University of South Alabama
Innovation in Learning Center
USAILC.ORG
How to Create Question Pools in USAonline
062714
Updated 02/05/15
The Tests and Quizzes tool in USAonline allows you to create question pools from which you can
draw questions for tests and quizzes you create. This guide will show you two ways to create
question pools. You may create a pool by (1) entering questions using Markup Text, or you may
(2) create a pool and add questions to it later using the Assessment Builder. You may use
questions from the pool when you create a new test.
Content Outline
Contents
 Creating a New Question Pool using Markup Text
 Creating an Empty Question
Page
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3
Contents
 Adding New Questions to an Existing Pool
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5
Creating a New Question Pool using Markup Text
Creating a Question Pool using Markup Text allows you to import a large number of test
questions at one time.
1. Click Tests & Quizzes in the left navigation menu. The main Assessments screen will appear.
This page shows the assessments that are Working Copies (have not been published yet) and
assessments that are Published Copies (visible to students).
Figure 1. Tests and Quizzes homepage
2. To create a pool using markup text, you must first enter questions as though you are creating
a test. Give the assessment a title, click the radio button that says, Create using markup text,
then click the Create button.
Figure 2. New assessments screen
3. Test questions can either be typed directly into the question box or they can be copied from
a Word document. There are specific question formats that USAonline recognizes for
different types of questions. It is very important to follow the formatting guidelines.
Figure 3. Formatting Instructions
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How to Create Question Pools in USAonline
4. Once the questions are typed or copied into the box, click Next. This screen is where you will
validate your test questions. Check the question wording, the type of question, the points,
and the correct answer choice. When everything is verified, click Create Question Pool.
Figure 4. Validate Assessment & Create Question Pool screen
5. Your pool will appear in your list of question pools.
Figure 5. Question Pools screen
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How to Create Question Pools in USAonline
Creating an Empty Question Pool to add questions later (the Assessment Builder option)
1. To create a new question pool (it will not have any questions in it until you populate it
with questions), from the Tests & Quizzes homepage click the Question Pools button.
Figure 6. Question Pools button
2. On the Question Pools screen, click Add New Pool.
Figure 7. Add New Pool link
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How to Create Question Pools in USAonline
3. Give your new pool a title, and enter any other relevant information that will help
identify the question pool. Click Save.
Figure 8. Add pool screen
Adding New Questions to an Existing Question Pool
1. To add questions to an existing pool, return to the Tests & Quizzes home page and click
Question Pools.
Figure 9. Question Pools button
2. Locate the question pool to which you want to add. Click the name of the question pool.
Figure 10. Question Pool screen
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How to Create Question Pools in USAonline
3. Click the Add link, located across from the Questions heading, at the far right of the
screen.
Figure 11. Add question to pool
You may also copy a question to a pool while creating question items using Assessment Builder
Figure 12. Copy to Pool Link
For further assistance, contact the Innovation in Learning Center at (251) 461-1888 or visit
http://usailc.org
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How to Create Question Pools in USAonline