Why Your Quizzes MUST Support Modern Media

By: Justin Ferriman • August 16, 2013
Filed Under:

quiz-media

Over the years, I have implemented quite a few learning management systems and created countless elearning modules.  The one consistent item across all of these implementations was that there needed to be a quiz to test users on their comprehension of the material.  For a long time, these quizzes were strictly multiple choice or true and false.  This was the case for a variety of reasons.

The main reason multiple choice and true/false quizzes were implemented was because it was the only real option available from the rapid elearning development software.  Sometimes there were opportunities to use other methods, but they weren’t really flushed out at that point and too “buggy”.  Another major reason was because of costs.  The more complex quizzes often meant more development hours, and naturally more financial investment.

While it is not uncommon to encounter the cost issue today, the technology part is no longer a problem.  If you are using a program that does not support media (streaming videos, images for answer choice, audio files, etc.) in their quizzing – you are doing your organization a disservice.  Text-based multiple choice does serve its purpose, but there is really no excuse anymore for not supporting modern media.

Learning is dynamic and requires delivery that suits the topic at hand.  In the same way, the quiz questions need to help maximize learning retention.  Sure, you can hammer out 10 multiple choice text-based questions/answers, but modern learning demands more.  By simply including videos in your questions (or answers), or perhaps images in a matching scenario, you are encouraging the learner to think about the concept at hand from a different perspective.

With this principle in mind, we have ensured our LearnDash based quizzes offer our users the most flexibility possible. You can easily insert video, audio, images, into question and answer selections.   It would be silly to handcuff you to just text-based questions. Naturally, we will continue to refine/update the quiz based on industry best practices – and our user feedback.

If you’re looking for a robust elearning program with attention to modern learning theory, then I encourage you to take a look at some of the LearnDash quiz features. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to write or call.

Justin Ferriman

Justin started LearnDash, the WordPress LMS trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major universities, training organizations, and entrepreneurs worldwide. He is currently founder & CEO of GapScout. Justin’s Homepage | GapScout | Twitter