I have the similar idea, about Python-based system, having improved WeBWorK capabilities. Whether using Maxima interface (+ maybe matplotlib and mayavi2 for plotting), or to use (the subset of) Sage, this is a question.
This semester we use Webwork for the curse of multidimensional calculus but, in my opinion, this kind of software has very limited opportunities for future development. One of the biggest obstacle is - no internationalization. The another - WeBWorK code is huge and not well structured, with the wild forest of custom "evaluators" and "answer checkers". The existing examples have many duplicates, there is lack for some of important areas (we needed curve and surface integrals right now) and adding new examples in not such trivial matter, as it should be (I got some uncomprehensible Perl error messages, trying to make my own questions). In summary, we need something different :-) from the beginning. What can be useful, from WeBWorK experience, is the existing problem base. In the next year, from winter semester, I like to initiate the student project fpr the development of Python-bases TA-like system. I think, we can get inspiration from existing non-TA systems, like (Mathematical Assistant on Web) http://user.mendelu.cz/marik/maw/index.php?lang=en **(Webmathematics IInteractive) http://matek.hu and also from TA-likes as WebWorK, (above-mentioned) AIM, STACK,... Of course, the Python-based TA system is a huge project, which cannot be developed within the frame of one institution. First thing needed is to precise the specification and to evaluate the tools, which should be used in development. Michal. 2009/11/29 Alasdair <amc...@gmail.com> > To show what I want, it's easiest just to copy and paste from the > Maple TA page at http://www.maplesoft.com/products/mapleta/index.aspx: > > # You want the ability to create or modify your own content, and not > just rely on content written by other > > * Includes an easy-to-use question bank editor, algorithm > designer, and assignment editor > * Hundreds of sample questions available, which can be used as-is > or modified > * Algorithmic generation of questions means hundreds of questions > can be produced from a single template > * Access to thousands of math functions from Maple, which can be > used in both content creation and grading > > # You are teaching science, math or engineering > > * Uses conventional mathematical notation in questions and in > student responses > * Free-form mathematical responses allow you to ask questions that > truly assess understanding of technical subjects in a way that > multiple choice tests never can > * Access to Maple allows automatic assessment of virtually all > fields of mathematics > * Built-in unit support through the Maple engine > > Replace "Maple" where it occurs with "Sage", and there you have it! I > just want some method of producing randomized questions for a large > cohort of students, which can be automatically graded using Sage's > computational and algebraic engine. > > I have in fact thought of WebWork, but I think a system based on or > around Sage has the potential to be both extremely powerful, as well > as very attractive to educators. > > -Alasdair > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "sage-edu" group. To post to this group, send email to sage-...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to sage-edu+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/sage-edu?hl=en.
