How do I collect anonymous questions or feedback before class using Mentimeter? (Asynchronous and Anonymous)

In this guide, you will learn how to use Mentimeter to collect anonymous questions or feedback from students before class. This asynchronous workflow allows students to complete a self-paced Mentimeter activity in Canvas without recording their names or grades. It can be useful for pre-class questions, anonymous feedback, confidence checks, and self-paced knowledge checks.

Info: Note that this guide will cover adding a Mentimeter activity as an External Tool in a Module.

1. Create a Menti Live activity in your Mentimeter account if you haven't created one already

You can log in to Mentimeter using the Mentimeter login page.

Info: If you need help creating a Menti Live activity, review the guide How do I create an activity using Menti Live?

Mentimeter New Menti menu showing Live, Form, and Pulse options, with New Menti and Live highlighted.

2. Set your Menti Live activity to Survey mode

To change set the activity to Survey mode, you must click on the Settings wheel towards the top-left corner.

Info: In the Menti Live editor, change the activity from Presentation mode to Survey mode. Survey mode allows students to complete the activity at their own pace, making it suitable for asynchronous participation.

Tip: You can review this guide on how to change the settings on your Menti deck to "Survey"

Mentimeter editor showing the CSUF History activity, with the settings icon highlighted at the top of the page.
Mentimeter settings menu showing Presentation and Survey options, with Survey mode selected and highlighted for self-paced participation.

3. Go into your Canvas course, find a Module where you would like to put this Menti activity, and click on the "+" on that Module

Canvas module for the asynchronous Track Participation scenario, with the Add Item button highlighted.

4. Change from "Assignment" to "External Tool", scroll down in the mini pop-up box, and select Mentimeter

Canvas Add Item window showing External Tool selected, with Mentimeter highlighted in the list of available external tools.

5. Another pop-up box appears. You can now see all of the Menti activities that you created. Scroll down and "Select" the particular activity you wish to use.

Mentimeter External Tool window showing available presentations, with the CSUF History activity and Add Again button highlighted.
Expand or collapse content What if my Menti activity says "Add Again" and not "Select"?

Warning: If your Menti activity says Add Again rather than Select, do not panic. You can reuse as many Menti activities as you want. It is recommended to duplicate when prompted. See below.

Mentimeter External Tool window warning that the Menti was previously added to a course, with the Duplicate & Add button highlighted.

6. Now that you have finally selected your desired Menti activity, you will be redirected to the Canvas External Tool mini pop-up box.  Scroll down in this box to review the "URL", "Page Name", select "Load in a new tab", and select the blue "Add Item" button

Canvas Add Item window showing the selected Mentimeter activity settings, with the Add Item button highlighted.

7. Your Menti activity is now in your Canvas course in a Module as an External Tool that is not linked to the gradebook

Tip: The Menti activity will automatically populate in the Module as an unpublished item. Don't forget to publish the Menti activity!

Canvas Add Item window showing the selected Mentimeter activity settings, with the Add Item button highlighted.

Article Summary

You have now learned how to add a Mentimeter activity to Canvas and set it up to collect anonymous questions or feedback asynchronously.