Versatile maths
e-assessment using Numbas

Chris Graham
School of Mathematics, Statistics & Physics, Newcastle University

About Numbas

• An open-source system developed at Newcastle University
• Aimed at numerate disciplines.
• Browser-based and runs on the client - no backend server, even for maths.
• Public question editor and database with several thousand questions licensed for re-use.
• Creates SCORM-compliant tests, compatible with VLEs such as Blackboard and Moodle.

Design goals

• Scalable, reliable and accessible to a broad range of users.
• Good-looking and easy for students to use.
• Used by question authors who aren't experts, but customisable down to core functionality.
• Emphasis on creating rich formative e-assessment and learning materials with a strong emphasis on feedback.

Case Studies At Newcastle

• Models for Numbas use in our Maths department
• Transition to university in numerate subjects
• Numbas use in our maths support service

Case Studies At Newcastle

Model for Numbas use in our Maths department

• Banks of practice material to supplement lecture material organised by topic.
• In-course assessment drawn from practice sets.

Case Studies At Newcastle

Transition to university in numerate subjects

• Pre-entry course for non standard applicants.
• Diagnostic tests.
• Contextual and engaging questions.

Used in subjects such as psychology, biomedical sciences, sports & exercise science, biology, chemistry...

Case Studies At Newcastle

Numbas use in our maths support service

• Online resources on our student support platform.
• Numbas tests used as follow-up resources by our one-to-one service.

Thanks!

Website

• numbas.org.uk

Contact

• Email: numbas@ncl.ac.uk
• Twitter: @NclNumbas

Source code

• github.com/numbas