How do I import Test Items into Respondus from a plain text file?
You will learn how to import questions from a document file into a test in Respondus.
Respondus allows you to import multiple choice, true-false, essay, fill-in-the-blank, matching and multiple answer questions from a file. The questions must be organized in a format that is acceptable to Respondus, and the file must be stored in one of the following formats: plain text (.txt), rich-text (.rtf), MS Word (.doc and .docx), tab/comma delimited (.csv) format, or StudyMate Class format (.zip and .xml).
For most people, plain text (.txt) files will be the easiest to use. Any MS Word document can be saved as a plain text document in UTF-8 format (start with Page 41 of the Respondus guide to learn more about formatting). All other formats are described in the Respondus 4.0 User Guide.
1. From within Respondus, click on Import Questions.
2. Select the type of file you have.
In this guide, we will use a Plain text file as an example.
It is important to follow the expected standard format; otherwise, the test items in the document will not be imported.
The standard format is Plain Text. The format is described starting on page 41 the Respondus 4.0 User Guide and the Respondus Help System accessed from the Help Menu.
3. Click on Browse.
4. Navigate to the plain text file containing your test questions.
5. Click on Open.
6. Type a name for the new file.
Tip: Each question being imported will have a "title". If you don’t specify a title for each question in the text file itself, Respondus will automatically use the first 20 characters of the question wording as the question title.
7. Click on Browse.
This part is only necessary if you have images that are associated with the questions that you are importing.
8. Navigate to the desired folder.
9. Click on OK.
10. Decide on what to do with the converted question bank.
Specify whether the questions should be appended to the currently open file (1) or whether to create an entirely new file (2).
Alternatively, titles can be based on a specific string of text which will then be followed by consecutive numbering starting with 001 (3).
11. Type a name for the new file.
In this guide, we have chosen to have a new file created. By default, the new file will be saved in your Respondus folder.
12. Click on Preview.
13. The preview displays.
Note that if your questions are not properly formatted, you will receive an error warning instead of a preview.
14. Click on Finish.
15. Click on OK.
Article Summary
You have now learned how to import a plain text question bank into Respondus and save it as a Respondus file (.rsp).