[BACK]Return to tutorial.lyx CVS log [TXT] [DIR] Up to [LON-CAPA] / doc / tutorial

Diff for /doc/tutorial/Attic/tutorial.lyx between versions 1.3 and 1.5

version 1.3, 2002/06/03 05:15:59 version 1.5, 2002/06/04 21:07:28
Line 27 Line 27
 \quotes_times 2  \quotes_times 2
 \papercolumns 1  \papercolumns 1
 \papersides 1  \papersides 1
 \paperpagestyle fancy  \paperpagestyle headings
   
 \layout Title  \layout Title
   
Line 91  Michigan State University Line 91  Michigan State University
 Introduction to LON-CAPA  Introduction to LON-CAPA
 \layout Comment  \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.   I will use them to document my observations as I work through this tutorial.
 \layout Comment  \layout Comment
   
Line 110  IMHO Line 110  IMHO
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 LON-CAPA is a web-based interface that helps to organize and present your  LON-CAPA is a web-based interface that helps to organize and present your
  course website, deliver and manage problem problems, and manage student   course website, deliver and manage problems, and manage student enrollment.
  enrollment.   All author functions are done using a web browser (Netscape 4.x or higher,
  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.
  is recommended) and the LON-CAPA Author Interface.  
  The URL for LON-CAPA is   
 \family typewriter   
 http://s10.lite.msu.edu  
 \family default   
 .  
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 At this time, you should have:  At this time, you should have:
Line 140  Throughout this manual, keywords and phr Line 134  Throughout this manual, keywords and phr
 bold type  bold type
 \series default   \series default 
 .  .
    Function names and scripts will be shown in a 
   \family typewriter 
   typewriter font
   \family default 
   .
 \layout Standard  \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}  \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Author Interface}
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
Line 152  Chapters Line 153  Chapters
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
  comprise a tutorial that will introduce you to the authoring system.   comprise a basic tutorial that can get you started using LON-CAPA, even
  After that, this document is a reference manual for authoring course materials.   with no previous LON-CAPA experience.
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 For more information, see the website at http://help.loncapa.org/, where you  For more information, see the website at 
  can get help and information.  \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   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  \layout Section
   
 The LON-CAPA Author Interface  The LON-CAPA Author Interface
Line 179  Login as Course Author Line 183  Login as Course Author
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 To begin using LON-CAPA, you first need to log in to your account on LON-CAPA.  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:    Open your web browser and navigate to your local LON-CAPA URL.
 \family typewriter   
 http://s10.lite.msu.edu/  
 \family default   
  .  
  You will be presented with a log in screen as in figure    You will be presented with a log in screen as in figure 
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{LON-CAPA Log in screen}  \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{LON-CAPA Log in screen}
   
Line 256  remote control Line 256  remote control
  complexity of modern remotes, for three major reasons: One, they never,   complexity of modern remotes, for three major reasons: One, they never,
  ever, ever change.   ever, ever change.
  Two, they provide immense amounts of tactile feedback, allowing one to   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.   memory.
  (There are equivalent usability principles in usability, as well; look   (There are equivalent usability principles in usability, as well; look
  up Fitt's Law, for instance.) Three, they all basically do the same thing;   up Fitt's Law, for instance.) Three, they all basically do the same thing;
Line 287  menu Line 287  menu
  remote control space.   remote control space.
 \layout Comment  \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   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?   Why not give them that in the first place?
 \layout Comment  \layout Comment
   
Line 319  remote Line 319  remote
 \layout Comment  \layout Comment
   
 3.  3.
  By commiting to this    By committing to this 
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset Quotes eld
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
Line 328  remote control Line 328  remote control
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
  layout, you commit to a remote control's layout limitations, except that   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.   specialized symbols, or whatnot.
  I'm looking at a (real) remote control right now that manages to get    I'm looking at a (real) remote control right now that manages to get 
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset Quotes eld
Line 347  ROLES Line 347  ROLES
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \begin_inset Quotes erd
 \end_inset   \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.   no sane remote control designer could deal with.
 \layout Comment  \layout Comment
   
Line 371  ROLES Line 371  ROLES
   
 The upshot is that the only upside to the remote control is a moderately  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   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   Unfortunately, I do not see any way to salvage any aspect of the remote
  control; it's going to suck until it's replaced.   control; it's going to suck until it's replaced.
  Pleasing graphics are relatively easy to come by nowadays; it should not   Pleasing graphics are relatively easy to come by nowadays; it should not
Line 520  Content Page Line 520  Content Page
   
  displays course content.   displays course content.
  It is essentially a conventional HTML page.   It is essentially a conventional HTML page.
     These resources use the extension 
 \layout Comment  \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
 Check this; is it exactly like HTML pages?  .html
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   .
 \layout Itemize  \layout Itemize
   
 A   A 
Line 567  Sequence Line 572  Sequence
   
 \series default   \series default 
  type represents a programmed series of events.   type represents a programmed series of events.
  The users of this resource can use buttons on their remote or the NAV button   The users of this resource can use directional buttons on their remote
  to follow the sequence.   or the NAV button to follow the sequence.
  These resources are stored in files that must use the extension    These resources are stored in files that must use the extension 
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset Quotes eld
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
Line 578  Sequence Line 583  Sequence
 \end_inset   \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  \layout Itemize
   
 A   A 
Line 646  Construction Space Line 639  Construction Space
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
   
