Creator+ Practice Items/Quick Checks for Understanding

Creator+ Practice Items

How can I use Creator+ practice items to check student understanding?

Practice does not always need to be graded to be effective. Short, targeted checks for understanding can help students identify gaps in knowledge and reinforce key concepts while reducing assessment pressure. Creator+ practice items in Talon allow instructors to embed low‑stakes, interactive questions directly into course content. These activities help students pause, reflect, and apply what they’ve just learned, without the pressure of a graded assessment or the setup time of a full quiz.

What are Creator+ Practice Items?

Creator+ practice items are interactive question types you can place directly within a content page. They’re designed to support learning, not evaluate it.
You can use them to:
  1. Reinforce key concepts
  2. Break up long pages of text
  3. Encourage active reading
  4. Give students immediate feedback
Idea
Practice items are ideal for knowledge checks, review moments, and self‑assessment, and they work well in online, hybrid, and in‑person courses.

Types of Practice Items You Can Use

Dropdown Fill in the Blanks
Students select the correct option from a dropdown list.
Great for:
  1. Sentence completion
  2. Grammar or language learning
  3. Processes with defined options
Fill in the Blanks
Students type the missing word or phrase.
Great for:
  1. Vocabulary
  2. Definitions
  3. Formulas
  4. Key terms
Multiple Choice
Students select one correct answer.
Great for:
  1. Concept checks
  2. Scenario‑based questions
  3. Reviewing lecture material
Multi‑Select
Students select all correct answers.
Great for:
  1. “Which of the following apply?” questions
  2. Complex concepts with multiple components
  3. Misconception checks
Sequencing
Students place items in the correct order.
Great for:
  1. Historical events
  2. Scientific processes
  3. Step‑by‑step procedures
Sorting
Students group items into correct categories.
Great for:
  1. Comparing concepts
  2. Classifying examples
  3. Distinguishing similar ideas
True or False
A quick check for understanding.
Great for:
  1. Clearing up common misunderstandings
  2. Reviewing reading assignments
  3. Quick knowledge checks

Why Use Practice Items Instead of Quizzes?

Creator+ practice items:
  1. Don’t require a gradebook setup
  2. Can be completed multiple times
  3. Provide immediate feedback
  4. Reduce test anxiety
  5. Encourage active engagement
Idea
They’re especially helpful when you want students to practice before they’re assessed.

Examples Across Kirkwood Courses

  1.       Anatomy & Physiology: Labeling steps in a biological process
  2.       Business: Sorting examples of leadership styles
  3.       Psychology: True/false checks on common myths
  4.       Math: Fill‑in‑the‑blank formulas
  5.       Nutrition: Sequencing digestion steps
  6.       History: Ordering key events

Getting Started with Creator+ Practice Items

You can add practice items using content you already have or create new content:
  1. Navigate to the Content area in Talon and open the page where you would like to add the Practice Items.
  2. Select Edit HTML or Create New File. 
  3.  Place your cursor where you want the Practice Items to appear in the content.
  4. Click the Creator+ Authoring Tool (paintbrush/pencil) icon. 
  5. Click Insert Practice in the Creator+ toolbar. 
  6. Choose the Practice Element you want to add (Multiple Choice, Sequencing, True/False, etc.).
  7. Enter your content and adjust settings as needed.
  8. If you add pictures, you will need to also enter Alt Text for them, it will prompt you to do so. 
  9. Select Done, then Save or Publish your page.
Idea
Most activities can be built in just a few minutes.

Small Interactions, Big Impact

Creator+ practice items make learning more interactive without adding complexity. They help students engage with content actively and help instructors enhance courses without increasing workload.
If you are wanting more detailed instructions or more information on Creator+ Tools, please visit the D2L Creator+ tutorials page.
Reach out to AISD if you have any questions or would like support with inserting Creator+ elements into your course.

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