About
STACK stands for System for teaching and assesment using a Computer algebra Kernel.It is an open-source system for computer-aided assessment in Mathematics and related disciplines, with emphasis on formative assessment.
Conventional online assessment are limited on the type and variety of questions that can be set.In science and mathematics,there are number of answers for a particular type of question.Conventional assessment system do not have such abilities to evaluate these type of questions.
The solution lies in Computer Algebra System (CAS) integrated in STACK ,which gives power to the assessment system.
How and Where it can be used
STACK is mostly useful in creating questions related to the area of Science and Mathematics.
STACK is mostly useful in creating questions related to the area of Science and Mathematics.
STACK provides many features which can be used to create various type of questions
- Equivalent Answers : STACK can mark questions where the correct answer can be expressed in many different forms. In mathematics this is the rule rather than the exception because of algebraic equivalence between expressions, for example (x+1)2=x2+2x+1=1+x2+2x. STACK can identify these equivalences.
- Give Feedback and Partial Credit :For example, in a question like: Give an example of a cubic polynomial with the following properties:
f(0) = 1,
f(x) = 0 at x = 2 and x =3
- Randomization : STACK also provides a way to put random values to your question each time it appears.STACK can randomise problems in such a waythat the level of difficulty is kept as a constant.
- Ask for examples : There are many such functions ,rather than comparing the students answer to the teacher's answer STACK checks that the answer has the required properties.For example,factor(ex) factorises the expression and compares the result with the Student's answer.
STACK can check each condition separately on the student's answer and assign partial credit accordingly. If the student gave the answer f(x) = x2 -5x+6,for example, then STACK could reply: Your answer does have zeros at the required points but its value at zero is not equal to 1. You received 2 out of 3 points. Please try again. There are a variety of ways in which feedback can be given.
There are many more features which we will learn as we move on.
Observations
STACK ,at start, may appear to be difficult tool to learn. But as you continue exploring STACK you will find it as easy to use as any question engine.The interface is very intercative and flexible.You can create questions from True/False type to Multiple choice questions.Potential Response Trees (PRT) is a salient feature of STACK.You can easily add responses to the various type of answers that is expected from the student.Every answer has its own PRT.
Another feature of STACK is that it pops out the error when the questions is syntatically incorrect which is helpul in framing the questions right rather than looking for errors and hence saving time.
The questions written in one STACK engine can be easily exported to other STACK engine.By default, STACK exports the questions in .xml format.
Using STACK
As mentioned eariler, STACK is complex but easy to use tool.Following link will tell you from where to download and install STACK .
Pre-requisites before installing STACK
As mentioned earlier ,STACK is an open source assessment system and is free to use.
No comments:
Post a Comment