You can reorder questions in Blackboard on the Test or Survey Canvas using a straightforward drag-and-drop method or a keyboard-accessible tool. This allows you to organize your assessments logically, group similar questions, or improve the flow for students.
How to Reorder Questions in Blackboard
Blackboard provides two primary methods for rearranging questions within your tests or surveys: a visual drag-and-drop interface and a keyboard-friendly option.
Method 1: Drag-and-Drop Questions
This is often the quickest way to adjust question order. It's an intuitive process that involves directly manipulating the questions on the screen.
- Navigate to your Test or Survey Canvas:
- From your course, go to Course Tools > Tests, Surveys, and Pools.
- Select Tests or Surveys, then click on the test or survey you wish to edit.
- Choose Edit from the contextual menu next to the assessment's name.
- Locate the Reordering Arrows: On the Test Canvas or Survey Canvas, look for the four-headed arrow icon (often resembling crosshairs) next to each question.
- Drag and Drop:
- Click and hold the arrows icon next to the question you want to move.
- Drag the question to its desired new location in the list. A dotted line or highlight will indicate where the question will be placed.
- Release the mouse button to drop the question.
This method is ideal for quick adjustments and visual organization.
Method 2: Keyboard Accessible Reordering
For users who prefer keyboard navigation or have accessibility needs, Blackboard offers a dedicated tool to reorder questions.
- Access the Reordering Tool: On the Test Canvas or Survey Canvas, locate and select the Keyboard Accessible Reordering icon. This icon typically looks like a list with up/down arrows or a reorder symbol.
- Tip: This icon is usually found at the top of the question list or within the question display options.
- Select a Question: In the reordering panel that appears, click on the specific question you wish to move.
- Adjust Order with Icons: Use the Move Up and Move Down icons (typically arrows pointing up and down) to incrementally shift the selected question to its new position.
- Confirm Changes: Once you are satisfied with the new order, remember to Submit or Save your changes within the reordering tool or the main Test Canvas, depending on the Blackboard version.
| Feature | Drag-and-Drop Method | Keyboard Accessible Reordering |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very intuitive for visual users | Great for keyboard users and accessibility |
| Navigation | Mouse/trackpad | Keyboard navigation with up/down arrows |
| Visual Aid | Real-time drag ghost/indicator | List-based selection with explicit move buttons |
| Ideal For | Quick reordering of a few questions | Precise movement, accessibility, or many questions |
| Icon | Four-headed arrow / crosshairs | List with up/down arrows / reorder symbol |
Practical Tips for Organizing Questions
- Logical Flow: Arrange questions to follow a logical progression, making it easier for students to understand and answer.
- Group Similar Questions: Place all questions related to a specific topic or content area together.
- Difficulty Progression: Consider starting with easier questions to build student confidence before moving to more challenging ones.
- Review Regularly: After reordering, always preview your test or survey to ensure the new sequence makes sense and there are no accidental changes. For more information on managing assessments, refer to Blackboard's official documentation on Tests, Surveys, and Pools.