 \end_float   \layout Standard
 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.  Contents of the Construction Space:
  The Construction Space consists of a green tool bar at the top of the page  
  and a list of all directories and resources below.  
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
   
 \begin_inset  Tabular  \begin_inset  Tabular
 <lyxtabular version="2" rows="10" columns="2">  <lyxtabular version="2" rows="10" columns="2">
 <features rotate="false" islongtable="true" endhead="0" endfirsthead="0" endfoot="0" endlastfoot="0">  <features rotate="false" islongtable="false" endhead="0" endfirsthead="0" endfoot="0" endlastfoot="0">
 <column alignment="center" valignment="top" leftline="true" rightline="false" width="" special="">  <column alignment="center" valignment="top" leftline="true" rightline="false" width="" special="">
 <column alignment="left" valignment="top" leftline="true" rightline="true" width="5in" special="">  <column alignment="left" valignment="top" leftline="true" rightline="true" width="5in" special="">
 <row topline="true" bottomline="true" newpage="false">  <row topline="true" bottomline="true" newpage="false">
Line 852  Type a name in the entry box to create a Line 839  Type a name in the entry box to create a
 \end_inset   \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  \layout Subsection
   
 How to Create New Content Pages  How to Create New Content Pages
Line 868  Content Pages Line 863  Content Pages
 \series default   \series default 
  are HTML documents that display the course information you are presenting.   are HTML documents that display the course information you are presenting.
  To create new Content Pages, do the following:   To create new Content Pages, do the following:
 \layout Comment  
   
 Is step one necessary? I don't see how it could be.  
 \layout Enumerate  \layout Enumerate
   
 Click the   Click the 
Line 899  directory/new_resource.html Line 891  directory/new_resource.html
  Press the Return or Enter key.   Press the Return or Enter key.
 \layout Enumerate  \layout Enumerate
   
 You should see something like the following message:   You should see something like the following message: File not found: /home/wmson
 \series bold   j/priv/\SpecialChar \-
 File not found: /home/wmsonj/priv/\SpecialChar \-  directory/new_resource.html, and an Edit button.
 directory/new_resource.html  
 \series default   
 , and an Edit button.  
  Click the    Click the 
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \series bold 
 \end_inset   
   
 Edit  Edit
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \series default 
 \end_inset   
   
  button, and an HTML editor will open with a simple page template.   button, and an HTML editor will open with a simple page template.
 \layout Enumerate  \layout Enumerate
   
Line 920  Type the content into the editor, Line 905  Type the content into the editor,
 \emph on   \emph on 
 OR  OR
 \emph default   \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  \layout Enumerate
   
 Optionally, click the   Optionally, click the 
Line 1008  Creating Online Problems Using LON-CAPA Line 994  Creating Online Problems Using LON-CAPA
 If you're following this as a tutorial, go ahead and make one of each of  If you're following this as a tutorial, go ahead and make one of each of
  these problem types now.   these problem types now.
  We'll be using them later as raw material to assemble maps and sequences.   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  \layout Subsubsection
   
 Problems Types  Problems Types
Line 1055  Radio Response Line 1054  Radio Response
  foils, True or False.   foils, True or False.
 \layout Standard  \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   You may display from three to five foils for each problem and the system
  randomly picks the choices that are presented to the student.   randomly picks the choices that are presented to the student.
 \layout Comment  \layout Comment
Line 1077  Option Response problems present foils t Line 1076  Option Response problems present foils t
  pick one to present to the student from each group.   pick one to present to the student from each group.
  The student must match each of his or her questions correctly to the possible   The student must match each of his or her questions correctly to the possible
  answers before receiving credit for the problem.   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}  \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Create Option Response Problem}
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 ).  .
 \layout Subsubsection  \layout Subsubsection
   
 String Response Problems  String Response Problems
Line 1137  Samuel Clements Line 1136  Samuel Clements
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \begin_inset Quotes erd
 \end_inset   \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   There is some room for flexibility in the string processing, but it can
  be difficult to get it all right.   be difficult to get it all right.
  Before you use a String Response problem, be sure you can easily characterize   Before you use a String Response problem, be sure you can easily characterize
Line 1158  Numerical Response Line 1157  Numerical Response
 \series default   \series default 
  problems are answered by entering a number and (optionally) a unit, such   problems are answered by entering a number and (optionally) a unit, such
  as 2.5 m/s^2.   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  \layout Subsubsection
   
 Formula Response Problems  Formula Response Problems
Line 1254  Radio Response Creation Form Line 1253  Radio Response Creation Form
   
   
 \end_float   \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  \layout Enumerate
   
 In the drop-down option box as seen in   In the drop-down option box as seen in 
Line 1278  Click the Line 1277  Click the
 Edit  Edit
 \series default   \series default 
  button above the sample problem to enter edit mode.   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  \layout Enumerate
   
 In the   In the 
Line 1512  true Line 1517  true
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset Quotes eld
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 Napolean conquered Japan in the year 189 A.D.  Napoleon conquered Japan in the year 189 A.D.
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \begin_inset Quotes erd
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
Line 1542  Option Response Line 1547  Option Response
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
  Problems   Problems
   \layout Subsubsection
   
   Option Response problems with Concept Groups
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 \begin_float fig   \begin_float fig 
Line 1565  Option Response Problem Line 1573  Option Response Problem
   
   
 \end_float   \end_float 
 Each Option Response problem has three parts:  Each Option Response problem can have three parts:
 \layout Enumerate  \layout Enumerate
   
