Using Maple and the Web to Grade Mathematics Tests Saliha Klai Theodore Kolokolnikov Norbert Van den Bergh Vrije Universiteit Brussel Ghent University Ghent University saklai@vub.ac.be theodore.kolokolnikov@rug.ac.be norbert.vandenbergh@rug.ac.be Abstract We present AIM (http://calculus.rug.ac.be:8080), a web-based system designed to administer graded tests with mathematical content. Its main features are: use of Maple as the engine and implemen- tation language; several methods of giving partial credit; various feedback mechanisms; randomisation of quizzes and questions; versatility in question and quiz design; extensive grade reporting and monitor- ing capabilities; ability to collect surveys; web inter- face for both teacher and student. AIM can be used to administer graded tests, homeworks or ungraded self-assessment exercises. A case study using vector calculus was conducted and more courses are being planned for September 2000, including linear algebra, ODEs and precalculus. Preparation is also under way to use AIM to mark a part of the final exam for linear algebra in Febuary 2001. 1 Introduction AIM [1] (Alice Interactive Mathematics) is a web server for automatically administering graded tests and homeworks with mathematical content. The two distinguishing features of AIM are its use of Maple for performing computations and visualization of math- ematical formulas; and its facilities for giving partial credit. The use of Maple is ideally suited for questions that require symbolic answers and whose verifica- tion involves mathematical operations. A typical such question is to compute  cos 3x sin 2xdx. Both 2/5 cos 2x cos 3x+3/5 sin 2x sin 3x and -1/10 cos 5x+ 1/2 cos x (as well as infinitely many other choices) are correct answers for this question. Grading this ques- tion requires differentiation and using trig identities - tasks that are easily done using Maple but are almost impossible to do using standard authoring software. Maple is also used to easily display math formulas including integrals, greek letters and matrices. AIM has several different mechanisms for giving partial credits. One of them is automatic, applicable to any question, and requires no special effort on the teacher’s behalf. The other two are more flexible, more question-specific and require more effort. All administration of the server is done through a web interface. Using this interface, a teacher can edit questions, generate statistics and grade reports and monitor student’s progress. AIM has been used to give review tests for about 70 students taking vector calculus. While still prelim- inary, the results so far have been encouraging with about 75% of those students who completed a sur- vey reporting that they feel more prepared for the final exam after taking the tests, while 50% prefer Figure 1: (a) question definition, typed by teacher. (b) question output, viewed by students.