XML Builder. Version Beta

Transcription

1 XML Builder Version Beta Overview MoodleXMLBuilder is a Java desktop application developed by the Engineering & Manufacturing Technologies Department at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount, NC. MoodleXMLBuilder was developed to assist instructors in converting to the Moodle course management system, and to better utilize instructor resources provided by textbook publishers. MoodleXMLBuilder converts commonly used test generator output into the Moodle extensible markup language (XML) format. MoodleXMLBuilder currently supports output from ExamView, TestGen, and EZTest. Unfortunately, these test generators do not currently support exporting tests and question banks directly to a Moodle format. MoodleXMLBuilder provides a secondary process that converts exports from these test generators to Moodle XML. Additionally, MoodleXMLBuilder can convert test and question pools exported directly from Blackboard to Moodle XML. MoodleXMLBuilder fully supports images within all question fields where images are allowed within the Moodle quiz module. MoodleXMLBuilder converts images to a base64 format and embeds the images directly into the Moodle XML file. With the images embedded, there is only one file to upload into Moodle and all the images links will remain fully intact. MoodleXMLBuilder currently supports Moodle version and lower. Installation & System Requirements MoodleXMLBuilder currently only supports Windows based computers running WindowsXP/2000, Vista, or Windows7 with Java 5 or higher installed. The latest version of Java can be freely downloaded at Technically, with MoodleXMLBuilder being built with Java, the Mac OS should be supported but has yet to be tested. The Mac OS will be supported in future releases of MoodleXMLBuilder. ExamView, TestGen, and EZTest are all test generators commonly provided by textbook publishers. These test generators are typically bundled with instructor resources and can be installed using the instructor CD. Alternatively, these test generators can be downloaded directly from the publishers websites. To install MoodleXMLBuilder, go to and download the setup file MoodleXMLBuilderSetup.exe. Once downloaded, simply double click the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions. MoodleXMLBuilderSetup.exe will place an

2 application shortcut folder in the Windows Start Menu and will place an application shortcut on the Desktop. To start the software, simply double click the Desktop or Start Menu shortcut. Converting ExamView Tests and Question Banks This portion of the help file is not intended to provide instruction on how to use ExamView, but rather provides instruction on how to export tests and question banks, and convert these to MoodleXML. If you need help with ExamView, reference the help files provided with the software. First, you must create your test or question bank either by using the question banks provided by the publisher or by creating your own questions. Once you have the test created, you need to export the test in Blackboard format. The Blackboard format is used since there is no direct export for Moodle. In ExamView the Blackboard export option is available in the File menu on the menu bar. Select File >Export to view the export options. To convert to Moodle XML you will be choosing one of the two Blackboard options. There is a Blackboard option and a Blackboard 7.1+ option. Either option can be used to convert to Moodle XML, but you must choose the corresponding option in MoodleXMLBuilder to successfully convert the questions. See the image below of the Export Menu:

3 Choose either Blackboard Option (While either Blackboard option will convert questions to Moodle XML, it is recommended to choose the Blackboard 7.1+ option) Once you select the Blackboard export option, an Export Test save file dialog will be displayed (see the image below).

4 Use the file explorer options to choose the folder where you want to save your file. Enter your filename here. Using the file explorer, choose a folder location and file name for your export file and then click the Save button. Next a Blackboard options dialog will be displayed (see the image below). Enter a name for the test. Enter a directory (folder) name for the images to be stored.

