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 assure the students receive different versions of the test.  A test may be set up to use 10 questions out of a block of 50 questions. Each student receives 10 questions the 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/or other test and choosing the number of questions that the test randomly selects from 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.

random block example

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.

question set example

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.

See Also:



Keywords:blackboard, black board, bb, test, tests, pool, pools, random blocks, question sets, questions, question set   Doc ID:111607
Owner:Center I.Group:Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Created:2021-06-11 09:46 CDTUpdated:2023-02-08 10:48 CDT
Sites:Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Feedback:  0   0