--- doc/tutorial/Attic/tutorial.lyx 2002/06/03 21:29:28 1.4 +++ doc/tutorial/Attic/tutorial.lyx 2002/06/04 21:07:28 1.5 @@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ \quotes_times 2 \papercolumns 1 \papersides 1 -\paperpagestyle fancy +\paperpagestyle headings \layout Title @@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ Michigan State University Introduction to LON-CAPA \layout Comment -This is a comment which will not show in any other rendering of this document. +This is a comment that will not show in any other rendering of this document. I will use them to document my observations as I work through this tutorial. \layout Comment @@ -110,15 +110,9 @@ IMHO \layout Standard LON-CAPA is a web-based interface that helps to organize and present your - course website, deliver and manage problem problems, and manage student - enrollment. - All author functions are done using a web browser (Netscape 4.x or higher - is recommended) and the LON-CAPA Author Interface. - The URL for LON-CAPA is -\family typewriter -http://s10.lite.msu.edu -\family default -. + course website, deliver and manage problems, and manage student enrollment. + All author functions are done using a web browser (Netscape 4.x or higher, + a recent Mozilla, or IE 5+ required) and the LON-CAPA Author Interface. \layout Standard At this time, you should have: @@ -147,7 +141,9 @@ typewriter font . \layout Standard -Chapters +Much of this document can be used as a tutorial that will introduce you + to the authoring system. + In particular, chapters \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Author Interface} \end_inset @@ -157,14 +153,17 @@ Chapters \end_inset - comprise a tutorial that will introduce you to the authoring system. - After that, this document is a reference manual for authoring course materials. + comprise a basic tutorial that can get you started using LON-CAPA, even + with no previous LON-CAPA experience. \layout Standard -For more information, see the website at http://help.loncapa.org/, where you - can get help and information. +For more information, see the website at +\family typewriter +http://help.loncapa.org/ +\family default +, where you can get help. If you cannot find an answer for your question, please email us and let - us know, so we put the solution to your problem online. + us know, so we can put the solution to your problem online for everyone. \layout Section The LON-CAPA Author Interface @@ -184,11 +183,7 @@ Login as Course Author \layout Standard To begin using LON-CAPA, you first need to log in to your account on LON-CAPA. - Open your web browser and navigate to the LON-CAPA URL: -\family typewriter -http://s10.lite.msu.edu/ -\family default - . + Open your web browser and navigate to your local LON-CAPA URL. You will be presented with a log in screen as in figure \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{LON-CAPA Log in screen} @@ -261,7 +256,7 @@ remote control complexity of modern remotes, for three major reasons: One, they never, ever, ever change. Two, they provide immense amounts of tactile feedback, allowing one to - overcome the complexity of using one by putting the knowlege into motor + overcome the complexity of using one by putting the knowledge into motor memory. (There are equivalent usability principles in usability, as well; look up Fitt's Law, for instance.) Three, they all basically do the same thing; @@ -292,9 +287,9 @@ menu remote control space. \layout Comment -In fact, the metaphor is so unsuccessful that any moderately savvy internet +In fact, the metaphor is so unsuccessful that any moderately savvy Internet user will almost immediately come to conceptualize the remote as just another - list of links, albiet a clumsy and inconvenient one. + list of links, albeit a clumsy and inconvenient one. Why not give them that in the first place? \layout Comment @@ -324,7 +319,7 @@ remote \layout Comment 3. - By commiting to this + By committing to this \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset @@ -333,7 +328,7 @@ remote control \end_inset layout, you commit to a remote control's layout limitations, except that - an actual remote control can get away with a 6pt or smaller font, or wierd + an actual remote control can get away with a 6pt or smaller font, or weird specialized symbols, or whatnot. I'm looking at a (real) remote control right now that manages to get \begin_inset Quotes eld @@ -352,7 +347,7 @@ ROLES \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset - button takes up on my printout! So in actuality, you're commiting to something + button takes up on my printout! So in actuality, you're committing to something no sane remote control designer could deal with. \layout Comment @@ -376,7 +371,7 @@ ROLES The upshot is that the only upside to the remote control is a moderately pleasing graphic; the downsides are pretty much everything, up to and including - possible illegality under accessability laws. + possible illegality under accessibility laws. Unfortunately, I do not see any way to salvage any aspect of the remote control; it's going to suck until it's replaced. Pleasing graphics are relatively easy to come by nowadays; it should not @@ -525,10 +520,15 @@ Content Page displays course content. It is essentially a conventional HTML page. - -\layout Comment + These resources use the extension +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +.html +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset -Check this; is it exactly like HTML pages? +. \layout Itemize A @@ -572,8 +572,8 @@ Sequence \series default type represents a programmed series of events. - The users of this resource can use buttons on their remote or the NAV button - to follow the sequence. + The users of this resource can use directional buttons on their remote + or the NAV button to follow the sequence. These resources are stored in files that must use the extension \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset @@ -583,18 +583,6 @@ Sequence \end_inset . -\layout Comment - -What -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset - -arrow keys -\begin_inset Quotes erd -\end_inset - -? Surely not the ones on the keyboard\SpecialChar \ldots{} - \layout Itemize A @@ -651,21 +639,15 @@ Construction Space \end_inset -\end_float -The Construction Space, as seen in figure -\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Construction Space Figure} - -\end_inset +\layout Standard -, is the section of LON-CAPA where you create and manage your course resources. - The Construction Space consists of a green tool bar at the top of the page - and a list of all directories and resources below. +Contents of the Construction Space: \layout Standard \begin_inset Tabular - + @@ -857,6 +839,14 @@ Type a name in the entry box to create a \end_inset +\end_float +The Construction Space, as seen in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Construction Space Figure} + +\end_inset + +, is the section of LON-CAPA where you create and manage your course resources. + The figure explains what each button does. \layout Subsection How to Create New Content Pages @@ -873,9 +863,6 @@ Content Pages \series default are HTML documents that display the course information you are presenting. To create new Content Pages, do the following: -\layout Comment - -Is step one necessary? I don't see how it could be. \layout Enumerate Click the @@ -904,20 +891,13 @@ directory/new_resource.html Press the Return or Enter key. \layout Enumerate -You should see something like the following message: -\series bold -File not found: /home/wmsonj/priv/\SpecialChar \- -directory/new_resource.html -\series default -, and an Edit button. +You should see something like the following message: File not found: /home/wmson +j/priv/\SpecialChar \- +directory/new_resource.html, and an Edit button. Click the -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset - +\series bold Edit -\begin_inset Quotes erd -\end_inset - +\series default button, and an HTML editor will open with a simple page template. \layout Enumerate @@ -925,7 +905,8 @@ Type the content into the editor, \emph on OR \emph default - copy and paste HTML source code into the editor. + copy and paste HTML source code obtained through the use of some other + HTML authoring program into the editor. \layout Enumerate Optionally, click the @@ -1013,6 +994,19 @@ Creating Online Problems Using LON-CAPA If you're following this as a tutorial, go ahead and make one of each of these problem types now. We'll be using them later as raw material to assemble maps and sequences. +\layout Standard + +While several problem types are listed here, in LON-CAPA, all problems are + actually the same. + All problems are written in XML, which can be obtained and edited with + the +\series bold +EditXML +\series default + button you'll see. + The problem types listed in this manual are actually just templates. + As your knowledge advances, you may wish to play with the XML representation + directly to see what you can do. \layout Subsubsection Problems Types @@ -1060,7 +1054,7 @@ Radio Response foils, True or False. \layout Standard -Multiple choice problems contain between 3 and 10 foils. +Multiple choice problems contain between 3 to 10 foils. You may display from three to five foils for each problem and the system randomly picks the choices that are presented to the student. \layout Comment @@ -1082,12 +1076,12 @@ Option Response problems present