 The Concept Groups  The Concept Groups
Line 1874  To delete the irrelevant options from th Line 1882  To delete the irrelevant options from th
 \series bold   \series bold 
 Delete Option  Delete Option
 \series default   \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.   Do that for each option you wish to remove.
 \layout Enumerate  \layout Enumerate
   
Line 1926  In the Hint area, provide a helpful hint Line 1934  In the Hint area, provide a helpful hint
 Save Changes  Save Changes
 \series default   \series default 
  button.   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  \layout Subsection
   
 Creating a String Response Problem  Creating a String Response Problem
Line 2073  ci Line 2094  ci
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset Quotes eld
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 Case Insenstive  Case Insensitive
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \begin_inset Quotes erd
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
Line 2137  Multiple Choice Line 2158  Multiple Choice
   
 .  .
  The student's answers must contain the same letters as the question author's,   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   This is usually used to give a multiple choice question in the question's
     
 \series bold   \series bold 
Line 2195  abcg Line 2216  abcg
 .  .
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 It is conventional to tell the students whether the question is case sensitive  It is conventional to inform the students if the problem is case sensitive,
  or not.   or that the order of the answers doesn't matter.
 \end_deeper   \end_deeper 
 \layout Enumerate  \layout Enumerate
   
Line 2207  Single Line Text Entry Area Line 2228  Single Line Text Entry Area
  block and set a length in the Size box.   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   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.   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  \layout Enumerate
   
 Scroll down to the Hint element, and type some text that will help students  Scroll down to the Hint element, and type some text that will help students
Line 2267  Numerical Response problems are answered Line 2271  Numerical Response problems are answered
   
 Creating Numerical Response and Formula Response problems starts the same  Creating Numerical Response and Formula Response problems starts the same
  as the other problem types, but because of the power of Numerical Response   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   and Formula Response problems, they are covered in their own section after
  tutorial.   the end of the tutorial.
  For more information about these problem types, please see section    For more information about these problem types, please see section 
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Numerical Response}  \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Numerical Response}
   
Line 2289  In order to make the content you've crea Line 2293  In order to make the content you've crea
  you must publish your content.   you must publish your content.
  LON-CAPA provides an easy interface for publishing your content pages,   LON-CAPA provides an easy interface for publishing your content pages,
  problem resources, and sequences.   problem resources, and sequences.
  A common interface allows you to specify title, author information, keywords,   You can specify title, author information, keywords, and other metadata.
  and other metadata.   LON-CAPA uses this metadata for many things, and it's important to fill
  LON-CAPA uses this metadata for many things, and it's importent to fill  
  the metadata out as accurately as possible.   the metadata out as accurately as possible.
 \layout Subsection  \layout Subsection
   
Line 2329  data about data Line 2332  data about data
  too stupid to understand the problem statement at all.   too stupid to understand the problem statement at all.
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 One example of metadata you use all the time is the <TITLE> 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.   which usually shows up in the title bar of the browser.
  That's information about the webpage itself, not actually part of the web   That's information about the web page itself, not actually part of the
  page.   web page.
  People use it when they bookmark a page, so they know what the page is.   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.   Search engines use it as a clue about the content of the web page.
 \layout Subsection  \layout Subsection
Line 2454  pulley Line 2457  pulley
   
  as a key word.   as a key word.
  LON-CAPA pulls out likely-looking keywords for you so you can just click   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   \series bold 
 Additional keywords  Additional keywords
Line 2471  statics Line 2474  statics
   
 , even though it doesn't appear in the original problem, because Physics  , even though it doesn't appear in the original problem, because Physics
  uses that as a classification of problem type.   uses that as a classification of problem type.
    
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 Finally, you need to set the copyright and distribution notice.  Finally, you need to set the copyright and distribution notice.
Line 2554  Binding Together Resources In One Map: P Line 2556  Binding Together Resources In One Map: P
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
 \align center   \align center 
   
 \begin_inset Figure size 429 66  \begin_inset Figure size 238 83
 file mapEditingButton.eps  file mapEditorSelection.eps
   width 3 40
 flags 9  flags 9
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
Line 2563  flags 9 Line 2566  flags 9
   
 \layout Caption  \layout Caption
   
 Map Editing Button  Map Editor Selection
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Map Editing Button Figure}  \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Map Editor Selection Figure}
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
   
 \end_float   \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   \series bold 
 Map  Map
 \series default   \series default 
Line 2612  page Line 2615  page
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 , you should see a screen as in figure   , 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   \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 Comment
 \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   
   
 .  The following is a commented-out section of the manual, likely to not be
  Note there are two windows.   useful.
  One is the workspace, and one is the window which will contain information  \layout Comment
  as you add resources.  
 \layout Subsection  
   
 About The Editor  About The Editor
 \layout Standard  \layout Comment
   
 \begin_float fig   \begin_float fig 
 \layout Caption  \layout Caption
Line 2666  Example of the Map Editor Line 2642  Example of the Map Editor
   
 \end_float   \end_float 
 Maps are very powerful and can do a lot.  Maps are very powerful and can do a lot.
  They can make decisions as the user progresses, and go down different paths   They can make decisions as the user progresses, going down different paths
  under different circumstances.   under different circumstances.
  For instance, a map can go down one path if the user gets a problem right,   For instance, a map can go down one path if the user gets a problem right,
  and another path if they don't.   and another path if they don't which will provide more help for the student.
     
