Blackboard (Faculty) - Tests, Surveys, and Pools: Difference Between Random Blocks and Question Sets

This document provides an overview of the difference between random blocks and question sets.

Random Blocks are used in tests to ensure the students receive different versions of the test.  For example, a test may be set up to use 10 questions out of a block of 50 questions. Each student receives 10 questions but the questions are different for each student. It is one method recommended to deter cheating.

Random Blocks

These are created by selecting a pool and choosing the number of questions that the test randomly selects from that pool to ask students. 
A few things to consider:
  • Unlike question sets, random blocks draw questions from pools only. You can use more than one pool to draw your questions from.
  • You cannot add a random block of questions from another test or survey, only from a pool.
  • You cannot include a random block in a survey.
  • You can have more than one random block, choosing questions from different pools, within a single test.

Create Random pool setup screen

Upon selecting the Pool and Question Type(s), the questions that will be used in the random block will be displayed.

See additional instructions to Create a Random Block in a test.

Question Sets

Question sets are a more definitive version of random blocks. Question sets are a group of questions you select from pools and/or other tests that can be displayed to the students in a random fashion.

Create question set setup screen

Select Question Pool(s).  Filter questions by Question Type, Categories, Topics, Levels of Difficulty, and/or Keywords. Specific questions can be selected from the questions displayed to be used in the Question Set.



Keywords:
blackboard, black board, bb, test, tests, pool, pools, random blocks, question sets, questions, question set 
Doc ID:
111607
Owned by:
Center I. in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Created:
2021-06-11
Updated:
2024-10-10
Sites:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville