Table Of Contents
Getting Started with Respondus………………………………………………………..
Publishing a Test with Respondus……………………………………………………...
Importing Test Questions into Respondus……………………………………………..
Getting Started With Respondus
Respondus is a test creation software that eases the preparation of paper-based tests and online tests. Respondus integrates
very well with Desire2Learn. Many textbook publishers’ test banks are available in Respondus format; thereby, making it
possible to review, select, and edit questions prior to use. Respondus also acts as an intermediary to obtain statistical reports
or retrieve questions from online tests.
Downloading and Installing Respondus on your PC.
Using your favorite web browser, go to the Augusta State University website (www.aug.edu). From the alphabetical index, click
“T”, and then click the link for “The Oak” (https://confluence.aug.edu:8444). You’ll need to enter your JagNet username and
password to gain access to The Oak. From the search box in the top right corner type Respondus and StudyMate Software
and press the Enter key...
...OR just go straight to: https://confluence.aug.edu:8444/display/ITSPublic/Respondus+and+StudyMate+Software
To download the installation software, scroll to the bottom of the Respondus and StudyMate Software page and click the link
labeled RespondusCampus_4_0_4_04.exe.
NOTE: Respondus is specifically designed for the Windows operating system and WILL NOT run on the Mac OS.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Respondus on your computer. The necessary licensing information for Academic
Year 2011-2012 can be found on the Respondus and StudyMate Software page inside The Oak.
Accessing the Respondus Quick Start Guide
In addition to the software installation file, there is a Respondus Quick Start Guide (RespondusQuickStartGuide.pdf) that
can be downloaded to help get started using the program. We highly recommend you look consult this concise document for
how-to’s on:
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Registering a Publisher’s Test Bank — Very important if you are planning to use a publisher’s test bank
Using the Exam Wizard — Helps you quickly and easily create a test from scratch or copy components from other tests
Importing Questions — Using a standard format, you can easily import tests created in Microsoft Word
Editing Exams — Quick, easy, and straightforward editing
Publishing Exams to D2L — Publish your test to one or multiple D2L courses
Printing Exams — Prefer the traditional pen-and-paper approach? Respondus allows you to print your test for students to
take in person.
Publishing a Test with Respondus
Once you’ve created and edited a test in Respondus, it’s time to make it available to your students. If you choose to publish
your test to Desire2Learn, the Respondus Publish Wizard provides you with step-by-step guidance to accomplish this task.
There are two necessary steps that must be taken before you can publish a Respondus test to Desire2Learn:
• Define a new personality in Respondus.
• Establishing a connection to the Desire2Learn server.
Defining a New Personality in Respondus
From within Respondus, click the Start tab across the top of the screen. From the menu on the left side of the screen, click
Open or Create. In the main content area, click the drop-down menu for Current Personality and select Desire2Learn.
If you have a file open when you select a new personality OR once you do open a test file, you may receive a message that
says, “The file you selected was created for use with a different course management system. Click OK to continue with the
conversion of this file.” This is normal. Click the OK button. Some changes may need to be made to the properties of certain
question types. This is normal. Review the changes that Respondus suggests and click either Replace Current File or Save
As New File.
Publishing to Desire2Learn
From within Respondus, if you’ve not already done so, open a test that you’ve created. Remember, you may receive the
previously mentioned message; this is normal.
Click the Preview & Publish tab across the top of the screen. From the menu on the left side of the screen, click Publish. In
the main content area, click the Publish Wizard button. This will launch the Publish Wizard in a new dialog box.
Choose whether this test will be published to a single course or to multiple courses by clicking the appropriate radio button. If
you have already established a connection to the Desire2Learn server, select the appropriate server from the Desire2Learn
Server drop-down box.
Establishing a connection to the Desire2Learn server
If you have NOT established a connection to the Desire2Learn server, this is a one-time process that you must accomplish.
Click the Desire2Learn Server drop-down box and select Add New Server; this will cause a new dialog box to appear.
Preconfigured settings are available for Augusta State University, so click the radio button beside Yes, check for
preconfigured server settings and then click the Next button.
Enter a name to describe this Desire2Learn server (e.g., “Desire2Learn Pre-Production” or once we begin Fall 2012 simply
“Desire2Learn”). Enter your JagNet username and password in the appropriate box. If you prefer, click the checkbox to
save your username and password. Once you’ve entered the appropriate information, click the Next button.
Respondus will test the connection to Desire2Learn to ensure that the two are able to communicate. Once you receive the
message Connection Test: Completed Successfully, click the Next button. You should receive a message noting that the
new server settings have been added. Click the Finish button. Your server settings are now established.
Once you have identified which type of publish you will accomplish and on which server this publish will be made available,
click the Next button. It may take a few moments for Respondus to connect with the Desire2Learn server. Be patient.
Choose the Course to Publish to by clicking the drop-down menu and making the appropriate selection. Determine whether
you will create or replace an assessment and provide the appropriate information. Once you have made the necessary
changes, click the Next button to begin the publish process. It may take a few moments for the publish process to complete.
Be patient.
Once the process has completed, you will receive a message indicating the publish has completed successfully. Click the
FInish button to complete the task.
Importing Test Questions into Respondus
Respondus is a test creation software that eases the preparation of paper-based tests and online tests. It also acts as an
intermediary to obtain statistical reports or retrieve questions from online tests. Respondus integrates well with Desire2Learn. If you can create a test in Microsoft Word, you can import it into Respondus. Simply follow a standard format, save the file as a
rich-text (.rtf), text (.txt), or Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) file, and you’re on your way!
Importing Multiple Choice Questions
Understanding the format and logic involved in importing Multiple Choice questions is essential to successfully importing other
test question types into Respondus.
1. QUESTIONS: Each question must begin with a question number, followed by either a period “.” or a parentheses “)”. The
question wording must follow the question number.
2. ANSWER CHOICES: Each answer choice must begin with a letter followed by a period “.” or a parentheses “)”.
1. This is the question’s text.
a. Incorrect Answer
b. Correct Answer
c. Incorrect Answer
3. CORRECT ANSWERS: Correct answers can be indicated in two ways.
Option 1: Place an asterisk (*) directly in front of the answer choice (no space between asterisk and letter).
1. This is the question’s text.
a. Incorrect Answer
*b. Correct Answer
c. Incorrect Answer
Option 2: Place a list of correct answers at the end of the file. The list must begin with the word “Answers:” and the answers
should start on the following line (no blank lines are allowed).
Answers:
1. C
2. A
Importing Multi-Select Questions
The logic for importing Multi-Select questions is similar to what is described above for Multiple Choice questions.
1. QUESTION INDICATOR: The first line of formatting for paragraph questions must begin with the words “Type: MR”. MultiSelect questions are multiple choice questions in which more than one correct answer can be selected by students.
2. ANSWER CHOICES: Each answer choice must begin with a letter followed by a period “.” or a parentheses “)”.
Type: MR
1. This is a multi-select question’s text.
a. Incorrect Answer
b. Correct Answer
c. Correct Answer
3. CORRECT ANSWERS: Correct answers can be indicated in two ways.
Option 1: Place an asterisk (*) directly in front of the answer choice (no space between asterisk and letter).
Type: MR
1. This is a multi-select question’s text.
a. Incorrect Answer
*b. Correct Answer
*c. Correct Answer
Option 2: Place a list of correct answers at the end of the file. The list must begin with the word “Answers:” and the answers
should start on the following line (no blank lines are allowed).
Answers:
1. B, C
2. B C
3. B,C
Importing True or False Questions
The logic for importing True or False questions is similar to what is described above for Multiple Choice questions.
1. QUESTIONS: Each question must begin with a question number, followed by either a period “.” or a parentheses “)”. The
question wording must follow the question number.
2. ANSWER CHOICES: Each answer choice must begin with a letter followed by a period “.” or a parentheses “)”.
NOTE: The “True” answer choice must be listed above the “False” answer choice in order for Respondus to recognize it as a
true and false question type.
3. CORRECT ANSWERS: Correct answers can be indicated in two ways.
Option 1: Place an asterisk (*) directly in front of the answer choice (no space between asterisk and letter).
1. This is a true or false question’s text.
*a. True
b. False
Option 2: Place a list of correct answers at the end of the file. The list must begin with the word “Answers:” and the answers
should start on the following line (no blank lines are allowed). The correct answer for a true and false question can be
designated in three ways: (1) using the complete words “True” and “False,” (2) using the letters “T” and “F,” or (3) using the
alphabetical letters “A” (for true) or “B” (for false).
Answers:
1. True
2. F
3. B
Importing Long Answer (Essay) Questions
1. QUESTION INDICATOR: The first line of formatting for long answer questions must begin with the words “Type: E”.
2. QUESTIONS: Each question must begin with a question number, followed by either a period “.” or a parentheses “)”. The
question wording must follow the question number.
Type: E
1. This is a long answer question.
3. CORRECT ANSWER: Correct answers can be indicated in two ways.
Option 1: Provide an answer immediately after the question. You must begin the answer with “a.” or “a)” (without the quotes).
Type: E
1. This is a long answer question.
a. This is the answer to a long answer question.
Option 2: Place a list of correct answers at the end of the file. The list must begin with the word “Answers:” and the answers
should start on the following line (no blank lines are allowed). Answers should begin with the corresponding question
number, followed by either a period “.” or a parentheses “)”. This is then followed by a space and then the answer.
Importing Short Answer Questions
1. QUESTION INDICATOR: The first line of formatting for short answer questions must begin with the words “Type: S”.
2. QUESTIONS: Each question must begin with a question number, followed by either a period “.” or a parentheses “)”. The
question wording must follow the question number.
Type: S
1. This is a short answer question.
3. CORRECT ANSWER: Correct answers can be indicated in two ways.
Option 1: Provide an answer immediately after the question. You must begin the answer with “a.” or “a)” (without the quotes).
You can only import one correct answer for the question but Respondus does allow for multiple forms of that answer.
Type: S
1. This is a short answer question.
a. Correct answer
b. Correct
c. Correct Answer
Option 2: Place a list of correct answers at the end of the file. The list must begin with the word “Answers:” and the answers
should start on the following line (no blank lines are allowed). The answer should begin with the corresponding question
number, followed by either a period “.” or a parentheses “)”. This is then followed by a space and then the answer itself. If
you enter multiple forms of an answer, indicate this by repeating the question number (e.g., 1. Correct answer, 1. Correct, 1.
Correct Answer).
Importing Fill-in-the-blank Questions
1. QUESTION INDICATOR: The first line of formatting for Fill-in-the-blank questions must begin with the words “Type: FMB”.
2. QUESTIONS: Each question must begin with a question number, followed by either a period “.” or a parentheses “)”. The
question wording must follow the question number.
3. ADDING BLANKS: Place the words that will be the answer in square brackets [ ]. The word(s) inside the brackets will
become a blank line.
Type: FMB
1. This is a [fill-in-the-blank] question. Any [word] that appears in [brackets] will become a blank.
Importing Matching Questions
1. QUESTION INDICATOR: The first line of formatting for Fill-in-the-blank questions must begin with the words “Type: MT”.
2. QUESTIONS: Each question must begin with a question number, followed by either a period “.” or a parentheses “)”. The
question wording must follow the question number.
3. CORRECT ANSWERS: Each answer choice must begin with a letter followed by a period “.” or a parentheses “)”. Answers
for Matching Questions are comprised of three parts: a choice, an equal sign, the correct match.
Type: MT
1. This is a matching question.
a. Choice A = Answer A
b. Choice B = Answer B
c. Choice C = Answer C
Optional Properties For All Question Types
These properties are completely optional, though extremely helpful. The instructions provided below apply to almost all
question types.
1. QUESTION TITLE: A Title can be provided for each question. If a title is not provided for a question, the first 20 characters
from the question wording will be used as the question title. Titles must be placed at the beginning of a question and begin
with "Title:" followed by the actual text for the title. If the title exceeds 20 characters, the remaining characters will be
dropped during the import. A title should appear on the line after the question indicator and before the question itself.
Type: E
Title: Q001
1. This is the question’s text.
2. FEEDBACK: There are two types of feedback: feedback for individual answers and general feedback.
Place feedback for individual answers on the line below the answer choice. Begin feedback with the @ symbol.
1. This is the question’s text.
a. Incorrect Answer
@ No, you should have chosen the correct answer.
*b. Correct Answer
@ Yes. That is the correct answer.
c. Incorrect Answer
@ No, you should have chosen the correct answer.
Place general feedback on the line immediately below the question wording and before any of the answer choices. The line
must begin with the @ symbol.
1. This is the question’s text.
@ This feedback is general and will be given regardless of the answer selected.
a. Incorrect Answer
*b. Correct Answer
c. Incorrect Answer
3. ASSIGNING POINTS: Point values can be set for each question or for a group of questions. Points are set by adding
“Points:” followed by a space and the point value. The points value is used for the next question and all following questions
until a new point value is set.
Points: 2.5
1. This is the question’s text.
2. This is another question’s text.
NOTE: Both questions 1 and 2 will be given a value of 2.5 points.
Standard Import Formats Review
Importing Multiple Choice Questions
Importing Short Answer Questions
Title: Q001
1. This is a multiple choice question’s text.
a. Incorrect Answer
*b. Correct Answer
c. Incorrect Answer
Type: S
Title: Q001
1. This is a short answer question.
a. The correct answer always begins with a. or a).
Importing Multi-Select Questions
Type: MR
Title: Q001
1. This is a multi-select question’s text.
a. Incorrect Answer
*b. Correct Answer
*c. Correct Answer
Importing True and False Questions
Title: Q001
1. This is a true or false question’s text.
*a. True
b. False
Importing Long Answer Questions
Type: E
Title: Q001
1. This is a long answer question.
a. This is the answer to a long answer.
Importing Multiple Fill-in-the-blank Questions
Type: FMB
Title: Q001
1. This is a [fill-in-the-blank] question. Any [word] that appears in
[brackets] will become a blank.
Importing Matching Questions
Type: MT
Title: Q001
1. This is a matching question.
a. Choice A = Answer A
b. Choice B = Answer B
c. Choice C = Answer C
Sample Tests
Test With Inline Answers
Test With Answers Provided After Questions
Title: Q001
1. This is a multiple choice question’s text.
a. Incorrect Answer
*b. Correct Answer
c. Incorrect Answer
Title: Q001
1. This is a multiple choice question’s text.
a. Incorrect Answer
b. Correct Answer
c. Incorrect Answer
Title: Q002
2. This is a multiple choice question’s text.
*a. Correct Answer
b. Incorrect Answer
c. Incorrect Answer
Title: Q002
2. This is a multiple choice question’s text.
a. Correct Answer
b. Incorrect Answer
c. Incorrect Answer
Type: MR
Title: Q003
3. This is a multi-select question’s text.
a. Incorrect Answer
*b. Correct Answer
*c. Correct Answer
Type: MR
Title: Q003
3. This is a multi-select question’s text.
a. Incorrect Answer
b. Correct Answer
c. Correct Answer
Title: Q004
4. This is a true or false question’s text.
*a. True
b. False
Title: Q004
4. This is a true or false question’s text.
a. True
b. False
Type: FMB
Title: Q005
5. This is a [fill-in-the-blank] question. Any [word] that appears in
[brackets] will become a blank.
Type: FMB
Title: Q005
5. This is a [fill-in-the-blank] question. Any [word] that appears in
[brackets] will become a blank.
Type: MT
Title: Q006
6. This is a matching question.
a. Choice A = Answer A
b. Choice B = Answer B
c. Choice C = Answer C
Type: MT
Title: Q006
6. This is a matching question.
a. Choice A = Answer A
b. Choice B = Answer B
c. Choice C = Answer C
Type: S
Title: Q007
7. This is a short answer question.
a. The correct answer always begins with a. or a).
Type: S
Title: Q007
7. This is a short answer question.
Type: S
Title: Q008
8. This is a short answer question.
a. The correct answer always begins with a. or a).
Type: E
Title: Q009
9. This is a long answer question.
a. This is the answer to a long answer question.
Type: E
Title: Q010
10. This is a long answer question.
a. This is the answer to a long answer question.
Type: S
Title: Q008
8. This is a short answer question.
Type: E
Title: Q009
9. This is a long answer question.
Type: E
Title: Q010
10. This is a long answer question.
Answers:
1. b
2. a
3. b, c
4. a
7. The correct answer for a short answer question.
8. The correct answer for a short answer question.
9. The correct answer for a long answer question.
10. The correct answer for a long answer question.