Figure 4.1: The Answer Editor for
Mathematical Expressions (Assessment)
Input to the ALEKS system is always in the form of proper
mathematical expressions and constructions
, never multiple
choice. A critical reason for this is to check students'
knowledge accurately.
Another purpose is to train
students in the skills needed for conventional, paper-and-pencil
communication of solutions and results. The sophistication of the
ALEKS input tools provides additional advantages. The presentation of
results is always neat and clear. The ALEKS graphing tools allow
students to draw accurate graphs and geometrical constructions. Immediate
feedback is provided on the formal completeness of solutions.
The general term for the input tools used in ALEKS is the
Answer Editor.
This encompasses a variety
of actual modes for user input, including: an Answer Editor for
mathematical expressions, an Answer Editor for the numberline, and an Answer
Editor for graphing in the Cartesian plane (with
x and y
coordinate axes). A student beginning to use ALEKS is trained
in how to use the features of the Answer Editor that are relevant to
the subject (Sec. 3.6). Also,
context-sensitive help is available on use of Answer Editor through
the ? icon next to the
buttons on the tool palette.
In much of what follows,
emphasis is on the Answer Editor for mathematical
expressions, as this is the section which involves the greatest
degree of interplay between mouse, keyboard, and on-screen buttons and
icons.
ALEKS® is a registered trademark of ALEKS Corporation.