IMathAS is a math testing and homework system that can be accessed through the web. It allows students to take tests and complete assignments online.
One of the most significant advantages of IMathAS is that it is highly collaborative. The system was designed to encourage sharing of questions both within the system and outside of it. Questions are grouped into question libraries, and they are not tied directly to a specific assessment. Unless marked private, questions can be used by anyone on the system or used as a template for writing new questions. You can export and import, which allows the sharing of question sets between systems. Additionally, macro libraries allow for the expansion of IMathAS's question language. Users with expertise in a field can develop macro extensions and share them with other users.
IMathAS is also extremely easy to install. The system uses standard PHP and MySQL, so it requires no special compilation options or installation of external programs.
IMathAS offers a rich math and graph display, using standards-based MathML and SVG, powered by Peter Jipsen's ASCIIsvg and ASCIIMathML. It also offers a rich text editor with built-in Math and graph support for text items displayed in a course. Furthermore, alternate display options are available for screen readers and browsers without needed support.
Assessment-wise, IMathAS offers a wide range of question types, including functions, numbers, calculated numbers, multiple-choice, multiple-answer, matching, string, numerical matrix, calculated matrix, and multipart. It offers multiple display options and assessment settings, including an option for practice sets and due date exceptions for individual students. Algorithmically generated questions are available, with a relatively simple-to-use question language (loosely based on PHP) with many built-in randomizers and display macros. The question language can be expanded further by installing additional macros.
Other course features in IMathAS include the ability to post text items, uploaded files, or web links to the classroom, basic discussion forums, and flexible administration. IMathAS can be centrally administered, or teachers can be given rights to create their courses, and courses can have one or more teachers.
Overall, IMathAS is an effective and highly collaborative Web-based math testing and homework system that offers rich math and graph display, a wide range of question types, and ease of install. Its macro libraries make it expandable, and it has the added benefit of being flexible in administration.
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