 \layout Standard  \layout Comment
   
 To facilitate editing these powerful entities, LON-CAPA has a map editor  To facilitate editing these powerful entities, LON-CAPA has a map editor
  that helps you take advantage of this power, as seen in figure    that helps you take advantage of this power, as seen in figure 
Line 2697  Finish Line 2673  Finish
  In the example figure, there are two paths the student can go down, depending   In the example figure, there are two paths the student can go down, depending
  on whether or not they get the problem at the branch point correct.   on whether or not they get the problem at the branch point correct.
  By the end of this section, we'll create the map represented in this figure.   By the end of this section, we'll create the map represented in this figure.
 \layout Standard  \layout Comment
   
 The branching ability can obviously be used to help the student understand  The branching ability can obviously be used to help the student understand
  the concept in the problem by having them go through some extra material   the concept in the problem by having them go through some extra material
Line 2705  The branching ability can obviously be u Line 2681  The branching ability can obviously be u
  only by your imagination.   only by your imagination.
 \layout Subsection  \layout Subsection
   
 Creating a Simple Map: Page  Creating a Simple .page With The Simple Editor
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 To add a resource to the map:  
 \layout Enumerate  
   
 Click on an unused light gray area.  
 \begin_float fig   \begin_float fig 
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
 \align center   \align center 
   
 \begin_inset Figure size 476 242  \begin_inset Figure size 476 250
 file mapEditFirstClick.eps  file mapSimpleEditor.eps
 width 3 80  width 3 80
 flags 9  flags 9
   
Line 2726  flags 9 Line 2698  flags 9
   
 \layout Caption  \layout Caption
   
 Map Editor after clicking on the box labelled   Simple Map Editor
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Simple Map Editor}
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 here  
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \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   \end_inset 
   
 .  .
     
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Map Editor First Click Figure}  \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
   
   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 
   \layout Standard
   \align center 
   
   \begin_inset Figure size 476 221
   file mapClickedStart.eps
   width 3 80
   flags 9
   
   \end_inset 
   
   
   \layout Caption
   
   Clicked Start in the Map Constructor
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Clicked Start Figure}
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
   
 \end_float   \end_float 
  In figure   Click the Start box.
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Map Editor First Click Figure}   You'll see what you see in figure 
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Clicked Start Figure}
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 , the map editor after clicking on the area labelled   .
    Click 
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset Quotes eld
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 here  Link Resource
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \begin_inset Quotes erd
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
  is shown.   in the secondary window, then click on the Finish box.
  In that figure, lines have been added to show where the box boundaries  \begin_float fig 
  are for the purposes of demonstration.  
  This is to allow you to stay in sync with this tutorial; normally this  
  doesn't matter.  
    
 \begin_deeper   
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   \align center 
   
 Note that the contents of the seperate window have changed.  \begin_inset Figure size 70 210
 \end_deeper   file mapStraightened.eps
   height 3 25
   flags 9
   
   \end_inset 
   
   
   \layout Caption
   
   Straightened Map
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Striaghtened map}
   
   \end_inset 
   
   
   \end_float 
    After that, click 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   straighten
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   .
    You should see something like figure 
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Striaghtened map}
   
   \end_inset 
   
   .
    This creates a simple map that flows from beginning to end.
 \layout Enumerate  \layout Enumerate
   
 \begin_float fig   \begin_float fig 
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
 \align center   \align center 
   
 \begin_inset Figure size 476 218  \begin_inset Figure size 271 252
 file mapNewResource.eps  file mapInsertResource.eps
 width 3 80  height 3 30
 flags 9  flags 9
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
Line 2782  flags 9 Line 2907  flags 9
   
 \layout Caption  \layout Caption
   
 Map Resource Editor  Inserting a Resource
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Map Resource Editor Figure}  \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Inserting a Resource Figure}
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
   
 \end_float   \end_float 
 Click on   To insert a resource into the flow, click the black line with two arrows.
 \series bold    In the secondary window, you'll see something like figure 
 Insert Resource  \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Inserting a Resource Figure}
 \series default   
  in the secondary window.  
  A   
 \series bold   
 Resource  
 \series default   
  will appear in the map editor.  
  Click on the new Resource, and you'll get something like Figure   
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Map Resource Editor Figure}  
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
  will show appear.  .
  Click    Click 
 \series bold   \series bold 
   Insert Resource Into Link
   \series default 
   .
    A new resource will appear in the link.
    Click the resource.
   \layout Enumerate
   
   Click 
   \series bold 
 Browse  Browse
 \series default   \series default 
 , and the   , and the 
Line 2818  Network Directory Browser Line 2943  Network Directory Browser
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
 \align center   \align center 
   
 \begin_inset Figure size 476 216  \begin_inset Figure size 357 162
 file mapEditorDirectoryBrowser.eps  file mapEditorDirectoryBrowser.eps
 width 3 80  width 3 60
 flags 9  flags 9
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
Line 2846  Network Directory Browser Line 2971  Network Directory Browser
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
 \align center   \align center 
   
