--- doc/tutorial/Attic/tutorial.lyx 2002/05/29 16:44:43 1.1 +++ doc/tutorial/Attic/tutorial.lyx 2002/07/05 16:12:31 1.8 @@ -1,24 +1,26 @@ -#LyX 1.1 created this file. For more info see http://www.lyx.org/ -\lyxformat 218 +#LyX 1.2 created this file. For more info see http://www.lyx.org/ +\lyxformat 220 \textclass article \begin_preamble \usepackage{floatflt} \end_preamble \language english \inputencoding auto -\fontscheme newcent +\fontscheme default \graphics default -\paperfontsize default +\paperfontsize 12 \spacing single \papersize Default \paperpackage a4 \use_geometry 1 \use_amsmath 0 +\use_natbib 0 +\use_numerical_citations 0 \paperorientation portrait -\leftmargin 0.5in +\leftmargin 1in \topmargin 1.25in -\rightmargin 0.5in -\bottommargin 0.5in +\rightmargin 1in +\bottommargin 1in \secnumdepth 3 \tocdepth 3 \paragraph_separation indent @@ -27,17 +29,37 @@ \quotes_times 2 \papercolumns 1 \papersides 1 -\paperpagestyle fancy +\paperpagestyle headings \layout Title -Introduction to the Learning +Learning \emph on Online \emph default Network with CAPA +\newline + +\emph on +\SpecialChar ~ + +\newline + +\size larger +Author's Tutorial And Manual +\layout Standard +\added_space_top vfill \align center +\SpecialChar ~ + \layout Standard -\added_space_top vfill \pagebreak_bottom \align center +\align center +John Williamson, Felicia Berryman, Jeremy Bowers +\layout Standard + +\SpecialChar ~ + +\layout Standard +\pagebreak_bottom \align center Laboratory for Instructional Technology in Education \newline and the @@ -60,7 +82,7 @@ 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 @@ -79,15 +101,9 @@ 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 through a web browser (Netscape 4.x or higher, + a recent Mozilla, or IE 5+ required). \layout Standard At this time, you should have: @@ -97,288 +113,123 @@ developed your objectives for your cours \layout Itemize -developed your problems for testing and identified the question formats. - The Template for Mapping Website to LON-CAPA that you filled in will assist - you in the process of creating your course website structure in LON-CAPA. -\layout Standard - -This tutorial describes how to use the various author functions available - in LON-CAPA. -\layout Section - -The LON-CAPA Author Interface +developed your problems for input into LON-CAPA and determined the appropriate + question formats. \layout Subsection -Login as Course Author -\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Course Author} - -\end_inset - - +About This Manual \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: +Throughout this manual, keywords and phrases literally present on the computer + screen will be referred to in +\series bold +bold type +\series default +. + Function names and scripts will be shown in a \family typewriter -http://s10.lite.msu.edu/ +typewriter font \family default - . - You will be presented with a log in screen as in figure -\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{LON-CAPA Log in screen} - -\end_inset - . - -\begin_float fig -\layout Caption - +\layout Standard -\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{LON-CAPA Log in screen} +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 -LON-CAPA Log in screen -\layout Standard -\align center - -\begin_inset Figure size 297 234 -file login.eps -width 3 50 -flags 11 + through +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating a Course} \end_inset - -\end_float + comprise a basic tutorial that can get you started using LON-CAPA, even + with no previous LON-CAPA experience. \layout Standard -Fill in the Username and Password boxes with your information. - Then press the Login button. - This will take you to your LON-CAPA User Roles menu. -\layout Description - -Note: Your Username is your PILOT ID, which is the part of your PILOT email - address to the left of the @. - Your password is your PILOT email password. - Both the PILOT ID and the password are case sensitive, so make sure you - type upper- and lower-case letters correctly. -\layout Subsection - - -\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Author Remote Control} - -\end_inset - -Author Remote Control -\layout Comment +For additional help, visit our FAQ at +\family typewriter +http://help.loncapa.org/ +\family default +. +\layout Section -Comment on the remote controls: I'll only mention this once, but imagine - this comment exists everywhere a remote control image is used. - The whole -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset +The LON-CAPA Author Interface +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Author Interface} -remote control -\begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset - metaphor is fundamentally flawed and probably can't be salvaged. - Why is it flawed? -\layout Comment - -\SpecialChar ~ -\layout Comment - -1. - The remote control invokes a metaphor, that of remote controls. - However, remote controls are useful in the real world, despite the overwhelming - 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 - 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; - pick up an unfamiliar TV control and you at least know in advance there - will be numbers for channel changing, vol up and down, chan up and down, - mute, etc. - The remotes used in this system do not have any of these properties. - Remotes are actually horrid UI, because they are very, very difficult to - learn; they make up for it by being useful and persistent. -\layout Comment +\layout Subsection -Further, remotes should *do* things. - This remote is like a remote that no matter what button you push, it invokes - a menu. - Most remotes have -\series bold -one -\series default - explicit -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset +Login as Course Author +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Course Author} -menu -\begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset - button to invoke a menu that has all the feature that aren't worth valuable - remote control space. -\layout Comment - -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. - Why not give them that in the first place? -\layout Comment - -\SpecialChar ~ -\layout Comment +\layout Standard -2. - Even the simplest -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset +To begin using LON-CAPA, you first need to log in to your account on LON-CAPA. + 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} -remote -\begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset - I see in the tutorial has eight buttons, which nearly immediately becomes - seventeen (!) buttons, all incomprehensible, and I didn't get a chance - to count during the interview, but I saw a remote flash by (student remote? - admin remote? that wouldn't matter as much) that had at least twenty, probably - 24 buttons, again, all or nearly all incomprehensible. - This is needlessly intimidating. -\layout Comment - -\SpecialChar ~ - -\layout Comment - -3. - By commiting to this -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset +. + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false -remote control -\begin_inset Quotes erd -\end_inset +\layout Standard +\align center - 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 - specialized symbols, or whatnot. - I'm looking at a (real) remote control right now that manages to get -\begin_inset Quotes eld +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename login.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 50page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 297pt + lyxheight 234pt \end_inset -channel return -\begin_inset Quotes erd -\end_inset - onto one button. - That whole phrase fits *twice* into the space the -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset +\layout Caption -ROLES -\begin_inset Quotes erd -\end_inset - button takes up on my printout! So in actuality, you're commiting to something - no sane remote control designer could deal with. - Moreover, I observe that on a real remote, the vast majority of buttons - are labelled with one conceptual entity (i.e., -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{LON-CAPA Log in screen} -1 -\begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset -, -\begin_inset Quotes eld +LON-CAPA Log in screen \end_inset -5 -\begin_inset Quotes erd -\end_inset -, -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset +\layout Standard -FF -\begin_inset Quotes erd -\end_inset +Fill in the Username and Password boxes with your information. + Then press the Login button. + This will take you to your LON-CAPA User Roles menu. +\layout Description -, -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset +Note: Your Username and Password will be given to you by your system administrat +or. + Both are case sensitive, so make sure you type them with the correct case. +\layout Subsection -[the pause symbol] -\begin_inset Quotes erd -\end_inset -, etc)., not -\begin_inset Quotes eld -\end_inset +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Author Remote Control} -Change User -\begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset - which is two entities by my count, at least for an initial user. -\layout Comment - -\SpecialChar ~ - -\layout Comment - -4. - Requiring the user to mouse over something to see what it does is not a - solution. - Limiting yourself to an 8 by 2 array of characters to explain yourself - compounds the problem even more. - (Another over-literal extension of the remote control metaphor.) Also, as - you may have observed, the accessibility of this is nil. - -\layout Comment - -\SpecialChar ~ - -\layout Comment - -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. - 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 - drive the design. - I'll admit (freely!) I'm not a graphics designer... - graphics designers aren't web developers (designers), either. -\layout Comment - -\SpecialChar ~ - -\layout Comment - -Also, based on my relatively little info, I think you're data-mining the - web logs to see what people actually use. - This is good. - We may need to do some really simple stuff before he finishes. - Raw statistics on what buttons are pressed most often can probably be interpret -ed easily enough for our purposes. - No matter what the final design is, it should emphasize the two or three - commands used day in and day out, as determined by empirical analysis, - and shuffle the other commands onto another sub menu or sub menus. - Then, use the additional space you'll have (even if you keep the same size - window) and actually *spell out* the options. - +Author Remote Control \layout Standard The Author Remote Control, show in figure @@ -388,34 +239,42 @@ The Author Remote Control, show in figur , will automatically load whenever you log in to LON-CAPA as the course instructor. - The Author Remote Control is a separate window in your browser, so you - may position it on the screen where you can make the best use of it. + The Author Remote Control is a separate window in your browser, and is + automatically sized and placed in the upper left of the screen. The Remote Control is a tool