This is the second step of the Test Generation process. This step allows the Instructor to specify more search parameters to further narrow down the Question that he wants. The figure below shows the second step's screen:
Figure 2.3.2.1: Second step in Test Generation
Explanation of Inputs
This step allows the Instructor to input some more parameters:
- The first optional input is a detailed tool to allow the instructor to specify exactly how many questions he wants with a specific type and a particular difficulty level.
- The second optional input allows the Instructor to choose questions that were made before or after a certain date. This is to prevent the addition of outdated Questions into the test. The Instructor can specify a Day, Month, and Year in each box. The Instructor does not have to fill out either field, as seen in the figure below.
- The third optional input allows the instructor to include or disclude questions that were written by a particular author. The Instructor can specify multiple names in each box by seperating them with a comma, as seen in the figure below.
- The fourth optional input allows the instructor to search for Questions by keywords. The generator will search the Question database for Questions that contains the specified keywords. Then it will display the matches to the instructor in the box below the search bar. The instructor can choose to add the question to the test by checking the check box to the left of the question body. The Instructor can specify multiple keywords by seperating them with a comma as seen in the figure below.
The figure below shows the second screen with inputs filled out:
Figure 2.3.2.2: Second Step filled out in Test Generation
Rules for Test Generation Step 2
The rules concerning the selection of Questions from the database at this stage are as follows:
- For the first set of constraints,
if the instructor does not specify as many
questions as the total number of questions he specified in step 1, the generator, using the search paramters
already given, will choose questions to make up the difference.
If the instructor specifies more questions than he did in step 1, the generator will follow the search parameters of step 2.
After taking into account the new constraints introduced at this step, the Generator will keep all of the questions previously generated that fit the constraints. - If the Instructor has specified before or after dates, any Questions whose creation date was before the set date will be rejected and any Questions whose creation date was after the set date will be rejected.
- If the Instructor has specified the Include/Disclude by author constraints, any Questions, including ones already chosen whose author is specified as "discluded" will be rejected. Any Questions, including ones already chosen whose author is specified as "included" will be kept or prioritized to be chosen over a similar question of a different author.
- When searching for questions by keyword, the Generator searches for token matches in the text of a question that belongs to the class(es) specified in the first step. If the Instructor wants more information about a particular question match, he can click the Database button and he will be able to see all the attributes of the question in the question database.
Remember:
- At any time, the instructor can go to an overview of the test generated so far in the process by pressing the button: "TEST PREVIEW"
- The Instructor is not obligated to fill out every constraint in this step. If a constraint is left blank, the Generator will not take it into account when searching for questions
- To move on to the next step, the instructor will press the button: "NEXT"
- If the instructor wants to go back to the first step, he can press the button: "BACK" His inputs in step 2 will be saved.