foils t pick one to present to the student from each group. The student must match each of his or her questions correctly to the possible answers before receiving credit for the problem. - For more details, see the Create Option Response ( + For more details, see Create Option Response in section \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Create Option Response Problem} \end_inset -). +. \layout Subsubsection String Response Problems @@ -1142,7 +1136,7 @@ Samuel Clements \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset -, then the student will definately get it wrong. +, then the student will definitely get it wrong. There is some room for flexibility in the string processing, but it can be difficult to get it all right. Before you use a String Response problem, be sure you can easily characterize @@ -1163,7 +1157,7 @@ Numerical Response \series default problems are answered by entering a number and (optionally) a unit, such as 2.5 m/s^2. - Tolerance and significant digits can be specified as well. + Tolerance and required significant digits can be specified as well. \layout Subsubsection Formula Response Problems @@ -1259,7 +1253,7 @@ Radio Response Creation Form \end_float - You will need to create the posible answers and the questions. + You will need to create the possible answers and the questions. \layout Enumerate In the drop-down option box as seen in @@ -1283,6 +1277,12 @@ Click the Edit \series default button above the sample problem to enter edit mode. + You should see an editing screen like figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Radio Response Creation Form} + +\end_inset + +. \layout Enumerate In the @@ -1517,7 +1517,7 @@ true \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset -Napolean conquered Japan in the year 189 A.D. +Napoleon conquered Japan in the year 189 A.D. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset @@ -1547,6 +1547,9 @@ Option Response \end_inset Problems +\layout Subsubsection + +Option Response problems with Concept Groups \layout Standard \begin_float fig @@ -1570,7 +1573,7 @@ Option Response Problem \end_float -Each Option Response problem has three parts: +Each Option Response problem can have three parts: \layout Enumerate The Concept Groups @@ -1879,7 +1882,7 @@ To delete the irrelevant options from th \series bold Delete Option \series default - dropdown, and hit the Save Changes button. + drop down, and hit the Save Changes button. Do that for each option you wish to remove. \layout Enumerate @@ -1931,6 +1934,19 @@ In the Hint area, provide a helpful hint Save Changes \series default button. +\layout Subsubsection + +Simple Option Response: No Concept Groups +\layout Standard + +If you select +\series bold +Simple Option Response +\series default + from the drop-down box, you get a template that will allow you to enter + up to eight foils, and the system will randomly select from these foils, + with no grouping. + Otherwise, it's identical to Option Response problems. \layout Subsection Creating a String Response Problem @@ -2078,7 +2094,7 @@ ci \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset -Case Insenstive +Case Insensitive \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset @@ -2142,7 +2158,7 @@ Multiple Choice . The student's answers must contain the same letters as the question author's, - but order is unimportent. + but order is unimportant. This is usually used to give a multiple choice question in the question's \series bold @@ -2200,8 +2216,8 @@ abcg . \layout Standard -It is conventional to tell the students whether the question is case sensitive - or not. +It is conventional to inform the students if the problem is case sensitive, + or that the order of the answers doesn't matter. \end_deeper \layout Enumerate @@ -2212,23 +2228,6 @@ Single Line Text Entry Area block and set a length in the Size box. This will only affect the size of the box on the screen; if you set the box size to 2, the student can still enter 3 or more letters in their answer. -\begin_deeper -\layout Comment - -This seems like a great feature to either eliminate, or make useful. - Allowing the teacher to limit it to 3, and then not letting the student - type more then 3 chars might be a way of giving the student a hint. - Probably not worth it, as the problem text can always just say -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset - -Pick two of the following -\begin_inset Quotes erd -\end_inset - -. - This is probably not a useful feature. -\end_deeper \layout Enumerate Scroll down to the Hint element, and type some text that will help students @@ -2272,8 +2271,8 @@ Numerical Response problems are answered Creating Numerical Response and Formula Response problems