that allows you to switch between functions and roles within LON-CAPA. -\begin_float fig -\layout Caption + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false -Author Remote Control -\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Author Remote Control Figure} +\layout Standard +\align center +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename authorRemote.eps + display color + size_type 1 + height 50page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 180pt + lyxheight 420pt \end_inset -\layout Standard +\layout Caption + +Author Remote Control +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Author Remote Control Figure} +\end_inset -\begin_inset Figure size 164 387 -file authorRemote.eps -flags 8 \end_inset -\end_float -Of the eight choices on this menu, only two (ROLES and LOGOUT) make *any* - sort of sense on a first glance. - Abbreviations are evil in this sort of application and should be used as - a truly last resort. \layout Standard When you move your mouse over the buttons in the remote, the sixteen gray @@ -459,22 +318,22 @@ RES (RESOURCE SPACE) \series bold -EGRD (ENTER GRADES) +SRC (SEARCH LIBRARY) \series default - is used to enter grades for students enrolled in your course. + brings up a screen that lets you search the LON-CAPA resources using multiple + criteria. \layout Itemize \series bold -SRC (SEARCH LIBRARY) +PREF (PREFERENCES) \series default - brings up a screen that lets you search the LON-CAPA resources using multiple - criteria. + brings up a screen that allows you to change some preferences. \layout Itemize \series bold -LOGOUT (LOGOUT) +EXIT (LOGOUT) \series default will log you out of the LON-CAPA system. \layout Section @@ -499,11 +358,16 @@ Content Page \end_inset displays course content. - It is mostly a conventional HTML page. - -\layout Comment + It is essentially a conventional HTML page. + These resources use the extension +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset -Check this; is it exactly like HTML pages? +.html +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. \layout Itemize A @@ -530,26 +394,26 @@ Problem A \series bold -Map +Sequence \series default -\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Map} +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Sequence} \end_inset - resource of the + is a type of \series bold -Sequence -\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Sequence} +Map +\series default -\end_inset +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Map} +\end_inset -\series default - type represents a programmed series of events. - The users of this resource can use array keys or NAV buttons to follow - the sequence. - These resources are stored in files that must use the extension + which is used to link other resources together. + The users of this resource can use directional buttons on their remote + or the NAV button to follow the sequence. + Sequences are stored in files that must use the extension \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset @@ -558,39 +422,28 @@ 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{} - + Sequences can contain other sequences and pages. \layout Itemize A \series bold -Map +Page \series default -\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Map} +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Page} \end_inset - resource of the + is a type of \series bold -Page -\series default - -\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Page} +Map +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Map} \end_inset - type display multiple resources together. + +\series default + which is used to join other resources together into one HTML page. For example, a page of problems will appears as a problem set. These resources are stored in files that must use the extension \begin_inset Quotes eld @@ -606,7 +459,27 @@ Page Description of the Construction Space \layout Standard -\begin_float fig + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename constructionSpace.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 42pt +\end_inset + + \layout Caption Construction Space @@ -615,25 +488,19 @@ 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 - - - - - - + + + + + + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -643,7 +510,7 @@ The Construction Space, as seen in figur Button Name \end_inset - + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -654,8 +521,8 @@ Description \end_inset - - + + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -663,19 +530,17 @@ Description Publish this Resource \end_inset - + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard -Publishes the current resource. - This presents a publishing window where you can provide information for - metadata, keywords, language, etc. +Opens the Resource Publishing window. \end_inset - - + + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -683,7 +548,7 @@ Publishes the current resource. List Directory \end_inset - + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -692,8 +557,8 @@ Lists the contents of the current workin \end_inset - - + + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -701,7 +566,7 @@ Lists the contents of the current workin Copy \end_inset - + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -710,8 +575,8 @@ Type a new name in the entry box to make \end_inset - - + + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -719,18 +584,17 @@ Type a new name in the entry box to make Browse \end_inset - + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard -Opens a file/directory browser for your local computer. - Use this to select a file to upload. +Helps you select a file to upload \end_inset - - + + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -738,7 +602,7 @@ Opens a file/directory browser for your Upload File \end_inset - + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -747,8 +611,8 @@ Uploads the selected file to your Constr \end_inset - - + + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -756,7 +620,7 @@ Uploads the selected file to your Constr Retrieve Old Version \end_inset - + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -765,8 +629,8 @@ Load an older version of a resource if y \end_inset - - + + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -774,7 +638,7 @@ Load an older version of a resource if y Delete \end_inset - + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -783,8 +647,8 @@ Deletes the current resource \end_inset - - + + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -792,7 +656,7 @@ Deletes the current resource Rename \end_inset - + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -801,8 +665,8 @@ Type a new name in the associated entry \end_inset - - + + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -810,7 +674,7 @@ Type a new name in the associated entry New Subdirectory \end_inset - + \begin_inset Text \layout Standard @@ -824,9 +688,23 @@ Type a name in the entry box to create a \end_inset +\end_inset + +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 +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Creating New Content Pages} + +\end_inset + + \layout Standard @@ -834,16 +712,23 @@ How to Create New Content Pages Content Pages \series default are HTML documents that display the course information you are presenting. - These documents can be created in any order. -\layout Comment + +\layout Standard -Is this worth mentioning? +Many users use tools such as Dreamweaver to create web pages. + To upload HTML files generated with such tools, you can use the +\series bold +Browse +\series default + button in the Construction Space, locate your HTML file, and use the +\series bold +Upload File +\series default + button to create a content page in LON-CAPA. + Remember to upload any graphics your generated web pages may have included. \layout Standard 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 @@ -851,10 +736,11 @@ Click the CSTR \series default button on the LON-CAPA remote. - You web page will change to your Construction Space. + Your web page will change to your Construction Space. \layout Enumerate -In Location bar of your browser, type in full URL of the new Content Page. +In the Location bar of your browser, type in the full URL of the new Content + Page. Make sure the last part of the URL ends with \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset @@ -864,26 +750,22 @@ In Location bar of your browser, type in \end_inset , for example, +\newline + \emph on -http://www.s10.lite.msu.edu/priv/directory/new_resource.html +http://www.s10.lite.msu.edu/priv/username/new_resource.html \emph default -. - Press the Return or Enter key. -\layout Enumerate - -You should see something like the following message: -\series bold -File not found: /home/wmsonj/priv/directory/new_resource.html -\series default -, and an Edit button. - An HTML editor opens with a simple page template. + . +\newline +Press the Return or Enter key. \layout Enumerate Type the content into the editor, -\series bold +\emph on OR -\series default - copy and paste HTML source code into the editor. +\emph default + copy and paste HTML source code obtained through the use of some other + HTML authoring program into the editor. \layout Enumerate Optionally, click the @@ -898,9 +780,9 @@ Finally, click the Save this \series default button -\series bold +\emph on OR -\series default +\emph default click the \series bold Save and then attempt to clean HTML @@ -909,12 +791,38 @@ Save and then attempt to clean HTML \layout Standard Repeat this process as many times as necessary to create your Content Pages. + +\layout Standard + +If you're following this as a tutorial, create at least one content page, + which we'll use later as raw material. +\begin_inset Foot +collapsed true + +\layout Standard + +Visit the FAQ at +\family typewriter +http://help.lon-capa.org/ +\family default + if you get +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +unmatched tag +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + warnings. +\end_inset + + \layout Subsection How to Edit Existing Content Pages \layout Standard -You may edit any any Content Pages that have been created. +You may edit any Content Pages that have been created. \layout Standard To edit Content Pages: @@ -933,15 +841,12 @@ Click on the link for the name of the Co Content Page. \layout Enumerate -Press the Edit button. - Edit the HTML code, or copy and paste HTML source code into the editor. -\layout Enumerate - -Optionally, click the +Press the \series bold -View +Edit \series default - button to preview your Content Page. + button. + Edit the HTML code, or copy and paste HTML source code into the editor. \layout Enumerate Finally, click the @@ -949,28 +854,88 @@ Finally, click the Save this \series default button -\series bold +\emph on OR -\series default +\emph default click the \series bold Save and then attempt to clean HTML \series default button. If you do not do this, your work will not be saved. +\layout Standard + +Once you've saved your page, you can click the +\series bold +View +\series default + button to preview your Content