Yesterday I reviewed My Studiyo, a newcomer to the web of quizmaking applilcations. Today I thought I would review an online quizmaker that has been around for a while: ProProfs QuizSchool. Yesterday I also shared a few strategies I used to integrate online quizzes in my curriculum. It occurred to me today that you could also use these types of quizzes to create interactive study guides. You could also have students take a quiz using pseudo names while they are in the lab; then, project the results on a white board so students could compare their scores with those of classmates.

ProProfs QuizSchool claims to be “perfect for making your own quiz, online tests, training, recruitment, exams, trivia or just plain fun quizzes!” You must register for an account using your email, but registration was quick and easy. Things I really liked about using the ProProfs QuizSchool…

• I could set up quizzes to reveal scores, correct answers with explanations, or both upon completion of a quiz.
• I could password protect my quizzes
• I could make it a requirement that test-takers provide their name at the beginning of a test.
• I could set the type of grading: pass/fail, letter grade, customized, etc.
• Questions can incorporate video from any site…as long as you can embed…that means you could use your Fliggo-safe videos.
• I could randomize tests so that students would find it difficult to cheat.
• The embed function was easy to use (see sample quiz below) and gave me some options in terms of customization.
• I could store and capture quiz results (with the exception of essay questions!)
• I could easily view quiz results & analytics for each question or the quiz as a whole.
• Questions can include images from your computer or Flickr.
• I could explore and take other quizzes on the site (this could be a plus or minus for students, but it was a nice opportunity for me to see how other people used the site)
• I could create multiple choice, true/false, short answer, or essay questions.

As much as I really liked this product, I did come across a couple of things that I found frustrating or would like to see changed. I wish that…

• I could view essay questions or have them emailed to me for grading. As it stands now, I simply cannot understand why essay questions are even an option. I spent literally an hour trying to figure out how to access essay content so I could grade it (and I’m usually pretty good at figuring these things out). Until I hear back from a company representative I cannot recommend the essay option! Please see note at the end of this post!!
• I could align text and images when composing questions
• I could copy quizzes created by other individual profiles, or at least their questions, so I would not have to create the same question(s) under my profile

Wish list, aside…this is a great quizmaking resource when you consider the price (FREE, FREE, FREE) and functionality. While I do not recommend this resource be used for standardized testing I do think it is an engaging way to help students study and think about their own learning. Try ProProfs QuizSchool and tell me what you think. I have embedded a sample quiz below…the password is farrout:

Addition to my original post….

I got some very speedy and helpful feedback regarding my wish list from Sameer, the talented founder of this online resource. Please take time to read through Sameer’s comments to this post and look at the image below if you are creating a quiz that includes an essay. It’s amazing how much difference one radio button selection makes! Now, I love the essay option!!! Thank you again, Sameer!