Exponential Growth in Maple T.A. Usage on Campus Christopher Calzonetti, Carrie Howells, and Sean Scott of

Overview What is Maple T.A.? Exponential Growth Lessons Learned System Stuff 2010 | The Sky’s the Limit

What is Maple T.A.? a mathematically intelligent assessment system supports multiple question types algorithmic templates for questions grade management 2010 | The Sky’s the Limit

What makes it intelligent? many systems can't tell that ½ = 0.5 Maple T.A. accepts numbers, expressions, formulas, functions, matrices, etc. can use all the power of Maple to create and grade questions (e.g., statistical distributions, MathML rendering) provides algorithmic variables 2010 | The Sky’s the Limit

What are algorithmic variables? variables can be assigned random values –set a range such as x from [-1,1] in 0.01 increments –select a function from a list –create a matrix with a certain rank –a set of plots impose conditions –x > y or (x+y) > 0 –rank ≠ | The Sky’s the Limit

Algorithmic variables cont'd variables can be used anywhere in the question and the feedback diagram labels can also be algorithmic values 2010 | The Sky’s the Limit

Exponential Growth Fall Term # of users , | The Sky’s the Limit MATH courses added this year: −135, 136, 137, 138, 235, 237 −Algebra, Linear Algebra 1 & 2, Calculus 1, 2 & 3 −~1300 questions developed this year −weekly online assignments are now an integral part of these courses Math Readiness Test −pilot this fall of ~300 students writing online

Content Management Content is developed, tested, and deployed by ISG staff with the help of Grad TAs and Co-op students. Questions are stored in central repositories, one per subject. –eliminates duplication Courses inherit the relevant repository content | The Sky’s the Limit

Lessons Learned Within a repository, questions are organized by topic. Information fields include Author, Origin, Course, question Type, Difficulty, and Keywords. A tag on each question allows us to tell exactly where it came from when used in an assignment | The Sky’s the Limit

Lessons Learned cont'd Preparing students in how to enter their answers is crucial. –Maple T.A. Ready? quiz Guidance and training needed for Instructors. –assignment policy consequences –remarking assignments Easy to access help. –online FAQ – contact –division of responsibilities 2010 | The Sky’s the Limit