Page. \layout Subsection Creating Online Problems Using LON-CAPA +\layout Standard + +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 \layout Standard -There are five types of problems that can be created with the LON-CAPA system: - Radio Response, Option Response, String Response, Numerical Response, and - Formula Response. +In this manual we will cover five basic types of problems: Radio Response, + Option Response, String Response, Numerical Response, and Formula Response. You will need to identify which types of problem you want to use and create appropriate questions for your course. +\layout Standard + +The problem editor gives you a testing area where you can try your problems + out, with several different randomizations by varying the +\series bold +Random Seed +\series default +. + If you answer a problem correctly and can no longer enter new answers, + you can get the answer field back by hitting the +\series bold +Reset Submissions +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Reset Submissions} + +\end_inset + + +\series default + button. +\layout Subsubsection + +Foils +\layout Standard + +In the LON-CAPA system, a +\series bold +Foil +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Foil} + +\end_inset + + +\series default + is the statement after the drop-down box or radio button in a Radio Response + or Option Response problem. + Foils do not need to be text; they can be images or other resources. \layout Subsubsection Radio Response @@ -981,120 +946,3879 @@ Radio Response Problems \layout Standard -Radio Response problems represent multiple choice questions. -\layout Standard -True/False problems present the student with one question that can be answered - true or false. -\layout Standard +\series bold +Radio Response +\series default + problems present a list of foils, with buttons in front. + The student can select +\emph on +one +\emph default + of these statements by clicking the appropriate radio button. +\layout Subsubsection -Multiple choice problems are created almost identically to True/False problems. - Multiple choice problems contain 3-10 foils. - You may display 3-5 foils for each problem and the system randomly picks - the choices that are presented to the student. -\layout Standard +Option Response +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Option Response} -Option Response Problems -\layout Standard +\end_inset -Option Response problems present foils to the student with drop-down boxes. - Option response questions may be presented as a collection of True/False - type questions or as a matching type question. - The student must choose the correct answer for each part of the question. + Problems \layout Standard + +\series bold +Option Response +\series default + problems present foils to the student with drop-down boxes. + The student can select the matching choice for the foils from a list of + choices. + Optionally, the foils may be bundled into Concept Groups, and the system + will select one foil from each displayed group to display to the student. + For more details, see Create Option Response in section +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Create Option Response Problem} + +\end_inset + +. +\layout Subsubsection + String Response Problems \layout Standard -String Response problems are problems in which the student submits a string - of characters for the answer. + +\series bold + +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{String Response} + +\end_inset + +String Response +\series default + problems are problems in which the student submits a string of characters + for the answer. Examples of string response questions are vocabulary tests, short answer and entering chemical formulas. \layout Standard +Note that it is easy to abuse String Response problems. + For instance, consider the question +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Who wrote 'Huckleberry Finn'? +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + If you tell the system the answer is +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Mark Twain +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, and a student answers +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Twain +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, the system will mark it wrong. + If they answer +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Samuel Clements +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, 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 + correct answers. +\layout Subsubsection + Numerical Response Problems \layout Standard -Numerical Response 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. -\layout Standard + +\series bold +Numerical Response +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Numerical Response} + +\end_inset + + +\series default + problems are answered by entering a number and (optionally) a unit, such + as 2.5 m/s^2. + Tolerance and required significant digits can be specified as well. +\layout Subsubsection Formula Response Problems \layout Standard -Formula Response problems are questions in which the student types in a - math formula for the answer. - If the answer is "x^2 - 11", the student can enter "x^2 - 11", "x*x - 11", - "x^2 + 21 - 10", etc. + +\series bold +Formula Response +\series default + problems ask the student to type in a math formula for the answer. + If the answer is +\begin_inset Formula $x^{2}-11$ +\end_inset + +, the student can enter "x^2 - 11", "x*x - 11", "x^2 + 21 - 10", etc. Functions such as cos, sin, and exp are accepted as well as the operators (), +, -, *, and /. +\layout Subsection + +Creating Radio Response Problems +\layout Standard + + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename creatingNewProblemResource.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 202pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Creating A New Problem Resource +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Creating a new problem resource} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + +To create a Radio Response +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Radio Response} + +\end_inset + + problem, create a new resource as described in section +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating New Content Pages} + +\end_inset + +. + This is a +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +problem +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + resource so the URL must end in +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +.problem +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + You should see a screen as in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating a new problem resource} + +\end_inset + +. +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename radioResponse2.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 283pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Radio Response Creation Form +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Radio Response Creation Form} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + + You will need to specify the question text and foil statements. +\layout Enumerate + +In the drop-down option box as seen in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating a new problem resource} + +\end_inset + +, select +\series bold +Radio Response Problem +\series default +, and click the +\series bold +New Problem +\series default + button. +\layout Enumerate + +Click the +\series bold +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 +\series bold +Text Block +\series default + at the top of the problem, remove the sample text and type the question + for your problem. + For example, +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +What is two plus two? +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + +\layout Enumerate + +Locate the +\series bold +Response: One of N statements +\series default + element. + In the +\series bold +Max Number of Shown Foils +\series default + text box, place the number of foils you wish to display to the student. +\layout Enumerate + +Locate +\series bold +Foil 1 +\series default +. + Remove the text that is in the text box and put the +\emph on +correct answer +\emph default + for the problem in the +\series bold +Text Block +\series default +. + For example, +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Four. +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + Make sure this is set to +\series bold +true +\series default + in the +\series bold +Correct Option +\series default + field. +\layout Enumerate + +Below it, you will see +\series bold +Foil 2 +\series default +. + Remove the text in the text box and put an +\emph on +incorrect answer +\emph default + for the problem. + For instance, +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Purple. +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + Make sure this is set to +\series bold +false +\series default + in the +\series bold +Correct Option +\series default + field. +\layout Enumerate + +Repeat the previous step until you've filled in all of the other incorrect + answers you wish to offer the students. +\layout Enumerate + +Once you've filled in all the incorrect answers, change the +\series bold +Correct Option +\series default +s on the other foils to +\series bold +Unused +\series default +. +\layout Enumerate + + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename radioResponseHint.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 92pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Hint Element +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Radio Response Hint Element Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + +Scroll down to the Hint element, as shown in Figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Radio Response Hint Element Figure} + +\end_inset + +. + Type some text that will help students when they answer incorrectly. + You may delete the hint by selecting +\series bold +Yes +\series default + from the +\series bold +Delete +\series default + drop-down box. +\layout Enumerate + +Click the +\series bold +Submit Changes +\series default + button located at the top of the frame. + If you do not do this, none of your changes will be saved. +\layout Standard + +The +\series bold +Correct Option +\series default + drop down box controls whether or not a given answer will be accepted as + a correct answer. + If it is set to +\series bold +true +\series default +, that answer will be considered a correct answer. + Any number of foils can be marked +\series bold +true +\series default +, but only one will be shown to any given student. + If it is set to +\series bold +false +\series default +, it will be considered an incorrect answer. + If it is set to +\series bold +Unused +\series default +, the system will not use that foil. +\layout Paragraph + +Randomization +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Randomization} + +\end_inset + + +\layout Standard + +LON-CAPA will randomize what choices are presented to each student, and + randomize the order they are presented in. + If you wish to present each student the same choices, make sure the +\series bold +Maximum Number of Shown Foils +\series default + box contains the number of incorrect answers, which will force them to + all be displayed. + If you wish to force the system to display the foils in the order you have + created them in, type the tag +\series bold + +\series default + into your problem text. + This can be useful with the ever-popular +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +All of the above +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + choice, which must be displayed in the correct place or its meaning will + change. +\layout Subsection + +Option Response +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Option Response} + +\end_inset + + +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Create Option Response Problem} + +\end_inset + + Problems +\layout Subsubsection + +Option Response problems with Concept Groups +\layout Standard + + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename optionResponseProblem.