Writing glowscript

[Paul Camp]

Is there a reason why one has to write glowscript programs online? We frequently have times (especially in my morning class) when the network is overloaded and internet resources are intolerably slow. It also is a significant restriction over classic Vpython programs that could be shared with me in our LMS (and therefore preserved as potential research data).

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Dr. Paul J. Camp

"The beauty of the cosmos derives not only from unity in variety
       but also from variety in unity"
                 -- Umberto Eco
                     The Name of the Rose

[Bruce Sherwood]

The Help at glowscript.org has a link to technical documentation, which leads to these instructions on how to run locally:

     http://www.glowscript.org/docs/GlowScriptDocs/local.html

However, I see that there's a mistake in a link shown in the article:

     bitbucket.org/davidscherer/glowscript

should be

     github.com/BruceSherwood/glowscript

[Bruce Sherwood]

"It also is a significant restriction over classic Vpython programs that could be shared with me in our LMS (and therefore preserved as potential research data)."

I don't understand this sentence, Paul. Why can you not save GlowScript programs that students write? Does LMS = Learning Management System? If you could save Classic program texts there, why would it not let you save GlowScript program texts?

[Paul Camp]

Well, I haven't tried it. I was just looking over the documentation in preparation for next year and at first glance it seemed like everything had to be done on glowscript.org and shared on glowscript.org.

On Mon, Apr 18, 2016 at 5:44 PM, Bruce Sherwood <bruce.s...@gmail.com> wrote:

"It also is a significant restriction over classic Vpython programs that could be shared with me in our LMS (and therefore preserved as potential research data)."

I don't understand this sentence, Paul. Why can you not save GlowScript programs that students write? Does LMS = Learning Management System? If you could save Classic program texts there, why would it not let you save GlowScript program texts?

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[Aaron Titus]

I used GlowScript for the first time this semester. 

I collect students’ programs in WebAssign. In the past, I used “file upload” and I had to run their programs on my computer using vpython classic. I always worried about security, even though I am sure none of my students would write code that would delete files or anything like that. (I ran the code before viewing it.) However, with GlowScript, I use “essay” questions in WebAssign and students copy and paste the URL for their program. To grade them, I use the “essay” grading form in WebAssign. I go to their URL, run the program, and view the code. In my opinion, it has been a much faster and safer way to run their programs.

AT

[Rhett Allain]

I also use GlowScript in class - but I don't have the students send me their code.  Instead, they make a screencast (and then they send me a link to the video) that shows both their code and how it runs.  I like it much better than just running their code myself.

Rhett

[Aaron Titus]

Where do they post their screencasts? 

The one semester that I tried this (for physics homework), they used Jing.

AT

[Steve Spicklemire]

Interesting idea! What tool do you use for the student screen casts? Do they have to upload it or is it done online in some way? Does it include audio of them explaining what's happening?

thanks,

-steve

On Apr 19, 2016, at 8:16 AM, Rhett Allain <rhett...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Paul Camp]

You can see all their code that way?

The single most common error I see in VPython programs is students trying to steer the particle rather than letting Newton's laws do it.

[Rhett Allain]

they can post the video anywhere they like.  Some use jing, most just put it on youtube.  I use Andy Rundquist's rule that videos have to be less than 5 min - overall, it works great.  I can send you some example videos if you like.

Rhett

[Rhett Allain]

Steve,

I basically stole of my ideas from Andy Rundquist.  Here is the page I give my students about screencasts.   Scroll down to the part on screencasts https://phys222.wordpress.com/standards/

That's a little old, but you get the idea.  Many students now just use their phone and record the screen.  Honestly, as long as I can hear their voice and mostly see what's going on it's good.

Rhett

[Rhett Allain]

Paul,

You can see whatever code they want to show in the video.  I really don't want to see all their code anyway.  I want them to show that it runs and then give a brief explanation as to how it works.  Of course, you could always have them include a link to their code or something like that.

Rhett