5 Enter a test name in the Name textbox. The test name entered here is equivalent to a Moodle question bank category. When importing into Moodle, you will be given the option to use the name chosen here as your question bank category. You must also enter a name for the Images Directory (folder). The folder name you choose is unimportant but is required before you are allowed to click the OK button and save the export. Leave the Formatting and Feedback options unchanged and click the OK button. The file will be saved and is now ready to be converted to Moodle XML. Start MoodleXMLBuilder by double clicking either the Desktop or Start Menu shortcut. The main window of MoodleXMLBuilder will be displayed as shown below: Choose the Blackboard export version that corresponds with your ExamView export. Click the folder image to display an open file dialog. Explore and select your ExamView export file. Click the Start button to initiate the conversion process In the Test Generator groupbox, select either ExamView Export to Blackboard or ExamView Export to Blackboard 7.1+ based on the export option you chose in ExamView. In the File Chooser groupbox, click the Examview Input File Name folder image to display an open file dialog box. In the open file dialog box, use the file explorer and locate the ExamView export file you previously created. This file will be the input file for MoodleXMLBuilder. Alternatively, you can type the path and filename for your input file directly in the Examview Input File Name textbox. If you click the folder image to choose the input file and the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox is empty, then MoodleXMLBuilder will automatically populate the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox with the same path and file name you chose for the input file, except MoodleXMLBuilder will change the file extension from.zip to.xml. If you prefer, you can change the path and file by clicking on the folder image and use the file explorer, or you can simply type in the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox.

6 Once you are satisfied that the correct Test Generator option has been chosen and your input and output files are satisfactory, click the Start button to initiate the conversion process. If the test or bank can be converted within a couple of seconds, you will hear a beep and the input and output textboxes will be cleared to indicate that the conversion is complete. If the test is lengthy or contains numerous images then the conversion can take more time. In this event, a progress monitor will be displayed to keep you informed of the conversion progress (see the image below). After the conversion completes, you are now ready to import your file into Moodle. Converting EZ Test Tests and Question Banks This portion of the help file is not intended to provide instruction on how to use EZ Test, but rather provides instruction on how to export tests and question banks, and convert these to MoodleXML. If you need help with EZ Test, reference the help files provided with the software. First you must create your test or question bank either by using the question banks provided by the publisher or by creating your own questions. Once you have the test created, you need to export the test in Blackboard format. The Blackboard format is used since there is no direct export for Moodle. In EZ Test the Blackboard export option is available by clicking the Format/Print button as shown in the image below: Click here to access the Blackboard export option.

7 The Publishing Options screen will be displayed. Leave all setting at their default and click the Blackboard button at the bottom of the screen as shown below: Click here. The Blackboard export screen will be displayed as shown below: Enter the test name here. Click here. Enter a test name in the Blackboard Resource Name textbox. The test name entered here is equivalent to a Moodle question bank category. When importing into Moodle, you will be given

8 the option to use the name chosen here as your question bank category. Click the Generate Blackboard button. A Download file window will be displayed. Click the Save button to continue. A Save As dialog box will be displayed as shown below: Use the file explorer options to choose the folder where you want to save your file. Enter your export file name here. Explore the folder location where you wish to save the file and enter a file name in the File name textbox. Click the Open button and the file will be saved and is ready for conversion to Moodle XML. Start MoodleXMLBuilder by double clicking either the Desktop or Start Menu shortcut. The main window of MoodleXMLBuilder will be displayed as shown below: Choose the EZ Test export. Click the folder image to display an open file dialog. Explore and select your EZ Test export file. Click the Start button to initiate the conversion process

9 In the Test Generator groupbox, select the EZ Test option. In the File Chooser groupbox, click the EZ Test Input File Name folder image to display an open file dialog box. In the open file dialog box, use the file explorer and locate the EZ Test export file you previously created. This file will be the input file for MoodleXMLBuilder. Alternatively, you can type the path and file name for your input file directly in the EZ Test Input File Name textbox. If you click the folder image to choose the input file and the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox is empty, then MoodleXMLBuilder will automatically populate the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox with the same path and file name you chose for the input file, except MoodleXMLBuilder will change the file extension from.zip to.xml. If you prefer, you can change the path and file by clicking on the folder image and use the file explorer, or you can simply type in the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox. Once you are satisfied that the correct Test Generator option has been chosen and your input and output files are satisfactory, click the Start button to initiate the conversion process. If the test can be converted within a couple of seconds, you will hear a beep and the input and output textboxes will be cleared to indicate that the conversion is complete. If the test is lengthy or contains numerous images then the conversion can take more time. In this event, a progress monitor will be displayed to keep you informed of the conversion progress (see the image below). After the conversion completes, you are now ready to import your file into Moodle. Converting TestGen Tests and Question Banks This portion of the help file is not intended to provide instruction on how to use TestGen, but rather provides instruction on how to export tests and question banks, and convert these to MoodleXML. If you need help with TestGen, reference the help files provided with the software. First, you must create your test or question bank either by using the question banks provided by the publisher or by creating your own questions. Once you have the test created, you need