 \begin_inset Figure size 476 213  \begin_inset Figure size 42 252
 file mapEditorResourceChosen.eps  file mapEditorResourceChosen.eps
 width 3 80  height 3 30
 flags 9  flags 9
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
Line 2861  Resource Chosen Line 2986  Resource Chosen
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
  (HTML page)  
 \end_float   \end_float 
  Once you've done that, if you look back at the window that popped up when   Once you've done that, if you look back at the window that popped up when
  you clicked on    you clicked on 
Line 2882  URL Line 3007  URL
 \series bold   \series bold 
 Title  Title
 \series default   \series default 
  if you prefer, following the format you see above.   into the secondary window, if you prefer, following the format you see
    above.
  After you click    After you click 
 \series bold   \series bold 
 Save Changes  Save Changes
Line 2908  Clicking on the left icon for a resource Line 3034  Clicking on the left icon for a resource
 \end_deeper   \end_deeper 
 \layout Enumerate  \layout Enumerate
   
 Let's give practice giving ourselves a bit more space.  Repeat steps two and three for as many resources as you'd like to bind together
  Click on the grey space just left of your resource, and select    into one page.
 \series bold    You can insert the new resources anywhere you'd like.
 Insert Column Right  
 \series default   
 .  
  This will add a column to the right of that space.  
  Now, click on the bottom row in the grey area, and select   
 \series bold   
 Insert Row Above  
 \series default   
 .  
  This gives us enough space to work with.  
 \layout Enumerate  \layout Enumerate
   
 Now, in the map editor window, click just to the left of the   When you are done adding resources, click the 
 \series bold   \series bold 
 Res  Save Map
 \series default   \series default 
  box.   link to save the map.
 \begin_float fig   
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
 \align center   
   
 \begin_inset Figure size 357 190  
 file mapSecondWindowSecondResource.eps  
 flags 9  
   
 \end_inset   
   
   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
   
 \layout Caption  The advanced editor has many more capabilities which you can explore.
   \layout Subsection
   
 Choosing your second resource  Creating Sequences
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Map Second Resource Figure}  \begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Sequence}
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
   
 \end_float   \layout Standard
  The secondary window will appear as it does in figure   
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Map Second Resource Figure}  
   
 \end_inset   Sequences are a series of resources that can be navigated using the 
   \series bold 
   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.
   \layout Subsection
   
   Creating a Course: Top-level Sequence
   \layout Standard
   
 , but for now just choose   In order to view sequences, they need to be part of a 
 \series bold   \series bold 
 Insert Resource  course
 \series default   \series default 
  again, not the new options.  .
  Insert a resource in the same manner as before.  
 \begin_float fig   \begin_float fig 
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
 \align center   \align center 
   
 \begin_inset Figure size 476 243  \begin_inset Figure size 238 231
 file mapTwoResources.eps  file creatingANewCourse.eps
 width 3 80  width 3 40
 flags 11  flags 9
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
   
 \layout Caption  \layout Caption
   
 Two Resource in the Map Editor  Creating a New Course
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Two Resources in the Map Editor Figure}  \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Creating a New Course Figure}
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
   
 \end_float   \end_float 
  You should have something that looks like figure    Courses have a Top-level Map which defines the whole course.
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Two Resources in the Map Editor Figure}   This top-level map will often itself contain maps corresponding to homework
    assignments or weekly sequences.
 \end_inset    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,
 , though the exact placement may differ.   so coordinate with your Domain Administrator if you need to view your maps.
  Now we need to link them together.  
 \layout Enumerate  
   
 Click the Start box.  
  In the secondary window, select   
 \series bold   
 Link Resource  
 \series default   
 .  
  The secondary window will prompt you to click on the resource you want  
  to link it to.  
  Click the first resource you added to the map.  
  A new link is created.  
 \layout Enumerate  
   
 Repeat the last step, linking the first resource to the second resource,  
  and the second resource to   
 \series bold   
 Finish  
 \series default   
 .  
 \layout Enumerate  
   
 Now, in the editor window, click   
 \series bold   
 Save Map  
 \series default   
 .  
  A dialog box will pop up, telling you the map has been saved.  
 \layout Standard  
   
 Now that you   
 \layout Section  \layout Section
   
 Numerical Response  Numerical Response
Line 3030  Numerical Response Line 3119  Numerical Response
   
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
  Problems   And Formula Response Questions
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 Numerical Response problems are very powerful.  Numerical Response problems are very powerful.
Line 3038  Numerical Response problems are very pow Line 3127  Numerical Response problems are very pow
  is possible in a document like this.   is possible in a document like this.
  This chapter will focus on just getting you started with Numerical Response   This chapter will focus on just getting you started with Numerical Response
  problems, and showing you some of the possibilities, with no prerequisite   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.   The more you learn, the more you will find you can do.
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
Line 3334  t Line 3423  t
  is interpreted as a percentage.   is interpreted as a percentage.
  Any number in the tolerance field    Any number in the tolerance field 
 \emph on   \emph on 
 with  followed by
 \emph default   \emph default 
  a    a 
 \series bold   \series bold 
Line 3525  A script consists of several Line 3614  A script consists of several
 \series bold   \series bold 
 statements  statements
 \series default   \series default 
 , seperated by   , separated by 
 \series bold   \series bold 
 semi-colons  semi-colons
 \series default   \series default 
Line 3563  comments Line 3652  comments
 very  very
 \emph default   \emph default 
  good idea to adopt some sort of commenting standard, especially if you   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
 \layout Standard   in the future.
   \layout Itemize
   
 One of the simplest statements in LON-CAPA is a   One of the simplest statements in LON-CAPA is a 
 \series bold   \series bold 
Line 3640  case sensitive Line 3730  case sensitive
 Getting variable names right is a skill.  Getting variable names right is a skill.
  Variable names should not be too long, because they become easy to mistype.   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   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  \layout Standard
   
 There are many variable naming conventions, covering both how to name and  There are many variable naming conventions, covering both how to name and
  how to capatalize variables   how to capitalize variables
 \begin_float footnote   \begin_float footnote 
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
Line 3721  $variable Line 3812  $variable
 $variable2 = $variable + 2;  $variable2 = $variable + 2;
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 Now there's a variable called   Now there is a variable called 
 \family typewriter   \family typewriter 
 $variable2  $variable2
 \family default   \family default 
  with the value    with the the number 
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset Quotes eld
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
Line 3733  $variable2 Line 3824  $variable2
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \begin_inset Quotes erd
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 .   as its value.
     
