One of our priorities for the future development of the Qedoc quiz software is the enhancement of its mathematics capabilities. While conventional question types (such as multiple choice, gapfills, text response and word games) can cope with a wide variety of other subjects, mathematics poses special problems for good quiz creation, and yet at the same time mathematics is one of the most important and basic skills required in schools.
The addition of the first set of arithmetical question types in version 1.11 gives an impression of where we intend to take our software's mathematical capabilities. The following eight basic arithmetical question types were added:- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Integer division
- Division with remainders
- Addition with missing operand
- Subtraction with missing operand
- Multiplication with missing operand
 Basic layout.
The basic appearance of the arithmetical questions types involve a number pad (which is mouse-operated) and a sum above it which can be completed by use of the number pad.
Random generation of operands.
The educator can define the two operands either by setting a range for a random choice of number, or by precise definition. The advantage of ranges with random choices is that the educator can define just a single question and use it for endless testing of a specific operation at a specific difficulty level - the actual numbers will constantly change every time the child attempts the question, giving the appearance of an entire exercise or set of exercises when in fact only one "question" was ever defined.
 Multi-task questions.
One of the special features of the arithmetical question types is that several tasks can be set as part of the same question. This is similar to the way mathematics exercise books also present questions. It permits the educator to put closely related tasks alongside each other, allowing the learner to draw inferences from relations between the results. When using multi-task questions, any numbers of tasks from 2 to 10 can be grouped into the same question. The learner moves between tasks by clicking the radio buttons. The currently selected task is always strongly highlighted, although the other tasks remain visible for checking and comparison.
 Missing operand tasks.
The image shown to the right here illustrates the "missing operand" (or gapfill) variant of arithmetical task. Maths teachers will be familiar with this kind of question. The result of the operation is given, plus one of the two operands, but the other operand is missing. The learner must enter the value of the missing operand.
 Division with remainder.
The final variation illustrated here shows division with remainder. The arithmetical tasks currently offer two types of division task: those where a full integer response is guaranteed (the programme generates an appropriate sum automatically for you, within the specified number ranges), and those division tasks where a remainder is required. The number pad is extended with a special "r" key for specifying the remainder.
Demonstrations.
Sample modules showing the mathematical capabilities can be downloaded from the online learning library.
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