Dr. Chris Sangwin, School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham / Higher Education Academy Maths, Stats and OR Network
15 February 2006
The use of computer aided assessment (CAA) is relatively widespread in mathematics. A central feature of all systems is the ability to author and deliver questions over the internet or a local network. The paradigm in CAA is multiple choice (MCQ) or similar questions, in which teacher provided answers are selected by students. The decision to opt for MCQ is almost always a constraint determined by the software and forces the user to strike some uncomfortable compromises with the well-aired limitations and disadvantages of the MCQ format. However, recent developments in CAA that exploit a computer algebra system to evaluate students' free text answers. Such systems can check algebraic equivalence with a correct answer, or an incorrect answer derived from a common mistake. They may also check for mathematical properties of an answer symbolically. Appropriate feedback may then be provided, based on these properties. This seminar will discuss CAA systems based on computer algebra.