Features

Top Hat is a quiz and test platform that provides lockdown test security and greatly improved question-bank management tools for LSA instructors who need those features. This platform is integrated into Canvas, and available to all LSA instructors. To use Top Hat, create a Canvas Assignment, set the submission type to External Tool, and select "Top Hat Tests - LSA".

Instructional Uses

Randomization and Individualized Tests

Tophat provides greatly expanded question bank and question version tools, for instructors who use randomization to create individualized tests and quizzes. Question banks can be organized by folder and by tag, and are searchable. In addition to banks, it is possible to create up to 25 “versions” of a question, for times when a specific type of question is necessary to demonstrate specific knowledge.

Top Hat supports a wide range of question types: multiple choice, word answer, numeric answer, formula, fill-in-the-blank, matching, click on target, sorting, and long answer. 

Importing Questions 

Top Hat can upload questions via QTI package (the standard Canvas export package). If you have many or complex tests and quizzes, and especially if you use question banks, services are available to copy your questions over for you. Contact LTC if you would like to request such services.

Secure Test Taking

Top Hat’s natively developed lockdown feature, called Monitor, provides a stable and reliable platform for instructors who require secure testing. No program download or installation is required; Monitor is fully integrated with the Top Hat Test platform. The lock-out feature can be set to trigger upon a specified number of times clicking out of the test window, upon closing the test, and upon taking a screenshot. 

Monitor is designed for in-person tests with a live proctor, as students will require an instructor-provided test code to enter the test. This code is currently only generated once the instructor clicks a button to start the test. This will be a new workflow, for LSA instructors, so we encourage you to consult with LTC on how best to manage your test, and hold a practice quiz before using it for a major test.

During testing, instructors can use the proctor report–a real-time update of student activity–to review any flagged behavior, and can choose to allow a student back into the test if you feel they made a genuine mistake in good faith. Top Hat provides more information about this in their documentation: Top Hat Proctor Report. 

Getting Started

Top Hat is a new tool for LSA, so before using it with your students, please contact the LSA Learning and Teaching Consultants for assistance with copying your tests over and deciding on your best test-management workflow.

However, Top Hat is already integrated with Canvas! You can create a new Assignment with "Top Hat Tests - LSA" as the External Tool submission type, in any LSA Canvas course, and get started creating your exams. Note that this integration is separate from the one you would use for Top Hat textbooks, and if you select the wrong integration or the wrong "institution" when creating your tests, your students may be prompted to pay a fee for access. A fee is not required for the test platform! Please contact LTC for help, if you encounter this issue.

Getting Help 

If you or your students have technical difficulties, you can contact Top Hat Support directly.

If you’d like to discuss how Top Hat might be most useful in your course, please feel free to request a consultation with the LSA Learning and Teaching Consultants.

Who can use this service?

• Faculty
• Researchers
• Students