starts the same as the other problem types, but because of the power of Numerical Response - and Formula Response problems, it is too difficult to cover them in this - tutorial. + and Formula Response problems, they are covered in their own section after + the end of the tutorial. For more information about these problem types, please see section \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Numerical Response} @@ -2294,9 +2293,8 @@ In order to make the content you've crea you must publish your content. LON-CAPA provides an easy interface for publishing your content pages, problem resources, and sequences. - A common interface allows you to specify title, author information, keywords, - and other metadata. - LON-CAPA uses this metadata for many things, and it's importent to fill + You can specify title, author information, keywords, and other metadata. + LON-CAPA uses this metadata for many things, and it's important to fill the metadata out as accurately as possible. \layout Subsection @@ -2334,10 +2332,10 @@ data about data too stupid to understand the problem statement at all. \layout Standard -One example of metadata you use all the time is the of a webpage, +One example of metadata you use all the time is the <TITLE> of a web page, which usually shows up in the title bar of the browser. - That's information about the webpage itself, not actually part of the web - page. + That's information about the web page itself, not actually part of the + web page. People use it when they bookmark a page, so they know what the page is. Search engines use it as a clue about the content of the web page. \layout Subsection @@ -2459,7 +2457,7 @@ pulley as a key word. LON-CAPA pulls out likely-looking keywords for you so you can just click - on them to make them keywords. + on their check boxes to make them keywords. \series bold Additional keywords @@ -2476,7 +2474,6 @@ statics , even though it doesn't appear in the original problem, because Physics uses that as a classification of problem type. - \layout Standard Finally, you need to set the copyright and distribution notice. @@ -2559,8 +2556,9 @@ Binding Together Resources In One Map: P \layout Standard \align center -\begin_inset Figure size 429 66 -file mapEditingButton.eps +\begin_inset Figure size 238 83 +file mapEditorSelection.eps +width 3 40 flags 9 \end_inset @@ -2568,14 +2566,14 @@ flags 9 \layout Caption -Map Editing Button -\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Map Editing Button Figure} +Map Editor Selection +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Map Editor Selection Figure} \end_inset \end_float -To join several resources into one page, you need to create a +To join several resources into one web page, you need to create a \series bold Map \series default @@ -2617,44 +2615,13 @@ page \end_inset , you should see a screen as in figure -\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Map Editing Button Figure} +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Map Editor Selection Figure} \end_inset . - Click the button to get to the sequence editor. + You can use either the advanced editor or the simplified editor. -\begin_float fig -\layout Standard -\align center - -\begin_inset Figure size 476 226 -file mapEditInitial.eps -width 3 80 -flags 11 - -\end_inset - - -\layout Caption - -Initial Map Editor -\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Initial Map Editor FIgure} - -\end_inset - - -\end_float -After the system notices the map does not yet exist and creates it for you. - You should the initial map editor as seen in figure -\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Initial Map Editor FIgure} - -\end_inset - -. - Note there are two windows. - One is the workspace, and one is the window which will contain information - as you add resources. \layout Comment The following is a commented-out section of the manual, likely to not be @@ -2714,15 +2681,140 @@ The branching ability can obviously be u only by your imagination. \layout Subsection -Creating a Simple Map: Page -\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Page} +Creating a Simple .page With The Simple Editor +\layout Standard + +\begin_float fig +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Figure size 476 250 +file mapSimpleEditor.eps +width 3 80 +flags 9 \end_inset +\layout Caption + +Simple Map Editor +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Simple Map Editor} + +\end_inset + + +\end_float +After creating a new .page resource and getting the editor selection prompt + (figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Map Editor Selection Figure} + +\end_inset + +), click the +\series bold +Simple Edit +\series default + button to get to the