email: patsymc@physics.utexas.edu
I HATE GRADING HOMEWORK! That is one reason why I like the Homework Service. I can find good problems, assign them, and spend my time working with the students instead of grading papers. If you like this idea, follow me into the world of interactive homework . . .
It all started with Physics ... In the spring of 2004 there were about 8800 physics problems available (calculus based, trig based and high school), including the released 1993 and 1998 AP Physics problems (with explanations) for both B and C.
More Than Just Physics ... The homework service is more than "just" physics problems. Remember that in addition to delivering unique problems to your students and grading their assignments, the system makes complete explanations available to the students once the due date is past.
... Calculus, Anyone? We have about 1800 AB Calculus problems in the mathematics bank, including the released 1993 and 1997 problems for both AB and BC (with explanations). Randomization is in progress.
Additional calculus problems are identified as Calculus3. These problems are being developed by the UT Mathematics Department for use in their introductory courses. All of these problems have randomization (graphical, string and numeric).
You Don't Teach Physics or Calculus? The math bank has over 11000 problems available for use. All problems include explanations, and all areas except the precalculus have extensive randomization in the problem statements and in the figures.
The Physical Science bank has approximately 4200 problems, mostly multiple choice. About 2800 physics problems are available, as well as 800 in chemistry, and 600 in astronomy, geology, and meteorology. Only the problems imported from the physics bank include explanations. We are in the process of inputting additional problems in astronomy and geology.
The Chemistry bank has about 12200 problems (5600 general, 5700 basic, and 900 high school). About 60% of these problems now have explanations.
The Biology bank (just created) has about 3300 problems. The bank organization and the problems are under development.
Personalize the Homework System We all have our own "pet problems" that we like to assign on homework or tests. The problem editor allows us to do this. You can request an editing account from Dr. Moore or me. See Editor Tips for some survival skills in manipulating the editor.
New Homework Books Since we are doing so much editing and new problem development, new versions of the homework books are created about once each month. The latest version can be downloaded through the "Create an assignment" link on the faculty home page or you can purchase one or more volumes via an order form on the "online books" page.
Identify Bad Problems In spite of all our efforts, we still discover that some problems have problems. It is just as important for you to identify dysfunctional problems in the system as it is to find good problems to assign. If you find a bad problem and do not correct it, let us know about it. If you don't let us know, other students may be frustrated by something that could have been avoided.
My home page for students: http://www.ph.utexas.edu/~patsymc
My home page for teachers: http://www.ph.utexas.edu/~patsymc/fac/fac.html