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
Line 3911  View Line 4002  View
 Calling Functions  Calling Functions
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 Now you've seen how to use variables and stuff, see how to call functions.  With variables, you can store strings or numbers.
    
   \series bold 
   Functions
   \series default 
    allow you to manipulate these strings or numbers.
    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.
    For now, let's just look at some simple examples.
   \layout Standard
   
   \begin_float fig 
   \layout LyX-Code
   
   $a = 3;
   \layout LyX-Code
   
   $b = &sin($a);
   \layout LyX-Code
   
   $c = &pow(3, &floor($a));
   \layout Caption
   
   Some Function Calls
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Some Function Calls Figure}
   
   \end_inset 
   
   
   \end_float 
   In the 
   \series bold 
   Script
   \series default 
    block, function names start with 
   \series bold 
   &
   \series default 
   .
    Some example function calls are shown in figure 
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Some Function Calls Figure}
   
   \end_inset 
   
   .
    You can see that functions can take either variables, numbers, or the results
    of other function calls as parameters.
    The 
   \family typewriter 
   sin
   \family default 
    function returns the sine of an angle expressed in radians.
    
   \family typewriter 
   pow
   \family default 
    raises the first parameter to the power of the second parameter.
    
   \family typewriter 
   floor
   \family default 
    returns the nearest integer below the parameter, which since 3 is already
    an integer is 3.
 \layout Subsubsection  \layout Subsubsection
   
 Randomization  Randomization
Line 3922  Randomization Line 4078  Randomization
   
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 One of the most importent functions for LON-CAPA is the RANDOM function.  For LON-CAPA, one of the most important functions is the 
   \family typewriter 
   random
   \family default 
    function.
    Random takes three parameters, a 
   \emph on 
   lower limit
   \emph default 
   , an 
   \emph on 
   upper limit
   \emph default 
   , and an 
   \emph on 
   interval
   \emph default 
   .
    The 
   \family typewriter 
   random
   \family default 
    function returns a random value between the upper and lower limit, some
    integer number of 
   \emph on 
   interval
   \emph default 
   's away from the lower limit.
    Thus, for example, 
   \family typewriter 
   &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 
   \layout LyX-Code
   
   $a = &random(1,10,1);
   \layout LyX-Code
   
   $b = &random(-10, -3, 1);
   \layout LyX-Code
   
   $answer = $a+$b;
   \layout Caption
   
   Sample 
   \family typewriter 
   random
   \family default 
    Calls 
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Sample Random Calls figure}
   
   \end_inset 
   
   
   \end_float 
   If you put the script in figure 
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Sample Random Calls figure}
   
   \end_inset 
   
    into the 
   \series bold 
   Script
   \series default 
    block (replacing whatever contents might be in the block already), you'll
    get two random variables $a and $b.
    Now, in the 
   \series bold 
   Text Block
   \series default 
   , put 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   What is $a plus $b?
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   , and in the 
   \series bold 
   Answer
   \series default 
    put 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   $answer
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   , without the quotes for either of them.
    (It is a good idea to create a variable to hold the answer and call it
    $answer, or some other reasonably standard name.
    Do not try to compute the answer in the 
   \series bold 
   Answer
   \series default 
    field itself; it will not work as you expect.) Now save the problem and
    
   \series bold 
   View
   \series default 
    it.
    You'll see a randomized problem.
   \layout Standard
   
   For each student, the same random number will be used each time they visit
    the problem, but each student will get different random numbers.
    For any but the simplest random problems, you'll want to see several random
    problems to make sure everything is working out correctly.
    This is what the 
   \series bold 
   Random Seed
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Random Seed}
   
   \end_inset 
   
   
   \series default 
    field is for.
    To see another randomized version of the problem you've just created, put
    another number into the 
   \series bold 
   Random Seed
   \series default 
    field and hit 
   \series bold 
   Change
   \series default 
   .
    It doesn't really matter what number you put into the field.
    But for any given 
   \series bold 
   Random Seed
   \series default 
    with the same problem, you'll see the same randomized problem generated
    for you.
    (If you change the 
   \series bold 
   Script
   \series default 
   , 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.
 \layout Subsection  \layout Subsection
   
 Dynamic, Randomized Problems: Putting It All Together  Dynamic, Randomized Problems: Putting It All Together
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 placeholder  Now you have all the tools to create those wonderful dynamic, randomized
    problems that you've seen in LON-CAPA.
   \begin_float fig 
   \layout Standard
   \align center 
   
   \begin_inset Figure size 476 197
   file numericalResponseSlopeProblem.eps
   width 3 80
   flags 9
   
   \end_inset 
   
   
   \layout Caption
   
   Slope Problem Parameters
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Slope Problem Parameters Figure}
   
   \end_inset 
   
   
   \end_float 
    For example, try filling out your problem with the parameters shown in
    figure 
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Slope Problem Parameters Figure}
   
   \end_inset 
   
   .
    