simple sequence editor, which appears in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Simple Map Editor} + +\end_inset + +. + +\layout Standard + +The Simple Editor can create .sequences and .pages which are linear, which + means they have no branches or conditions. +\layout Standard + +On the right side of the simple editor is the +\series bold +Target +\series default +, which represents the map you are currently building. + On the left side is the +\series bold +Import +\series default + area, which represents a work area you can use for your convenience to + load and manipulate resource you may wish to include in your map. + Using the three buttons in the middle of the screen, from top to bottom + you can cut things out of the Target, copy from the Target to the Import, + and copy from the Import to the Target, respectively. +\layout Standard + +On both sides of the screen, you can do a Group Search and a Group Import. + A Group Search allows you to run a search, then import selected results + from that search into either directly into your Map, or into your Import + space. + Checkboxes will appear next to the results in the Group Search, and you + can click the resource you wish to add to your map. + After you select the resource, you will be presented with a screen that + allows you to change the order of the selected resources, then you will + be able to import the selected resources and work with them. +\layout Standard + +A Group Import works in a similar fashion, but allows you to use the LON-CAPA + network browser to select your resources. +\layout Standard + +On the Import side, you can also browse for another Map, and load the resources + used in that map into your Import workspace. + You can also discard the selected resources, clear all the resources, and + view the selected resource from the buttons on the Import side of the screen. + +\layout Standard + +Both list boxes support standard multi-select mechanisms as used in your + OS. +\layout Subsection + +Creating a Simple .page With The Advanced Editor +\layout Standard + +After creating a new .page resource and getting the editor selection prompt + (figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Map Editor Selection Figure} + +\end_inset + +), click the +\series bold +Advanced Edit +\series default + button to get to the advanced sequence editor. + +\begin_float fig \layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Figure size 476 205 +file mapAdvancedEditorNew.eps +width 3 80 +flags 11 + +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption -To create a simple page that joins several resources into one page: +Initial Map Editor +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Initial Map Editor FIgure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_float +You should the initial map editor as seen in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Initial Map Editor FIgure} + +\end_inset + +. + Note there are two windows. + One is the workspace, and one is a secondary window which will contain + information as you add resources. \layout Enumerate \begin_float fig @@ -2766,8 +2858,9 @@ Link Resource \layout Standard \align center -\begin_inset Figure size 120 360 +\begin_inset Figure size 70 210 file mapStraightened.eps +height 3 25 flags 9 \end_inset @@ -2804,8 +2897,9 @@ straighten \layout Standard \align center -\begin_inset Figure size 264 245 +\begin_inset Figure size 271 252 file mapInsertResource.eps +height 3 30 flags 9 \end_inset @@ -2849,9 +2943,9 @@ Network Directory Browser \layout Standard \align center -\begin_inset Figure size 476 216 +\begin_inset Figure size 357 162 file mapEditorDirectoryBrowser.eps -width 3 80 +width 3 60 flags 9 \end_inset @@ -2877,8 +2971,9 @@ Network Directory Browser \layout Standard \align center -\begin_inset Figure size 61 360 +\begin_inset Figure size 42 252 file mapEditorResourceChosen.eps +height 3 30 flags 9 \end_inset @@ -2949,6 +3044,15 @@ When you are done adding resources, clic Save Map \series default link to save the map. +\layout Standard + +In addition to manually adding in resources, the Advanced Editor also has + the ability to import resource in the same way that the Simple Editor can: + From a LON-CAPA network browser window, from a Group Search, or from another + Map. +\layout Standard + +The advanced editor has many more capabilities which you can explore. \layout Subsection Creating Sequences @@ -2964,8 +3068,8 @@ Sequences are a series of resources that NAV \series default remote control button, or by using the arrow keys on the remote control. - Sequence maps are created identically to page maps, the only difference - is how they are displayed. + Sequence maps are created identically to