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 134pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Option Response Problem +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Option Response Problem Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + +Each Option Response problem can have three parts: +\layout Enumerate + +The Concept Groups +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Concept Groups} + +\end_inset + + +\layout Enumerate + +The options for the students to select, by default +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +True +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + and +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +False +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + +\layout Enumerate + +The hint for the student +\layout Standard + +Each +\series bold +Concept Group +\series default + has some number of foils representing questions which are conceptually + related. + Option Response Problem Templates are available for 4 and 8 Concept Groups. + When the Option Response problem is presented to a student, the LON-CAPA + system will randomly select one foil from each Concept Group and present + it to the student. + In order to receive credit for the problem, the student must select the + corresponding option from the drop-down box for each given foil. +\layout Subsubsection + +Example: Concept Group +\layout Standard + +For example, a Concept Group may contain the following True/False questions: +\layout Itemize + + +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Mark Twain +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + is the pen name of Samuel Clemens. +\layout Itemize + +Mark Twain wrote +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +The Call of the Wild +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. +\layout Itemize + +Mark Twain wrote +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Huckleberry Finn +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. +\layout Itemize + +Mark Twain spent most of his life in the Congo. +\layout Standard + +For each foil, the author marks it True or False. + When the student logs on and attempts to answer this question, the student + will see only one of the four choices for that concept group. + They then go on to do the remaining three to seven Concept Groups in this + question before submitting their answer. +\layout Subsubsection + +Example: Matching Problem +\layout Standard + +Option Response problems can be used as matching problems as well. +\layout Standard + +For example, you might want to ask the student to match musical compositions + with their composers. + You could create an Option Response problem with 4 Concept Groups, and + place the following four foil groups each in its own concept group: +\layout Itemize + +Claire de Lune +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Clair de Lune} + +\end_inset + +, Ballade +\begin_inset Foot +collapsed true + +\layout Standard + +Debussy. +\end_inset + + +\layout Itemize + +The Pastoral Symphony, The Ninth Symphony +\begin_inset Foot +collapsed true + +\layout Standard + +Beethoven. +\end_inset + + +\layout Itemize + +Sleeping Beauty Suite, The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies +\begin_inset Foot +collapsed true + +\layout Standard + +Tchaikovsky. +\end_inset + + +\layout Itemize + +Slavonic Dances, New World Symphony +\begin_inset Foot +collapsed true + +\layout Standard + +Dvorak. +\end_inset + + +\layout Standard + +You could then add the following options to the option list: +\layout Itemize + +Debussy +\layout Itemize + +Beethoven +\layout Itemize + +Schubert +\layout Itemize + +Tchaikovsky +\layout Itemize + +Dvorak +\layout Standard + +The same answers can be used more then once, or not at all, as you see fit. + It is conventional to place such a warning in the +\series bold +Text Block +\series default + describing the problem to the students. +\layout Subsubsection + +Creating Option Response Problems +\layout Standard + +To create an Option Response problem, create a new resource as described + in section +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating New Content Pages} + +\end_inset + +. + This is a +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +problem +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + resource so the URL must end in +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +.problem +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + You should see a screen as in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating a new problem resource} + +\end_inset + +. +\layout Enumerate + +In the drop-down option box as seen in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating a new problem resource} + +\end_inset + +, select +\series bold +Option Response Problem with +\emph on +N +\emph default + Concept Groups +\series default +, where +\series bold +\emph on +N +\series default +\emph default + is the number of Concept Groups you wish the problem to have, and click + the +\series bold +New Problem +\series default + button. +\layout Enumerate + +Click the +\series bold +Edit +\series default + button above the sample problem to enter edit mode. +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename optionResponseEditing.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 276pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Option Response Editor +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Option Response Editor Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + + You should see the Option Response page open up, which should look something + like what you see in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Option Response Editor Figure} + +\end_inset + +. +\layout Enumerate + +Replace the text in the +\series bold +Text Block +\series default + with text that explains the conditions for your problem. +\layout Enumerate + +Locate the +\series bold +Max Number of Shown Foils +\series default + element and type a number from 1 to 8 to display that number of questions. + You cannot display more than one foil from each concept group, so this + option will only reduce the number of foils displayed, if it is less than + the number of concept groups in your Option Response problem. +\layout Enumerate + +Now you must define the options the students can select. + For each option you wish to add to the Option Response question, type the + option into the +\series bold +Add new Option +\series default + box in the +\series bold +Select Options +\series default + section, then hit the +\series bold +Save Changes +\series default + button. + If you do not hit the +\series bold +Save Changes +\series default + button, your option will not be selectable below. + (You will delete unwanted options in the last step.) +\layout Enumerate + +Now, you need to define the question foils. + Look for the foil with the name +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +One +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + Type the question into the text box, and select the correct option for + that question from the +\series bold +Correct Option +\series default + drop-down menu. + Click +\series bold +Submit Changes +\series default + to save this question foil. + Repeat this step for all remaining foils. +\layout Enumerate + +Locate the foils that are not being used. + In their +\series bold +Delete +\series default + menus, set the value to +\series bold +Yes +\series default +. + Once you've set the Delete menu value correctly for all the foils, click + the +\series bold +Save Changes +\series default + button. +\layout Enumerate + +In the Hint area, provide a helpful hint for users who get the problem incorrect +, and click the +\series bold +Save Changes +\series default + button. +\layout Enumerate + +Make sure all the options you want to delete are not used for any of your + foils +\begin_inset Foot +collapsed true + +\layout Standard + +If a deleted option is used in a foil, it will appear in a text box in the + +\series bold +Correct Option +\series default + area for that foil. + To make the drop-down box reappear, type an option already defined in the + +\series bold +Select Options +\series default + field, and hit +\series bold +Submit Changes +\series default +. + A drop-down box will reappear. +\end_inset + +. + To delete the irrelevant options from the Option Response question, select + that option from the +\series bold +Delete an Option +\series default + drop down, and hit the +\series bold +Save Changes +\series default + button. + Do that for each option you wish to remove. +\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 with no grouping. + The system will randomly mix these foils when presenting them to the student. + You can have more foils then the +\series bold +Max Num of Shown Foils +\series default + so that each student will not have the identical foils. +\layout Subsection + +Creating a String Response Problem +\layout Standard + +To create a String Response problem, create a new resource as described + in section +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating New Content Pages} + +\end_inset + +. + This is a +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +problem +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + resource so the URL must end in +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +.problem +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + You should see a screen as in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating a new problem resource} + +\end_inset + +. +\layout Enumerate + +In the drop-down option box as seen in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating a new problem resource} + +\end_inset + +, select +\series bold + String Response Problem +\series default +, and click the +\series bold +New Problem +\series default + button. +\layout Enumerate + +Click the +\series bold +Edit +\series default + button above the sample problem to enter edit mode. +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename stringResponseEditor.