[ARCHIVED] Scoring a quiz with math inputs

[moigon]

can canvas check and score a quiz with math inputs automatically

[James · Accepted solution]

 @moigon  

Canvas can automatically score numeric responses written in decimal form automatically. It does not understand fractions. It will accept scientific notation using the e notation (for example, 1.25e-2). It is locale aware, so countries that use a comma for a decimal point and a period for a separator are recognized (1.000.325,79)

Simple symbolic responses can be graded using fill in the blank questions, but it is not ideal as the instructor has to account for all possible responses either explicitly or by using regular expressions (New Quizzes only). For example, if your instructions are to factor x²-5x-6, then you have to allow for both (x-6)(x+1) and (x+1)(x-6) as well as any other variation you would accept like spaces around one or both sides of the operand or a space or * in between the two factors.

If you want students to incorporate symbolic math using the equation editor within an essay question, then no, this cannot be automatically graded by Canvas.

[moigon]

I've been using the fill-in-the-blank format and yes, I agree with the challenge of considering all possible inputs.

I was hoping that students can input solutions using the equation editor and Canvas Quiz can rate it after possible solutions I input.

Thanks for the response though.

[James]

I forgot to add that you can make multiple choice questions and have them automatically graded.

There is no equation editor question type. There is essay that allows equations among other things. A student could type "The answer is x = √6" instead of just √6 or 6^1/2 [I would count that one wrong, but must students would think it's right] or 6^(1/2) or 6^0.5 or 6^.5 or 6^{1/2} or 6^{4/8} or 6^{n/(2n)}

The essay questions should never automatically grade math content. There should be a different question type that understands symbolic math.