10 to export the test in Blackboard format. The Blackboard format is used since there is no direct export for Moodle. In TestGen the Blackboard export option is available in the File menu on the menu bar. Select File >Export to view the export options as shown below: Click the Export option. The Export Test window will be displayed. Select the Blackboard 6.x 9.x option and click the OK button as indicated in the image below. Click the Blackboard 6.x 9.x option. Click the OK button.

11 The Export to Blackboard dialog window will be displayed. Enter a test name in the Enter a Test Name textbox. The test name entered here is equivalent to a Moodle question bank category. When importing into Moodle, you will be given the option to use the name chosen here as your question bank category. Entering a description for the test pool is not required and is not used by MoodleXMLBuilder during the conversion. See the image below: Enter a test name. Click the OK button. The Create a file for export dialog window will be displayed. Use the file explorer and choose a folder where you want to save your file, change the file name or keep the default name, and click the Save button. Enter a new file name if desired. Click the Save button. Use the file explorer to choose a folder location. The file will be saved and is now ready to be converted to Moodle XML. Start MoodleXMLBuilder by double clicking either the Desktop or Start Menu shortcut. The main window of MoodleXMLBuilder will be displayed as shown below:

12 Choose the TestGen export. Click the folder image to display an open file dialog. Explore and select your TestGen export file. Click the Start button to initiate the conversion process In the Test Generator groupbox, select the TestGen option. In the File Chooser groupbox, click the TestGen Input File Name folder image to display an open file dialog box. In the open file dialog box, use the file explorer and locate the TestGen export file you previously created. This file will be the input file for MoodleXMLBuilder. Alternatively, you can type the path and filename for your input file directly in the TestGen Input File Name textbox. If you click the folder image to choose the input file and the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox is empty, then MoodleXMLBuilder will automatically populate the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox with the same path and file name you chose for the input file, except MoodleXMLBuilder will change the file extension from.zip to.xml. If you prefer, you can change the path and file by clicking on the folder image and use the file explorer, or you can simply type in the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox. Once you are satisfied that the correct Test Generator option has been chosen and your input and output files are satisfactory, click the Start button to initiate the conversion process. If the test can be converted within a couple of seconds, you will hear a beep and the input and output textboxes will be cleared to indicate that the conversion is complete. If the test is lengthy or contains numerous images then the conversion can take more time. In this event, a progress monitor will be displayed to keep you informed of the conversion progress (see the image below).

13 After the conversion completes, you are now ready to import your file into Moodle. Converting Blackboard Tests and Question Pools This portion of the help file is not intended to provide instruction on how to create tests and pools in Blackboard, but rather provides instruction on how to export tests and question pools, and convert these to MoodleXML. If you need help with Blackboard, reference the help files provided with the software. First you must login into Blackboard and enter the course that contains the test or pool you want to export. Once you have entered your course, click to expand Course tools in the Control Panel as shown below: Click Course Tools to expand the selection Click here to display the Tests, Surveys, and Pools window Click Tests, Surveys, and Pools to display the Test, Surveys, and Pools windows as shown below:

14 Click Tests to display the tests available in the course Click Pools to display the tests available in the course Select either Tests or Pools depending on which you plan to export. The listing of tests or pools will be displayed based on your selection (see the image below).