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 320pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +String Response Editor +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{String Response Editor Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + + You should see the String Response editor page open up, which should look + something like what you see in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{String Response Editor Figure} + +\end_inset + +. +\layout Enumerate + +Clear the text from the +\series bold +Text Block +\series default + at the top of the problem, and type in your problem. +\layout Enumerate + +In the +\series bold +Answer Box +\series default +, type the correct answer. +\layout Enumerate + +Select the answer condition from the drop-down. + There are three cases to choose from: +\begin_deeper +\layout Enumerate + + +\series bold +cs +\series default +: This means +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Case Sensitive +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + For example, this is useful in chemistry, where HO and Ho are completely + different answers +\begin_inset Foot +collapsed true + +\layout Standard + + +\series bold +HO +\series default + is hydrogen monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. + +\series bold +Ho +\series default + is the element 67, Holmium, in the Lanthanides. +\end_inset + +. + The student must match the case of the answer. +\layout Enumerate + + +\series bold +ci +\series default +: This means +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Case Insensitive +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + The system does not use the case of the letters to determine the correctness + of the answer. + If the correct answer is +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +car +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, the system will accept +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +car +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +CAR +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Car +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +caR +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, etc. +\layout Enumerate + + +\series bold +mc +\series default +: This means +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +Multiple Choice +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + The student's answers must contain the same letters as the question author's, + but order is unimportant. + This is usually used to give a multiple choice question in the question's + +\series bold +Text Block +\series default +, which may have several correct parts. + If the author sets the correct answer as +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +bcg +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, the system will accept +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +bcg +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +cbg +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +gcb +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, etc., but not +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +bc +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + or +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +abcg +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. +\layout Standard + +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 + +Optionally, locate the +\series bold +Single Line Text Entry Area +\series default + 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. +\layout Enumerate + +Scroll down to the +\series bold +Hint +\series default + element, and type some text that will help students when they answer incorrectl +y, or delete the hint by setting the +\series bold +Delete +\series default + field to +\series bold +Yes +\series default +. +\layout Enumerate + +Click the +\series bold +Submit Changes +\series default + button. +\layout Subsection + +Creating Numerical Response And Formula Response Problems +\layout Standard + +Numerical Response problems are answered by entering a number and an optional + unit. + For instance, a numerical response problem might have an answer of +\begin_inset Formula $2m/s^{2}$ +\end_inset + +. + Formula Response problems are answered by entering a mathematical formula. + For instance, a numerical response problem might have an answer of +\begin_inset Formula $x^{2}+11$ +\end_inset + +. + The answer may be in any equivalent format. + For instance, for +\begin_inset Formula $x^{2}+11$ +\end_inset + +, the system will also accept +\begin_inset Formula $x*x+11$ +\end_inset + + or +\begin_inset Formula $x^{2}+21-10$ +\end_inset + +. +\layout Standard + +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, 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} + +\end_inset + + for Numerical Response problems and section +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Formula Response} + +\end_inset + + for Formula Response problems. \layout Section -Appendix A: Student Interface +Publishing Your Resources +\layout Standard + +In order to make the content you've created available for use in courses, + you must publish your content. + LON-CAPA provides an easy interface for publishing your content pages, + problem resources, and sequences. + 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 + +What is Metadata? +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Metadata} + +\end_inset + + +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{What Is Metadata?} + +\end_inset + + +\layout Standard + + +\emph on +Metadata +\emph default + is +\emph on +data about data +\emph default +. + Metadata can often be thought of as a label on some bit of information + that can be useful to people or computer programs trying to use the data. + Without metadata, the person or computer trying to use the original information + would have to just guess what the original data is about. + For instance, if you create a problem and neglect to say in the title or + subject of the problem what it is about, then a human who wants to use + that problem would have to read the problem itself to see what it was about, + which is much more difficult than just reading a title. + A computer trying to do the same thing would just be out of luck; it is + too stupid to understand the problem statement at all. +\layout Standard + +One example of metadata is the of a web page, which usually shows + up in the title bar of the browser. + That's information about the web page itself, not actually part of the + web page. + People use the title information 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 + +Publishing A Resource +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Resource, Publishing} + +\end_inset + + +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Publishing Resource} + +\end_inset + + +\layout Standard + + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename constructionSpaceForPublishing.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 168pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Construction Space for Publishing +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Construction Space for Publishing Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + +To publish a resource, log in and choose your role to be an Author. + Then click +\series bold +CSTR +\series default + to go to your construction space. + You should see something like figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Construction Space for Publishing Figure} + +\end_inset + +. + Click on the +\series bold +Publish +\series default + button for the resource you wish to publish. +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + \layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename publishMetadata.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 338pt +\end_inset + -\begin_float fig \layout Caption -Student Remote Control -\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Student Remote Control} +Publishing Metadata Screen +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Publishing Metadata Screen Figure} \end_inset -\end_float -The Student Remote Control will automatically load whenever you log in to - 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. +\end_inset + + You'll get a metadata screen that should look something like figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Publishing Metadata Screen Figure} + +\end_inset + +. + Fill out the form. + If you are creating resources that may be used in several courses, you + should talk with the other authors and establish some sort of standard + title and subject scheme in advance. + +\layout Standard + +The +\series bold +Language +\series default + is the language the problem is written in. + The +\series bold +Publisher/Owner +\series default + is the LON-CAPA user who owns the problem. +\layout Standard + +The +\series bold +Keywords +\series default + and the +\series bold +Abstract +\series default + are more information about the problem. + The +\series bold +Keywords +\series default + are words that are strongly connected to your problem; for instance a physics + problem about a pulley might include +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +pulley +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + as a key word. + LON-CAPA pulls out words used in the text of the resource for you so you + can just click on their check boxes to make them keywords. + +\series bold +Additional keywords +\series default + allows you to add any keyword to your problem that are not actually in + the problem. + For instance, on that same problem a physicist might add the keyword +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +statics +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, even though it doesn't appear in the original problem, because Physics + uses that as a classification of problem type. + +\series bold +Additional Keywords +\series default + are also useful when publishing graphics. +\layout Standard + +Finally, you need to set the copyright and distribution permissions in the + +\series bold +COPYRIGHT/DISTRIBUTION +\series default + drop-down. + This setting controls who is allowed to use your resource as follows: \layout Itemize \series bold -NAV (NAVIGATE CONTENTS) +Limited to courses in the domain published \series default - allows you to directly access resources from the course outline. + means that only courses running in the same domain as you can use your + content. + Talk to your LON-CAPA administrator if you want more information about + your domain. \layout Itemize \series bold -ARROWS (LEFT and RIGHT) +Free \series default - allows you to move to the backward or forward through the course. + means that anyone can find and use the resource. \layout Itemize \series bold -GRDS (MY GRADES) +Private - visible to author only \series default - allows you to check your grades in the courses you are taking. + means that it can't be used for any course. \layout Itemize \series bold -SBKM (SET BOOKMARK) +Public - no authentication required +\series default + means anyone can find and use the resource. +\layout Standard + +Now when you click +\series bold +Finalize Publication +\series default +, your resource will be published and usable (unless you set the distribution + to +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +private +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +). +\layout Standard + +If you're following this as a tutorial, publish your resources so we can + use them in the next section. +\layout Section + +Creating A Course +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Creating a Course} + +\end_inset + +: Maps and Sequences +\layout Standard + +In order to create a useful course, we need to arrange our raw materials + so that students can use them. +\layout Subsection + +Creating Sequences +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Sequence} + +\end_inset + + +\layout Standard + +A +\series bold +Sequence +\series default + is 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. + +\layout Standard + + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename mapEditorSelection.