Use Technology to Assign and Grade Problem Sets

Online problem sets can reduce the amount of paper-based assignments given for assessments and/or homework. Student responses to many types of problems can be scored automatically; reducing grading time and errors. In some cases, the problems presented to each student can be pulled from a pool of questions and/or the numeric parameters of the problems chosen at random from a defined range, making it more difficult for students to simply copy one another’s answers. Randomizing the parameters in a problem provides students with opportunities for repeated drill without having to solve the same exact problem over and over.

Strategies

Use Blackboard's assessment tool
Blackboard contains a built-in assessment tool that can be used to create certain types of problem sets, including:

Blackboard can automatically grade most question types and permits the instructor to provide varying levels of feedback. Blackboard also offers options for timed assessments and for permitting students multiple attempts at an assessment.

Use a course cartridge provided by your textbook publisher
Many textbook publishers provide online material or downloadable "course cartridges" that can be loaded into your Blackboard course site. These materials often include problem sets, quizzes, and other assessment tools. Ask your textbook publisher about the availability of such resources or visit their Web site and look for an “instructor’s” section.

Tools

Blackboard
An online course management system that includes a built-in assessment tool; see Blackboard@Duke.


 

Last modified August 10, 2007 6:01:50 PM EDT