15 Click the button beside the test or pool you plan to export to display the options menu. Click the Export option and the selected test or pool will be exported. The file will be saved and is now ready to be converted to Moodle XML. Start MoodleXMLBuilder by double clicking either the Desktop or Start Menu shortcut. The main window of MoodleXMLBuilder will be displayed as shown below: Choose the Blackboard export. Click the folder image to display an open file dialog. Explore and select your Blackboard export file. Click the Start button to initiate the conversion process In the Test Generator groupbox, select the Blackboard option. In the File Chooser groupbox, click the Blackboard Input File Name folder image to display an open file dialog box. In the open file dialog box, use the file explorer and locate the TestGen export file you previously created. This file will be the input file for MoodleXMLBuilder. Alternatively, you can type the path and filename for your input file directly in the Blackboard Input File Name textbox. If you click the folder image to choose the input file and the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox is empty, then MoodleXMLBuilder will automatically populate the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox with the same path and file name you chose for the input file, except MoodleXMLBuilder will change the file extension from.zip to.xml. If you prefer, you can change the path and file by clicking on the folder image and use the file explorer, or you can simply type in the Moodle XML Output File Name textbox. Once you are satisfied that the correct Test Generator option has been chosen and your input and output files are satisfactory, click the Start button to initiate the conversion process. If the test or pool can be converted within a couple of seconds, you will hear a beep and the input and output textboxes will be cleared to indicate that the conversion is complete. If the test is lengthy or contains numerous images then the conversion can take more time. In this event, a

16 progress monitor will be displayed to keep you informed of the conversion progress (see the image below). After the conversion completes, you are now ready to import your file into Moodle. MoodleXMLBuilder does not support conversion of all Blackboard question types. Some Blackboard question types do not directly correlate with Moodle question types. Below is a list of Blackboard question types that can be converted by MoodleXMLBuilder. Calculated Numeric Either/Or Essay Fill in the Blank Matching Multiple Answer Multiple Choice Short Answer True/False All other question types will be ignored during the conversion process. Importing Moodle XML into a Moodle Course First you must login to Moodle and enter the course where you plan to import the Moodle XML created by MoodleXMLBuilder. If the Settings options for your course is docked, you will need to click the Settings button to display the settings options. Otherwise the Settings options will already be displayed. In the Settings menu click the image beside Question bank to expand the options. You should see the options as shown in the image below:

17 Click here to expand the Question bank options. Click Import to display Import questions from file Click the Import option and the Import questions from file window will be displayed as shown below:

18 Select Moodle XML format Check to use the category specified by the import file. Uncheck to use an existing category After all settings have been set and the import file selected, click the Import button to start the import process. If using an existing category click here to expand the category list and select the desired category. Click the Choose a file button to open the file picker for selecting the import file. Select the Moodle XML format option. If you want to use the category that MoodeleXMLBuilder added to the XML (the category name was assigned by the test generator) then be sure the Get category from file checkbox is checked. If the category specified in the import file does not already exist, it will be created. If you do not want to use the category specified by the import file, uncheck the Get category from file checkbox and select the category with the Import category combo box. Click the Choose a file button to open the file picker for selecting the import file. The File picker dialog window will be displayed as shown below:

19 Click the Choose file button to display an open file dialog Select the Upload a file option Click the Upload this file button after the import file has been selected If not already selected, click the Upload a file option. Click the Choose a file button to open an open file dialog box. Use the file explorer to locate and select the Moodle XML file you previously created using MoodleXMLBuilder. After you have selected the file, the filename will be displayed beside the Choose a file button. Click the Upload this file button. You will be returned to the Import questions from file window. If you are satisfied with all the settings selections, click the Import button. It may take a little time to process, but when complete the import questions will be displayed and your questions will be imported into the Moodle question category you selected.