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 40page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 238pt + lyxheight 83pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Map Editor Selection +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Map Editor Selection Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + +To create a Sequence resource, create a new resource as described in section + +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating New Content Pages} + +\end_inset + +. + This is a +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +sequence +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + resource so the URL must end in +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +.sequence +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + After you enter in the URL ending in +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +.sequence +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, you should see a screen as in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Map Editor Selection Figure} + +\end_inset + +. + You can use either the advanced editor or the simplified editor. +\layout Subsection + +Creating a Simple .sequence With The Simple Editor +\layout Standard + + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename mapSimpleEditor.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 250pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Simple Map Editor +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Simple Map Editor} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + +After creating a new .sequence 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 map 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 in the order that you + want them added. + 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 .sequence With The Advanced Editor +\layout Standard + +After creating a new .sequence 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 map editor. + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename mapAdvancedEditorNew.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 205pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Initial Map Editor +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Initial Map Editor FIgure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + +You should see the initial map editor as shown 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_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename mapClickedStart.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 221pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +After clicking +\series bold +Start +\series default + in the Map Constructor +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Clicked Start Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + +Click the +\series bold +Start +\series default + box. + You'll see what you see in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Clicked Start Figure} + +\end_inset + +. + Click +\series bold +Link Resource +\series default + in the secondary window, then click on the +\series bold +Finish +\series default + box. +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename mapStraightened.eps + display color + size_type 1 + height 25page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 70pt + lyxheight 210pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Straightened Map +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Striaghtened map} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + + After that, click +\series bold +Straighten +\series default +. + 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 + + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename mapInsertResource.eps + display color + size_type 1 + height 30page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 271pt + lyxheight 252pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Inserting a Resource +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Inserting a Resource Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + +To insert a resource into the flow, click the black line with two arrows, + seen between the +\series bold +Start +\series default + and +\series bold +Finish +\series default + boxes in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Striaghtened map} + +\end_inset + +. + In the secondary window, you'll see something like figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Inserting a Resource Figure} + +\end_inset + +. + Click +\series bold +Insert Resource Into Link +\series default +. + A new resource box will appear in the link. + Click the resource, which will have the label +\series bold +Res +\series default +. +\layout Enumerate + +Click +\series bold +Browse +\series default +, and the +\series bold +Network Directory Browser +\series default + will appear, +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename mapEditorDirectoryBrowser.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 60page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 357pt + lyxheight 162pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Network Directory Browser +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Map Editor Network Directory Browser Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + + looking something like figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Map Editor Network Directory Browser Figure} + +\end_inset + +. + Press the +\series bold +SELECT +\series default + button that is next to the resource you want to place in the chosen resource + box. +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename mapEditorResourceChosen.eps + display color + size_type 1 + height 30page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 42pt + lyxheight 252pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Resource Chosen +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Map Resource Chosen Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + + Once you've done that, if you look back at the window that popped up when + you clicked on +\series bold +New Resource +\series default +, you'll see something like figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Map Resource Chosen Figure} + +\end_inset + +. + You can type the +\series bold +URL +\series default + and +\series bold +Title +\series default + into the secondary window, if you prefer, following the format you see + when you've successfully browsed to a resource. + After you click +\series bold +Save Changes +\series default +, your changes will be set, and the icons for the resource will appear in + the +\series bold +Res +\series default + box, as shown in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Map Resource Chosen Figure} + +\end_inset + +. + Click +\series bold +Save Map +\series default + in the bar above your map to save the map. +\begin_deeper +\layout Standard + +Clicking on the left icon for a resource will open a new browser window + with an informational page about that resource. + Clicking on the right icon for a resource will open a new browser window + taking you to the rendering of that resource. +\end_deeper +\layout Enumerate + +Repeat steps two and three for as many resources as you'd like to bind together + into one page. + You can insert the new resources anywhere you'd like. +\layout Enumerate + +When you are done adding resources, click the +\series bold +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 + +Page Maps +\layout Standard + +Creating a .page map is the same as creating a sequence map, except that + when choosing the name of the resource, the URL will end with +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +.page +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + Then all resources you add in the map editor will appear on one page together. +\layout Standard + +Pages are often used to connect problems in a homework set. +\layout Subsection + +Creating a Course: Top-level Sequence +\layout Standard + +In order to view sequences, they need to be part of a +\series bold +course +\series default +. +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename creatingANewCourse.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 40page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 238pt + lyxheight 231pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Creating a New Course +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Creating a New Course Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + + Courses have a Top-level Map which defines the whole course. + This top-level map will often itself contain maps corresponding to homework + assignments, chapters, or units. + To view your maps, you will need to make them part of a course. + Only Domain Coordinators can make courses and set their Top-level maps, + so work with your Domain Coordinator if you need to view your maps. +\layout Section + +Numerical Response +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Numerical Response} + +\end_inset + + +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Numerical Response} + +\end_inset + + And Formula Response Questions +\layout Standard + +Numerical Response problems are very powerful. + In fact, they are so powerful it would be impossible to fully explain what + is possible in a document like this. + This chapter will focus on getting you started with Numerical Response + problems, and showing you some of the possibilities, with no prerequisite + knowledge necessary. + The more you learn, the more you will find you can do. +\layout Standard + +If you like, you can follow this chapter along as its own tutorial. + Create a Numerical Response problem using the instructions in section +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Creating New Content Pages} + +\end_inset + +, ending your resource name with +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +.problem +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, and create a new +\series bold +Simple Numerical Response +\series default + problem. +\layout Subsection + +The Parts of a Numerical Response Problem +\layout Standard + + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename numericalResponse1.