page maps. + The only difference is how they are displayed. \layout Subsection Creating a Course: Top-level Sequence @@ -2980,8 +3084,9 @@ course \layout Standard \align center -\begin_inset Figure size 422 410 +\begin_inset Figure size 238 231 file creatingANewCourse.eps +width 3 40 flags 9 \end_inset @@ -3001,7 +3106,7 @@ Creating a New Course assignments or weekly sequences. To view your maps, you will need to make them part of a course. Only Domain Administrators can make courses and set their Top-level maps, - so coordinate with your Domain Adminstrator if you need to create courses. + so coordinate with your Domain Administrator if you need to view your maps. \layout Section Numerical Response @@ -3022,7 +3127,7 @@ Numerical Response problems are very pow is possible in a document like this. This chapter will focus on just getting you started with Numerical Response problems, and showing you some of the possibilities, with no prerequisite - knowlege necessary. + knowledge necessary. The more you learn, the more you will find you can do. \layout Standard @@ -3318,7 +3423,7 @@ t is interpreted as a percentage. Any number in the tolerance field \emph on -with +followed by \emph default a \series bold @@ -3509,7 +3614,7 @@ A script consists of several \series bold statements \series default -, seperated by +, separated by \series bold semi-colons \series default @@ -3547,7 +3652,8 @@ comments very \emph default good idea to adopt some sort of commenting standard, especially if you - are working in a group or others may use your problems in the future. + are working in a group or you believe other people may use your problems + in the future. \layout Itemize One of the simplest statements in LON-CAPA is a @@ -3624,11 +3730,12 @@ case sensitive Getting variable names right is a skill. Variable names should not be too long, because they become easy to mistype. Variable names should also not be too short, with the exception of some - conventionally short variable names we'll talk about later. + conventionally short variable names used in control flow statements, which + are not covered in this manual. \layout Standard There are many variable naming conventions, covering both how to name and - how to capatalize variables + how to capitalize variables \begin_float footnote \layout Standard @@ -3705,11 +3812,11 @@ $variable $variable2 = $variable + 2; \layout Standard -Now there's a variable called +Now there is a variable called \family typewriter $variable2 \family default - with the value + with the the number \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset @@ -3717,7 +3824,7 @@ $variable2 \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset -. + as its value. \layout Standard @@ -3901,15 +4008,8 @@ With variables, you can store strings or Functions \series default allow you to manipulate these strings or numbers. - By stringing together a series of functions, you can do a lot. -\layout Standard - - -\series bold -Functions -\series default - work like mathematical functions: They take some number of arguments in, - and return one argument, usually a number or a string for our purposes. + Functions work like mathematical functions: They take some number of arguments + in, and return one argument, usually a number or a string for our purposes. There are a lot of functions available in LON-CAPA. You can see a complete list at http://mileva.lite.msu.edu/loncapadocs/homework/hom ework5.html. @@ -3978,7 +4078,7 @@ Randomization \layout Standard -For LON-CAPA, one of the most importent functions is the +For LON-CAPA, one of the most important functions is the \family typewriter random \family default @@ -4008,10 +4108,16 @@ interval 's away from the lower limit. Thus, for example, \family typewriter -&rand(1,2,.2) +&random(1,2,.2) \family default might return 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, or 2. +\family typewriter +random +\family default + uses a uniform distribution. + Other distributions are available in LON-CAPA, and can be found by consulting + the function list. \layout Standard \begin_float fig @@ -4074,7 +4180,7 @@ $answer , without the quotes for either of them. (It is a good idea to create a variable to hold the answer and call it - $answer. + $answer, or some other reasonably standard name. Do not try to compute the answer in the \series bold Answer @@ -4123,7 +4229,7 @@ Random Seed \series bold Script \series default -, you are no longer guarenteed to get the same problem.) +, you are no longer guaranteed to get the same problem.) \layout Standard If you're doing this as a tutorial, try a few random seeds to see what happens. @@ -4166,8 +4272,8 @@ Slope Problem Parameters \layout Standard When creating randomized