Mathematics extensions IV adds the first version of an experimental scripting language to the Qedoc Quiz Maker, allowing contributors to programme advanced mathematical problems. The scripting language is particularly suited to creating applied mathematical problems: it does this by allowing variables from the script to be inserted into a user-defined text at runtime.
Overview of functions:- Random number generators
- Operators: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, modulo
- 9 trigonometry functions, plus pi
- logarithms
- squares, roots and powers
- approximation functions: floor, ceil and rounding to any number of decimal places
- 4 conditional functions
- very basic support for multi-dimensional arrays, including string arrays
The new question type associated with this feature also allows customised virtual keyboards. The combination of user-definable virtual keyboard and multi-dimensional string arrays allows, for example, mathematical problems to be presented and solved in non-Arabic number systems - e.g. Roman, Chinese.
The most important foundational element in any script is the random number generation. This means that every time the mathematical problem is presented to the learner, the problem uses different numbers. This results in a very high degree of replayability. With minimal effort on the teacher's part, an almost inexhaustible supply of practice material can be produced for the student.
The new feature is aimed at accomplished mathematics teachers with (at least) elementary programming skills.
Demonstrations.
Sample modules showing the mathematical capabilities can be downloaded from the online learning library. Programmable problems can be found in the applied maths modules.
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