   \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 
   \emph on 
   both
   \emph default 
    with the expression 
   \family typewriter 
   &rand(-1,1,.2)
   \family default 
   .
    One out of ten students would get a problem where both slopes were equal,
    which has either no solution (for unequal y-intercepts) or an infinite
    number of solutions (for equal slopes and y-intercepts).
    Both of these cause a division-by-zero error on the division that computes
    the answer.
    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 Subsection
   
   Units, Format
   \layout Standard
   
   Numerical Response problems can require units.
    In the problem editing form, place the desired unit in the 
   \series bold 
   Unit
   \series default 
    field.
    For information about what units the system accepts, see http://capa4.lite.msu.edu
   /demolibrary/Links/UnitsSymbolsT2.html.
    The computer will accept the answer in any of its accepted unit formats.
    For example, if the answer to a problem is 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   1ft
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   , the computer will accept 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   12in
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
    as correct.
   \layout Standard
   
   Additionally, you can format the number displayed by the computer as the
    answer.
    For instance, if the answer is one-third, the computer will display that
    it computed 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   .333333333
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
    as the answer.
    If you'd like to shorten that, you can use the 
   \series bold 
   Format
   \series default 
    field.
    Format strings like 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   2e
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
    (without the quotes) will display three significant digits in scientific
    notation.
    Format strings like 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   2f
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
    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 
   
   2
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   .
 \layout Subsection  \layout Subsection
   
 For More Information  For More Information
Line 3944  Very often, the easiest way to create a Line 4384  Very often, the easiest way to create a
   
 \series default   \series default 
  The more complicated a problem is, the more time you'll save by doing this.   The more complicated a problem is, the more time you'll save by doing this.
  Also, you may find new ideas you can use and elaborate in your problems.   You may also find new ideas you can use and elaborate on in your problems.
 \layout Comment  \layout Comment
   
 Is there UI for this? Check.  Is there UI for this? Check.
 \layout Standard  \layout Standard
   
 The full power of the Perl is well outside the scope of this document.  The full power of the Perl is well outside the scope of this document.
  Without going into the same level of detail as the previous examples, here's   Looking in the function list at http://mileva.lite.msu.edu/loncapadocs/homework/ho
  some ideas to stimulate your imagination:  mework5.html can give you some ideas.
 \layout Itemize   O'Reilly has some good Perl books.
    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
   
   If you have any problems, consult http://help.loncapa.org/fom/cache/5.html
    .
    If you don't find the answer to your problem, please help us expand the
    FAQ by emailing us your question so we can answer it.
   \layout Standard
   
   Our advanced users often come to prefer the XML interface for the problems,
    available through the 
   \series bold 
   EditXML
   \series default 
    buttons.
    Covering the XML format is beyond the scope of this manual, but you can
    learn a lot by using the editor to make changes and seeing what happens
    to the XML.
   \layout Subsection
   
   Formula Response
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Formula Response}
   
   \end_inset 
   
   
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Formula Response}
   
   \end_inset 
   
    Problems
   \layout Standard
   
   \begin_float fig 
   \layout Standard
   \align center 
   
   \begin_inset Figure size 476 262
   file formulaResponse.eps
   width 3 80
   flags 9
   
   \end_inset 
   
   
   \layout Caption
   
   Formula Response Problem
   \end_float 
   Formula response problems asks the student to type in a formula as an answer.
    If the answer is 
   \begin_inset Formula \( 2x^{2}+4 \)
   \end_inset 
   
 Variable text.  , the student is allowed to type 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   2*x*x+4
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   , 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   x*x + x*x + 4
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   , 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   2*x^2 + 14 - 10
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   , or any other equivalent expression.
    Formula Response problems have many of the same characteristics of Numerical
    Response problems, including the ability to run scripts, dynamically generate
    answers, etc.
     
   \layout Standard
   
   As you may know, it is extremely difficult to determine whether a given
    expression is exactly equal to another expression in general.
    For example, is 
   \begin_inset Formula \( \sin 2x=2\sin x\cos x \)
   \end_inset 
   
   ? Symbolically proving it one way or another is impossible in general.
    Therefore, LON-CAPA uses a sampling system.
    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 Subsubsection
   
   Sampling Specifications
   \layout Standard
   
   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 
   
   \begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Sample Points}
   
   \end_inset 
   
    field.
    The sampling specifications takes the following format:
 \layout Itemize  \layout Itemize
   
 Perl has several other data structures which might be of use.  A comma seperated list of the variables you wish to interpret,
  You may wish to do one of the many simple Perl tutorials on the Web.  \layout Itemize
  I recommend searching Google for   
   followed by 
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset Quotes eld
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 perl tutorial  @
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \begin_inset Quotes erd
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 .   (not in quotes),
 \layout Section  \layout Itemize
   
 Formula Response  followed by any number of the following two things, separated by semi-colons:
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Formula Response}  \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 
   \begin_inset Formula \( 2x^{2}+4 \)
   \end_inset 
   
   , with one variable 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   x
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
   , one could specify
   \layout Itemize
   
 \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Formula Response}  
   
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
  Problems  x@2
 \layout Section  \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   , 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
   
