Introduction to Numbas for Engineers

Christian Lawson-Perfect

<section class="section2"><h2>Zoom rules</h2>
<ul>
<li>This session is <em>informal</em>: we've all got enough to worry about.</li>
<li>Mute yourself when not speaking.</li>
<li>Use the 'raise hand' button before asking a question.</li>
<li>Use text chat to ask questions or comment while someone else is speaking.</li>
</ul>
<hr/>
</section><section class="section2"><h2>Plan for today</h2>
<ul>
<li>Introduce Numbas and quick demo</li>
<li>Explore the Numbas editor</li>
<li>Discussion about engineering needs</li>
<li>Q & A</li>
</ul>
<hr/>
<ul>
<li>Numbas is an open-source web-based e-assessment tool.</li>
<li>It is aimed at numerate disciplines.</li>
<li>Developed by the e-Learning Unit in Newcastle University's School of Mathematics, Statistics & Physics</li>
</ul>
<hr/>
</section><section class="section2"><h2>Applications of Numbas</h2>
<p>At Newcastle, we use Numbas for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Formative use in a pre-entry course.</li>
<li>Diagnostic tests in week 1.</li>
<li>Banks of practice material to supplement lecture material.</li>
<li>In-course assessment.</li>
<li>Some final exams.</li>
</ul>
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</section><section class="section2"><h2>Subjects using Numbas</h2>
<ul>
<li>Mathematics and statistics</li>
<li>Physics</li>
<li>Engineering</li>
<li>Chemistry</li>
<li>Business studies</li>
<li>Psychology</li>
<li>Biomedical science</li>
<li>Sports science</li>
<li>... and more</li>
</ul>
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</section><section class="section2"><h2>Outside of Newcastle</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>800+</strong> institutions in the UK and around the world.</li>
<li><strong>3,000+</strong> users registered on public editor.</li>
<li><strong>8,000+</strong> questions and exams released for free reuse under an open access licence.</li>
</ul>
<p>(as of January 2020, <a href="https://numbas.mathcentre.ac.uk/stats/">as far as we can tell</a>)</p>
<hr/>
</section><section class="section2"><h2>In Engineering at Newcastle</h2>
<ul>
<li>MAS0001 pre-entry course</li>
<li>Formative material by topic with in-course CBAs in ENG1001</li>
<li>Formative material by topic in ENG2011/2012</li>
<li>Take home class test in EEE1001</li>
<li>Final exams in MEC3015, MEC8025 and MEC8026</li>
<li>Numbas content for labs being developed by LTDS</li>
</ul>
<p>8,800 student attempts at 85 tests this academic year.</p>
<hr/>
</section><section class="section2"><h2>What we offer</h2>
<ul>
<li>Training workshops</li>
<li>Co-supervision of projects</li>
<li>Advice on delivery of tests</li>
<li>Development of new features</li>
</ul>
<hr/>
</section><section class="section2"><h2>A quick demo</h2>
<p><a href="https://numbas.mathcentre.ac.uk/exam/13284/engineering-demo/embed/?token=49a67266-943b-4283-9eb3-644e7424e0e5" target="_blank">Numbas demo exam</a></p>
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</section><section class="section2"><h2>If you need help</h2>
<p>Email <a href="mailto:numbas@ncl.ac.uk">numbas@ncl.ac.uk</a>.</p>
<hr/>
</section><section class="section2"><h2>Thanks!</h2>
<p><strong>Website</strong>: <a href="http://www.numbas.org.uk">numbas.org.uk</a></p>
<p><strong>Email:</strong> <a href="mailto:numbas@ncl.ac.uk">numbas@ncl.ac.uk</a></p>
<p><strong>Twitter:</strong> <a href="https://twitter.com/NclNumbas">@NclNumbas</a></p>
<p><em>Source code</em>: <a href="http://github.com/numbas">github.com/numbas</a></p>
</section>