New version of VGL out soon - feedback needed
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Brian White
Mar 21, 2011, 3:04:01 PM3/21/11
to Virtual Genetics Lab Users Group
Hi all-
The new version of VGL will be out in a few months. I wanted to let
you know what was coming and to see what you think of an idea I have.
New features:
- epistasis and complementation
- now saves the location and visibility of the cages
- problems corresponding to the old VGL problems (so I can finally
phase out the old VGL)
- a "model builder" that lets students fill in the details of the
model as they work it out
The last feature leads to my question:
Since VGLII saves the model builder, it would be possible to semi-
automate the grading of VGLII problems. It would work like this:
1) You assign a level of problem for the student
2) She solves it and enters her answer (the genetic model and some
relevant cages) into the Model Builder.
3) She saves her work and sends it to you.
4) You open it in a program that shows her answer next to the right
answer.
5) You grade it.
That way, you could assign VGLII problems as homework and grade them
and each would be different.
I have this almost completely implemented, but it needs security. And
I need your opinion on how best to do this. There are three options
with increasing security:
A) VGLII has a grading password. You choose "Open for grading" from
the File menu, enter a password, and it shows the students' answers as
described above. The problem with this is, if a student gets the
password, she can open the file she's working on with the grader, find
the right answer, and enter that into the model builder. Once
compromised, anyone with the password can cheat in any prof's class
forever or until I change the password in a different version of
VGLII.
B) I make little "grading token" files for each of you who want to
grade. These would be encrypted and not hackable and would have a
unique password you'd give me as well as an expiration date. So, if
stolen, they'd enable cheating with any VGLII class but only for a set
time.
C) (B) + two course-specific keys I'd make unique for each instructor.
You'd distribute the Student.key to the students and they'd use it to
"Save for grading" (a special save option). You'd use Grading.key to
decrypt and grade them. So, if compromised, they'd only be able to
cheat in one course for a set time.
What are your thoughts? Preferred option?
Thanks!
Brian
The new version of VGL will be out in a few months. I wanted to let
you know what was coming and to see what you think of an idea I have.
New features:
- epistasis and complementation
- now saves the location and visibility of the cages
- problems corresponding to the old VGL problems (so I can finally
phase out the old VGL)
- a "model builder" that lets students fill in the details of the
model as they work it out
The last feature leads to my question:
Since VGLII saves the model builder, it would be possible to semi-
automate the grading of VGLII problems. It would work like this:
1) You assign a level of problem for the student
2) She solves it and enters her answer (the genetic model and some
relevant cages) into the Model Builder.
3) She saves her work and sends it to you.
4) You open it in a program that shows her answer next to the right
answer.
5) You grade it.
That way, you could assign VGLII problems as homework and grade them
and each would be different.
I have this almost completely implemented, but it needs security. And
I need your opinion on how best to do this. There are three options
with increasing security:
A) VGLII has a grading password. You choose "Open for grading" from
the File menu, enter a password, and it shows the students' answers as
described above. The problem with this is, if a student gets the
password, she can open the file she's working on with the grader, find
the right answer, and enter that into the model builder. Once
compromised, anyone with the password can cheat in any prof's class
forever or until I change the password in a different version of
VGLII.
B) I make little "grading token" files for each of you who want to
grade. These would be encrypted and not hackable and would have a
unique password you'd give me as well as an expiration date. So, if
stolen, they'd enable cheating with any VGLII class but only for a set
time.
C) (B) + two course-specific keys I'd make unique for each instructor.
You'd distribute the Student.key to the students and they'd use it to
"Save for grading" (a special save option). You'd use Grading.key to
decrypt and grade them. So, if compromised, they'd only be able to
cheat in one course for a set time.
What are your thoughts? Preferred option?
Thanks!
Brian
Klein, Anita
Mar 21, 2011, 3:24:44 PM3/21/11
to vgl-...@googlegroups.com
Hi Brian,
I like your proposed changes. I don’t have a good idea on how to deal with security…
Anita Klein
Assoc. Prof. Biological Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Coordinator
University of New Hampshire
Room 383 Rudman Hall
46 College Rd.
Durham, NH 03824-2618
Brian White
Mar 22, 2011, 8:30:02 AM3/22/11
to vgl-...@googlegroups.com
thanks!
I'll let you know when it comes out.
B
----------
Professor Brian White
Biology Department
UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 287-6630
(617) 287-6650 (fax)
http://intro.bio.umb.edu/BW/
KB1QZA
Professor Brian White
Biology Department
UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 287-6630
(617) 287-6650 (fax)
http://intro.bio.umb.edu/BW/
KB1QZA
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