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 356pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Numerical Response editor +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Numerical Response Editor Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + +A Numerical Response problem has seven major parts by default, as seen in + figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Numerical Response Editor Figure} + +\end_inset + +: +\layout Enumerate + +The +\series bold +Script +\series default +. + The script is the heart of advanced Numerical Response problems. + It can be used to decide some of the parameters of the problem, compute + the answer to the problem, and do just about anything else you can imagine. + The Script language is +\series bold +Perl +\series default +. + You do not need to know Perl to use the +\series bold +Script +\series default +block, as we will be stepping through some advanced examples in this chapter, + but knowing Perl can help. +\layout Enumerate + +Like other problem types, the +\series bold +Text Block +\series default + is used to display the problem the student will see. + In addition, you can place variables in the +\series bold +Text Block +\series default + based on computations done in the +\series bold +Script +\series default +. +\layout Enumerate + +The +\series bold +Answer +\series default + is the answer the system is looking for. + This can also use parameters from the +\series bold +Script +\series default + block, allowing the answer to be computed dynamically. +\layout Enumerate + +A +\series bold +tolerance +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{tolerance} + +\end_inset + + +\series default + parameter, which determines how closely the system will require the student's + answer to be in order to count it correct. + For technical reasons, it is almost never a good idea to set this parameter + to zero +\begin_inset Foot +collapsed true + +\layout Standard + +Computers can only approximate computations involving real numbers. + For instance, a computer's [decimal] answer to the simple problem +\begin_inset Formula $\frac{1}{3}$ +\end_inset + + is +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +0.33333333333333331 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + It +\emph on +should +\emph default + be an infinite series of 3's, and there certainly shouldn't be a +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +1 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + in the answer, but no computer can represent an infinitely long, infinitely + detailed real number. + Therefore, for any problem where the answer is not a small integer, you + +\emph on +need +\emph default + to allow a tolerance factor, or the students will find it nearly impossible + to exactly match the computers idea of the answer. +\end_inset + +, though you may find the default too large for some problems. + There are two kinds of tolerance. + For some answer +\begin_inset Formula $a$ +\end_inset + + and a tolerance +\begin_inset Formula $t$ +\end_inset + +, +\begin_deeper +\layout Enumerate + +an +\series bold +Absolute +\series default + tolerance +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{absolute tolerance} + +\end_inset + + +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{tolerance, absolute} + +\end_inset + + will take anything in the range +\begin_inset Formula $a\pm t$ +\end_inset + +. + So if +\begin_inset Formula $a=10$ +\end_inset + + and +\begin_inset Formula $t=2$ +\end_inset + +, then anything between 8 and 12 is acceptable +\begin_inset Foot +collapsed true + +\layout Standard + +For much the same reasons a tolerance is almost always a good idea, it's + almost impossible to say whether an answer that is +\emph on +exactly +\emph default + +\begin_inset Formula $a\pm t$ +\end_inset + + will be accepted by the computer. + But the computer does use many decimal places of accuracy; if you want + to have the student answer exactly +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +2 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, then specifying a tolerance of +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +.0000001 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + is OK. + (Don't use too many more zeros, though you can use less if you like.) +\end_inset + +. + Any number in the tolerance field +\emph on +without +\emph default + a +\series bold +% +\series default + symbol is an absolute tolerance. +\layout Enumerate + +a +\series bold +Relative +\series default + tolerance +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{relative tolerance} + +\end_inset + + +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{tolerance, relative} + +\end_inset + + will take anything in the range +\begin_inset Formula $a\pm at$ +\end_inset + +, where +\emph on +t +\emph default + is interpreted as a percentage. + Any number in the tolerance field +\emph on +followed by +\emph default + a +\series bold +% +\series default + symbol is a relative tolerance. + For example, +\begin_inset Formula $a=10$ +\end_inset + + and +\begin_inset Formula $t=10\%$ +\end_inset + + will accept anything between 9 and 11. + +\end_deeper +\layout Enumerate + +A +\series bold +significant figures +\series default + specification tells the system how many significant figures there are in + the problem, as either a single number or a range of acceptable values, + expressed as +\series bold +min,max +\series default +. + The system will check to make sure that the student's answer contains this + many significant digits, useful in many scientific calculations. + For example, if the problem has three significant digits, the significant + digit specification is +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +3 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, and the answer is +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +1.3 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, the system will require the students to type +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +1.30 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +, even though numerically, +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +1.3 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + and +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +1.30 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + are the same. + A significant figure specification of +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +3,4 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + means both +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +1.30 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + and +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +1.300 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + are acceptable. +\layout Enumerate + +The +\series bold +Single Line Text Entry +\series default + area, as in other problems, allow you to manipulate the text entry area + the student will see. +\layout Enumerate + +Finally, the +\series bold +Hint +\series default + should contain text which will help the students when they answer incorrectly. +\layout Subsection + +Simple Numerical Response Answer +\layout Standard + +Along with showing the Numerical Response editor, figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Numerical Response Editor Figure} + +\end_inset + + also shows the parameters for one of the simplest possible types of numerical + response. + The +\series bold +Text Block +\series default + has the problem's question, which is the static text +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +What is 2 + 2? +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + The +\series bold +Answer +\series default + is +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +4 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + The +\series bold +Hint +\series default + has been set to something appropriate for this problem. + Everything else has the default values from when the problem was created. +\layout Standard + +If you create a problem like this, hit +\series bold +Submit Changes +\series default +, then hit +\series bold +View \series default - allows you to bookmark pages for easy access. + after the changes have been submitted, you can try the problem out for + yourself. + Note the last box in the HTML page has the answer LON-CAPA is looking for + conveniently displayed for you, along with the range the computer will + accept and the number of significant digits the computer requires when + viewed by an +\series bold +Author +\series default +. +\layout Standard + +As you're playing with the problem, if you use up all your tries or get + the answer correct but wish to continue playing with the problem, use the + +\series bold +Reset Submissions +\series default + button to clear your answer attempts. + +\layout Subsection + +Simple Script Usage +\layout Standard + +Totally static problems only scratch the surface of the Numerical Response + capabilities. + To really explore the power of LON-CAPA, we need to start creating dynamic + problems. + But before we can get to truly dynamic problems, we need to learn how to + work with the +\series bold +Script +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Script} + +\end_inset + + +\series default + window. +\layout Standard + +A script consists of several +\series bold +statements +\series default +, separated by +\series bold +semi-colons +\series default +. + A +\series bold +statement +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{statement} + +\end_inset + + +\series default + is the smallest kind of instruction to the computer. + Most problems will be built from several statements. + +\layout Standard + +A script can contain +\series bold +comments +\series default +, which are not interpreted as statements by the computer. + Comments start with +\series bold +# +\series default +, and go to the end of that line. + Thus, if a line starts with #, the whole line is ignored. + Comments can also begin in the middle of a line. + It is a good idea to comment more complicated scripts, as it can be very + difficult to read a large script and figure out what it does. + It is a +\emph on +very +\emph default + good idea to adopt some sort of commenting standard, especially if you + 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 +\series bold +variable assignment +\series default +. + A +\series bold +variable +\series default + can hold any value in it. + The variable name must start with a +\series bold +$ +\series default +. + In the +\series bold +Script +\series default +, you need to assign to variables before you use them. + Put this program into the +\series bold +Script +\series default + field of the Numerical Response: +\begin_deeper +\layout LyX-Code + +$variable = 3; +\layout Standard + +This creates a variable named +\series bold +variable +\series default + and assigns it the value of +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +3 