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. Note that, due to the way Tophat is integrated, you will need to let LTC know you are using Tophat, so that the paywalls that apply to Top Hat textbook use can be removed.

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 more 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.

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 currently being piloted, so before using it with your students, please contact the LSA Learning and Teaching Consultants. 

However, Top Hat is already integrated with Canvas! You can enable Top Hat in your Canvas course settings to explore the tool and get started creating your exams. Student access will be limited by a paywall unless that is manually removed, so be sure to contact us before using it with your students. 

Learn more about Canvas integration with Top Hat’s Canvas Integration Quickstart Guide. 

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