Changes between Version 22 and Version 23 of BoltIntro


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Timestamp:
Dec 3, 2007, 9:10:48 PM (16 years ago)
Author:
davea
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  • BoltIntro

    v22 v23  
    1111[BoltImpl Implementation notes]
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    19 == Other features of Bolt ==
    20 
    21 By default, every Bolt page includes an "ask a question" link.
    22 These questions are delivered as private messages to the course developer.
    23 
    24 == Identification of course elements ==
    25 
    26 A course can change over time.
    27 Elements (lessons, exercises, sets) may be added, deleted, or reordered.
    28 
    29 A student has a "context" in a course - a sequential position,
    30 and a set of review items.
    31 What if the course changes, and these items change or disappear?
    32 
    33 Each element may be given a "logical name".
    34 For items, this defaults to the file name.
    35 
    36 A user's sequential position is stored in the DB as the logical name
    37 or last item viewed.
    38 On continuation, Bolt looks up that item.
    39 
    40 == Implementation notes ==
    41 
    42 At the implementation level, an exercise has three functions:
    43 
    44  * When invoked with $mode_show set, it shows the exercise.
    45  * When invoked with $mode_score set, it computes a score based on the responses stored in $_GET, and assigns the score to $score.  Its text output, if any, is ignored.
    46  * When invoked with $mode_answer, it shows and "answer sheet" based on the responses stored in $_GET.  If the response is correct and no answer sheet is to be shown, it sets $no_answer_sheet.
    47 
    48 Bolt's exercise primitives perform all these functions for you;
    49 however, you're free to implement your own exercises.
    50 
    51 == The bigger picture ==
    52 
    53 Bolt's primary goal is to serve the needs of volunteer computing and skill aggregation projects.
    54 However, we believe that it can also become a tool for research in education and cognitive science,
    55 for a variety of reasons:
    56 
    57  * Experiments can be deployed with large sample sizes.
    58  * Experiments can be deployed immediately, with no dependence on the academic calendar.  Significant results are available in days rather than months or years.
    59  * The student population varies widely in age, language, and education level.
    60  * The student population is self-selecting for interest in the topic area, and has diverse learning goals.
    61  * Experiments are not limited by standards or syllabi.
    62  * Experiments can be conducted without dependence on educational institutions or teachers.