 Additional Problem Components  
 \layout Standard  
   
 Using the   
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset Quotes eld
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 Insert  x@1:5#4;10
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \begin_inset Quotes erd
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
  menu that appears in many of the problem editors, a wide variety of different   will take 4 samples from somewhere between 1 and 5, and also sample at
  things can be added to the problems.   10.
 \layout Section  \layout Standard
   
 Things That Need To Be Added  For 
 \layout Subsection  \begin_inset Formula \( 2x^{2}+3y^{3} \)
   \end_inset 
   
 LON-CAPA and Units  , which has two variables, one could specify
 \layout Subsection  \layout Itemize
   
 Creating a default metadata file  
 \layout Subsection  
   
 My questions\SpecialChar \ldots{}  \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   x,y@4,5:10,12#4;0,0
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   , 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  \layout Itemize
   
 How do I do the things above?  The formula evaluator can not handle things of the form 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   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  \layout Itemize
   
 Is there any pre-existing documentation for number or formula problems?  
   \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 
   \layout Standard
   
   A very simple formula response problem: 
   \layout Standard
   
   In the 
   \series bold 
   Script
   \series default 
   , place the following:
   \layout LyX-Code
   
   $slope = random(-5,5,.5);
   \layout LyX-Code
   
   $yint  = random(-5,5,.5);
 \layout Itemize  \layout Itemize
   
 Is there any pre-existing documentation for maps et al? I seem to have exhausted  In the 
  the documentation.  \series bold 
   Text Block
   \series default 
   , place the following: 
   \begin_inset Quotes eld
   \end_inset 
   
   For a line with slope $slope and y-intercept $yint, what is y equal to?
   \begin_inset Quotes erd
   \end_inset 
   
   
 \layout Itemize  \layout Itemize
   
 What is the LON-CAPA default resource? If it's free, can just anyone   In the 
   \series bold 
   Answer
   \series default 
   , place the following: 
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset Quotes eld
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 find and use it  $slope*x + ($yint)
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \begin_inset Quotes erd
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 , or just   
   \layout Itemize
   
   Set the Tolerance to .000001.
   \layout Itemize
   
   Set the 
   \series bold 
   Answer
   \series default 
    to 
 \begin_inset Quotes eld  \begin_inset Quotes eld
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 use it if they already know where it is  $slope * x + $yint
 \begin_inset Quotes erd  \begin_inset Quotes erd
 \end_inset   \end_inset 
   
 ? (In other words, how powerful is the search feature?) What's the difference  .
  between free and public?  \layout Itemize
 \layout Section  
   Set the 
   \series bold 
   Sample Points
   \series default 
    to x@0,1,2,3 .
   \layout Comment
   
   TODO:
   \layout Comment
   
   * Get sampling problem figured out
   \layout Comment
   
   \SpecialChar ~
   
   \layout Comment
   
   \SpecialChar ~
   
   \newline 
   \SpecialChar ~
   
   \layout Comment
   
 Appendix A: Student Interface  Appendix A: Student Interface
 \layout Standard  \layout Comment
   
 \begin_float fig   \begin_float fig 
   \layout Standard
   \align center 
   
   \begin_inset Figure size 152 353
   file studentInterface.eps
   flags 9
   
   \end_inset 
   
   
 \layout Caption  \layout Caption
   
 Student Remote Control  Student Remote Control
Line 4060  The Student Remote Control will automati Line 4757  The Student Remote Control will automati
  a LON-CAPA course as a student.   a LON-CAPA course as a student.
  The Student Remote Control contains most of the functions of the Author   The Student Remote Control contains most of the functions of the Author
  Remote Control and the following additional functions.   Remote Control and the following additional functions.
 \layout Itemize  \layout Comment
   
   
 \series bold   \series bold 
 NAV (NAVIGATE CONTENTS)  NAV (NAVIGATE CONTENTS)
 \series default   \series default 
  allows you to directly access resources from the course outline.   allows you to directly access resources from the course outline.
 \layout Itemize  \layout Comment
   
   
 \series bold   \series bold 
 ARROWS (LEFT and RIGHT)  ARROWS (LEFT and RIGHT)
 \series default   \series default 
  allows you to move to the backward or forward through the course.   allows you to move to the backward or forward through the course.
 \layout Itemize  \layout Comment
   
   
 \series bold   \series bold 
 GRDS (MY GRADES)  GRDS (MY GRADES)
 \series default   \series default 
  allows you to check your grades in the courses you are taking.   allows you to check your grades in the courses you are taking.
 \layout Itemize  \layout Comment
   
   
 \series bold   \series bold 
 SBKM (SET BOOKMARK)  SBKM (SET BOOKMARK)
 \series default   \series default 
  allows you to bookmark pages for easy access.   allows you to bookmark pages for easy access.
 \layout Itemize  \layout Comment
   
   
 \series bold   \series bold 
 VBKM (VIEW BOOKMARK)  VBKM (VIEW BOOKMARK)
 \series default   \series default 
  displays your bookmarks for easy access to bookmarked resources.   displays your bookmarks for easy access to bookmarked resources.
 \layout Itemize  \layout Comment
   
   
 \series bold   \series bold 
 ANOT (ANOTATE)  ANOT (ANOTATE)
 \series default   \series default 
  allows you to create personal notes.   allows you to create personal notes.
 \layout Itemize  \layout Comment
   
   
 \series bold   \series bold 
Removed from v.1.3  
changed lines
  Added in v.1.5

FreeBSD-CVSweb <freebsd-cvsweb@FreeBSD.org>