one attempt can run once it starts, while a due date controls when the quiz closes for submission.

What happens when the time limit on a Canvas quiz runs out?The attempt is submitted automatically with whatever answers were saved, so students should be told to save progress regularly.

How can an instructor give one student extra time on a timed Canvas quiz?Use the accommodation or moderation option for that student, so the change applies to them alone and not to the whole class.

What is a reasonable time limit for a 20-question multiple-choice Canvas quiz?About 20 to 30 minutes, since most straightforward multiple-choice items take roughly one minute each, with some extra time for reading.

Generate the full set

Multiple choice, true/false and open questions

Pick the question format that fits the quiz, then review each item before it goes into your course.

Explanations for every answer

Each question comes with a short explanation so students learn why an answer is right or wrong.

Built from your own material

Upload PDFs, DOCX or PPTX files, plain notes, or photos of pages read with text recognition.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a PDF, slides, a Word file, notes, or a photo of a page.

Generate and review questions

Check each question and explanation, then edit anything that does not match your lecture.

Set the timer in Canvas

Export as QTI 2.1 on the Pro plan, import the file into Canvas, then enter the time limit in the quiz settings.

DeckOwl does not run or control the clock. It creates the questions and explanations from your own notes, slides or readings, and you bring them into Canvas for the timed attempt. Good timed quizzes usually mix quick recall items with a few that need more thought.

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Frequently asked questions

How much time should a timed Canvas quiz allow per question?

A common guideline is about 60 to 90 seconds for a straightforward multiple-choice or true/false question. Give short-answer questions two to three minutes each, and adjust for how complex your material is.

Can I give one student extra time on a Canvas quiz?

Yes, Canvas lets instructors give individual students extra time through accommodation or moderation settings for that quiz. DeckOwl does not set timers, so this change is made inside Canvas.

Does DeckOwl export quizzes for Canvas?

QTI 2.1 and Moodle XML exports are included on the Pro plan at $14.99 per month. PDF and DOCX exports are included on the Plus plan at $9.99 per month or $99.90 per year.

Can I try generating quizzes before paying?

Yes, the free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser, and no credit card is needed to start. Exports are not included on the free plan.

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