problems, you want to make sure that the problems - always have an answer! Consider what might happen if I had chosen the two - slopes + always have an answer. + Consider what might happen if I had chosen the two slopes \emph on both \emph default @@ -4184,18 +4290,13 @@ both There are many ways to avoid this, one of the easiest of which is picking one slope negative and one positive. This same problem can show up in many other places, too, so be careful. -\layout Standard - -LON-CAPA has functions for several common random distributions; consult - the function list at http://mileva.lite.msu.edu/loncapadocs/homework/homework5.html - for a complete list and parameter specification. \layout Subsection Units, Format \layout Standard Numerical Response problems can require units. - In the problem editting form, place the desired unit in the + In the problem editing form, place the desired unit in the \series bold Unit \series default @@ -4257,8 +4358,9 @@ Format \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset - will display three significant digit in traditional notation. - You can use any number that you want instead of + will display three significant digit in traditional notation if possible, + and scientific notation if the number is too large or too small. + You can use any small number that you want instead of \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset @@ -4292,7 +4394,7 @@ The full power of the Perl is well outsi Looking in the function list at http://mileva.lite.msu.edu/loncapadocs/homework/ho mework5.html can give you some ideas. O'Reilly has some good Perl books. - The Perl 5 pocket reference will contain more then what you need to know + The Perl 5 Pocket Reference will contain more then what you need to know to use LON-CAPA, available at http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/perlpr3/ . \layout Standard @@ -4389,38 +4491,56 @@ As you may know, it is extremely difficu If your answer and the student's answer agree at the sampling points within your given tolerance factor, the student's answer will be accepted, otherwise it will be rejected. -\layout Comment +\layout Subsubsection -What's up with the x,y@1,2:4,3#2 stuff? +Sampling Specifications \layout Standard -Formula Response problems are otherwise virtually identical to Numeric Response - problems. -\layout Subsubsection +To specify where to sample the formulas to determine whether the student's + answer is correct, you need to put a sampling specification in the +\series bold +Sample Points +\series default -Sample Point Specifications \begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Sample Points} \end_inset - -\layout Standard - -To specific the sample points, use the following format: + field. + The sampling specifications takes the following format: \layout Itemize -a comma seperated list of the variables you wish to have sampled, +A comma seperated list of the variables you wish to interpret, \layout Itemize -followed by an @ -\layout Itemize +followed by +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +@ +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset -followed by a comma seperated list of values as long as your list of variables, - representing the sample points + (not in quotes), \layout Itemize -optionally followed by a semi-colon, and more comma seperated lists as in - the previous item. +followed by any number of the following two things, separated by semi-colons: +\begin_deeper +\layout Enumerate + +a comma separated list of as many numbers as there are variables, which + specifies one sampling point, OR +\layout Enumerate + +a comma separated list of as many numbers as there are variables, followed + a colon, followed by another list of as many numbers as there are variables, + followed by #, followed by an integer. +\end_deeper +\layout Standard + +The first form specifies one point to sample. + The second form specifies a range for each variable, and the system will + take as many random samples from that range as the number after the #. \layout Standard For @@ -4435,7 +4555,10 @@ x \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset -, one could specify +, one could specify +\layout Itemize + + \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset @@ -4443,29 +4566,77 @@ x@2 \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset - or +, which will sample the answers only at 2. + (This is generally a bad idea, as the student could get lucky and match + at that point) +\layout Itemize + + \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset -x@2;3;4;5 +x@1:5#4;10 \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset -. - (It is generally a good idea to give a few sample points.) For -\begin_inset Formula \( 2y^{3}+2x \) + will take 4 samples from somewhere between 1 and 5, and also sample at + 10. +\layout Standard + +For +\begin_inset Formula \( 2x^{2}+3y^{3} \) +\end_inset + +, which has two variables, one could specify +\layout Itemize + + +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +x,y@4,5:10,12#4;0,0 +\begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset -, with two variables, one could specify +, which take four samples from the box determined by the points (4, 5) and + (10, 12), and also sample the point (0, 0). +\layout Subsubsection + +Formula Notes +\layout Itemize + +The formula evaluator can not handle things of the form \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset -x,y@1,2;1,3;2,3;2,2 +x + - y \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset . - + If you have a random variable that may be positive or negative (as in the + example following this section), you can try wrapping the references to + that variable in parenthesis. + As always, it is a good idea to try out several randomized versions of + your problems to make sure everything works correctly. +\layout Itemize + + +\series bold +Never use relative tolerance in Formula Response problems. +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{tolerance, in formula response} + +\end_inset + + +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{relative tolerance, in formula response} + +\end_inset + + +\series default + Relative tolerance is poorly defined in Formula Response problems. + Always use absolute tolerance. \layout Subsubsection Example Formula Response @@ -4481,11 +4652,11 @@ Script , place the following: \layout LyX-Code -$slope = random(1,5,.5); +$slope = random(-5,5,.5); \layout LyX-Code -$yint = random(1,5,.5); -\layout Standard +$yint = random(-5,5,.5); +\layout Itemize In the \series bold @@ -4500,7 +4671,7 @@ For a line with slope $slope and y-inter \end_inset -\layout Standard +\layout Itemize In the \series bold @@ -4510,15 +4681,15 @@ Answer \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset -$slope*x + $yint +$slope*x + ($yint) \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset -\layout Standard +\layout Itemize -Set the Tolerence to 1%. -\layout Standard +Set the Tolerance to .000001. +\layout Itemize Set the \series bold @@ -4533,52 +4704,46 @@ $slope * x + $yint \end_inset . -\layout Standard +\layout Itemize Set the \series bold Sample Points \series default to x@0,1,2,3 . -\layout Section +\layout Comment -Things That Need To Be Added -\layout Subsection +TODO: +\layout Comment -Creating a default metadata file -\layout Subsection +* Get sampling problem figured out +\layout Comment -My questions\SpecialChar \ldots{} +\SpecialChar ~ -\layout Itemize +\layout Comment -What is the LON-CAPA default resource? If it's free, can just anyone -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset +\SpecialChar ~ -find and use it -\begin_inset Quotes erd -\end_inset +\newline +\SpecialChar ~ -, or just -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset +\layout Comment -use it if they already know where it is -\begin_inset Quotes erd -\end_inset +Appendix A: Student Interface +\layout Comment -? (In other words, how powerful is the search feature?) What's the difference - between free and public? -\layout Itemize +\begin_float fig +\layout Standard +\align center -How do I look at a map? (Must be part of course?) -\layout Section +\begin_inset Figure size 152 353 +file studentInterface.eps +flags 9 + +\end_inset -Appendix A: Student Interface -\layout Standard -\begin_float fig \layout Caption Student Remote Control @@ -4592,49 +4757,49 @@ The Student Remote Control will automati a LON-CAPA course as a student. The Student Remote Control contains most of the functions of the Author Remote Control and the following additional functions. -\layout Itemize +\layout Comment \series bold NAV (NAVIGATE CONTENTS) \series default allows you to directly access resources from the course outline. -\layout Itemize +\layout Comment \series bold ARROWS (LEFT and RIGHT) \series default allows you to move to the backward or forward through the course. -\layout Itemize +\layout Comment \series bold GRDS (MY GRADES) \series default allows you to check your grades in the courses you are taking. -\layout Itemize +\layout Comment \series bold SBKM (SET BOOKMARK) \series default allows you to bookmark pages for easy access. -\layout Itemize +\layout Comment \series bold VBKM (VIEW BOOKMARK) \series default displays your bookmarks for easy access to bookmarked resources. -\layout Itemize +\layout Comment \series bold ANOT (ANOTATE) \series default allows you to create personal notes. -\layout Itemize +\layout Comment \series bold