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. + That's one statement. +\end_deeper +\layout Standard + +Variable names are +\emph on +case sensitive +\emph default +, must start with a letter, and can only consist of letters, numbers, and + underscores. + Variable names can be as long as you want. + +\layout Standard + +There are many variable naming conventions, covering both how to name and + how to capitalize variables +\begin_inset Foot +collapsed true + +\layout Standard + +The author favors +\family typewriter +capsOnNewWords +\family default +. + Some people use +\family typewriter +underscore_to_separate_words +\family default +. + Many use uppercase letters to specify constants like +\family typewriter +PI +\family default + or +\family typewriter +GOLDEN_MEAN +\family default +. + Some people always +\family typewriter +StartWithCapatalization +\family default +. + What's really important is to be consistent, so you don't have to guess + whether the variable you're thinking of is +\family typewriter +coefFriction +\family default +, +\family typewriter +CoefFriction +\family default +, +\family typewriter +COEF_FRICTION +\family default +, or something else. +\end_inset + +. + It is a good idea to adopt a standard. + If you are working with a group, you may wish to discuss it in your group + and agree on a convention. + +\layout Standard + +If you +\series bold +Submit Changes +\series default + and +\series bold +View +\series default + the problem, you'll see nothing has changed. + That's because in order for a variable to be useful, it must be used. + The variable can be used in several places. +\layout Subsubsection + +Variables in Scripts +\layout Standard + +Variables can be used later in the same script. + For instance, we can add another line below the +\family typewriter +$variable +\family default + line as such: +\layout LyX-Code + +$variable2 = $variable + 2; +\layout Standard + +Now there is a variable called +\family typewriter +$variable2 +\family default + with the the number +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +5 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + as its value. + +\layout Standard + +Variables can also be used in +\emph on +strings +\emph default + +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{strings} + +\end_inset + +, which are a sequence of letters. + The underlying language of the script, Perl, has a very large number of + ways of using variables in strings, but the easiest and most common way + is to use normal double-quotes and just spell out the name of the variable + you want to use in the string, like this: +\layout LyX-Code + +$stringVar = +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +I have a variable with the value $variable. +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + +\layout Standard + +This will put the string +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +I have a variable with the value 3. +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + into the variable named +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +stringVar +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +. +\layout Standard + +If you are following this chapter as a tutorial, add the previous two lines + to your +\series bold +Script +\series default + and submit the changes for the problem. + There's no need to view it; there's still no visible change. +\layout Subsubsection + +Variables in the Text Block +\layout Standard + +Once you've defined variables in the +\series bold +Script +\series default +, you can use them in the +\series bold +Text Block +\series default +. + For example, using the previous three-line script we've created so far, + you can place the following in the +\series bold +Text Block +\series default +: +\layout LyX-Code + +See the 3: $variable<br /> +\layout LyX-Code + +See the string: <b>$stringVar</b><br /> +\layout Standard + + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename numericalResponseVarInText.eps + display color + size_type 0 + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 353pt + lyxheight 99pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Result of Variables in the Text Block +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Result of Variables in the Text Block Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + +If you save that and hit +\series bold +View +\series default +, you should get what you see in figure +\begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Result of Variables in the Text Block Figure} + +\end_inset + +. + Note how the +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +$variable +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + was turned into a 3, and the +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +$stringVar +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + was turned into +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +I have a variable with the value 3. +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + +\layout Subsubsection + +Variables in the Answer Block +\layout Standard + +You can use variables in the +\series bold +Answer +\series default + part of the question, too. + This means you can compute an answer to a question, which we'll see in + a bit. + If you set the answer of the question to be +\series bold +$variable +\series default +, +\series bold +Save Changes +\series default + and +\series bold +View +\series default + it, you'll see that LON-CAPA is now expecting +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +3.0 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + as the answer, plus or minus 5%. +\layout Subsection + +Calling Functions +\layout Standard + +With variables, you can store strings or numbers. + +\series bold +Functions +\series default + allow you to manipulate these strings or numbers. + Functions work like mathematical functions: They take some number of arguments + in, and return one argument, usually a number or a string for our purposes. + There are a lot of functions available in LON-CAPA. + You can see a complete list at http://mileva.lite.msu.edu/loncapadocs/homework/hom +ework5.html. + For now, let's just look at some simple examples. +\layout Standard + + +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout LyX-Code + +$a = -3.0; +\layout LyX-Code + +$b = &sin($a); +\layout LyX-Code + +$c = &pow(3.0, &abs($a)); +\layout Caption + +Some Function Calls +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Some Function Calls Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset +In the +\series bold +Script +\series default + block, function names start with \series bold -VBKM (VIEW BOOKMARK) +& \series default - displays your bookmarks for easy access to bookmarked resources. +. + 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 +&abs +\family default + returns the absolute value of the argument. +\layout Subsubsection + +Randomization +\begin_inset LatexCommand \index{Randomization} + +\end_inset + + +\layout Standard + +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_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout LyX-Code + +$a = &random(1.0,10.0,1.0); +\layout LyX-Code + +$b = &random(-10.0, -3.0, 1.0); +\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_inset + +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 + +Dynamic, Randomized Problems: Putting It All Together +\layout Standard + +Now you have all the tools to create those wonderful dynamic, randomized + problems that you've seen in LON-CAPA. +\begin_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename numericalResponseSlopeProblem.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 197pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Slope Problem Parameters +\begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Slope Problem Parameters Figure} + +\end_inset + + +\end_inset + + 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 +&random(-1.0,1.0,.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 two digits after the decimal point. +\layout Subsection + +For More Information +\layout Standard + +The full power of Perl is well outside the scope of this document. + Looking in the function list at +\newline +http://mileva.lite.msu.edu/loncapadocs/homework/homework5.html +\newline +can give you some ideas. + O'Reilly has some good Perl books. + The Perl 5 Pocket Reference will contain more than what you need to know + to use LON-CAPA, available at +\newline +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 submitting a new pending question. +\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_inset Float figure +placement htbp +wide false +collapsed false + +\layout Standard +\align center + +\begin_inset Graphics FormatVersion 1 + filename formulaResponse.eps + display color + size_type 1 + width 80page% + rotateOrigin center + lyxsize_type 1 + lyxwidth 476pt + lyxheight 262pt +\end_inset + + +\layout Caption + +Formula Response Problem +\end_inset + +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 + +, 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 for determining 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 Enumerate + +A comma separated list of the variables you wish to interpret, +\layout Enumerate + +followed by +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +@ +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + (not in quotes), +\layout Enumerate + +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 + by a colon, followed by another list of as many numbers as there are variables, + followed by a #, 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 + +, one could specify \layout Itemize +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +x@2 +\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 + + +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +x@1:5#4 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + will takes 4 samples from somewhere between 1 and 5. +\layout Itemize + + +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +x@1:5#4;10 +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + + will takes 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 + +, 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 +\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 +\layout Standard + +A very simple formula response problem: +\layout Standard + +In the \series bold -ANOT (ANOTATE) +Script \series default - allows you to create personal notes. +, place the following: +\layout LyX-Code + +$slope = &random(-5.0,5.0,.5); +\layout LyX-Code + +$yint = &random(-5.0,5.0,.5); +\layout LyX-Code + +$answer = +\begin_inset Quotes eld +\end_inset + +$slope*x + ($yint) +\begin_inset Quotes erd +\end_inset + +; \layout Itemize +In the +\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 + +In the \series bold -LOGOUT (LOGOUT) +Answer \series default - will log you out of the LON-CAPA system. +, place the following: $answer +\layout Itemize + +Set the Tolerance to .000001. +\layout Itemize + +Set the +\series bold +Sample Points +\series default + to x@0,1,2,3 . \the_end