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Overview:This system was designed for the purpose of polling students during class time. Polling students and presenting the data graphically (histogram) can verify learning and stimulate additional conversation when misconceptions are disclosed. The use of this polling system is not restricted to the classroom and could serve as an alternative for evaluations or elections.
Default View:The initial screen (Frame 1) contains Group Name, group Description, group Moderator. Selecting the Hyperlink of the Group Name, will direct the user to that groups questions (ballot box).
Introduction:
  1. Selecting Set Cookie Registers you to vote. Registration is required to place a vote.
  2. Selecting Register Answer allows you to vote
  3. Selecting View produces a histogram of results.
Accessing Group Questions:Upon entering the polling system a list of registered groups are presented. Select the Group Name to link to the associated questions.
Active Period for Polls:Polls can be either Open or Closed . Voting is allowed only as the polls are open. Results of the polls are available when closed.
Results:Poll results become observable during inactivity. The question and all possible answers are provide in a table, ordered by Bin number, and a total vote tallied. The vote counts are presented graphically as a histogram. A link is (will be) provided to view the convidence data for questions which included the confidence query.
Numerical Questions:

Checking the "Numerical Question" checkbox at the bottom of the Create Question page will allow certain parts of the question and answers to be evaluated as algebraic expressions. In addition, the numbers can be randomized, providing a unique question to each Poll taker. There are three steps to setting up a numerical question: writing the question, defining the variables, and writing possible responses as algebraic expressions.

1. Writing the Question: Write the question as a word problem, and determine which numbers in the problem will become randomized variables.

2. Defining Variables: Replace the appropriate numbers in the question with variable definitions. Variables are defined by the syntax name{value}, where name is a single-letter variable name and value is an arbitrary mathematical expression.

Examples:
x{4}
y{2x+3}
$z{sin(x)*cos(y)}

An optional $ may be added before the variable name to improve visibility. Expressions containing other variables can only be used after those variables have been defined. To reuse a previously defined variable alone, use either $x or x{}.

To define a random variable, write two expressions separated by a "|", i.e.:

x{0|5} (random decimal from 0.0-5.0)
$z{int(10|20)} (integer from 10-19)

The int() function can be used when only integer numbers are desired. Available functions are listed at the bottom. Following is a possible question:

If you start out at v{int(2|10)} m/s and accelerate at a{int(5|15)} m/s2, how fast will you be going after t{int(20|30)} seconds?

3. Writing Responses: Now that the question is defined, you can create algebraic responses using the variables. First write the correct response in algebraic form. You can then add several incorrect responses, varying each by inserting common mistakes (using multiplication vs. division, etc.) to get a good set of plausible answers.

4sin(x * pi/2)
{v+at} m/s
{} None of the above

Enclose the expression in brackets {} if you have extra text that is not in the numeric part of the solution (such as units m/s). Use an empty set of brackets to indicate text-only answers.

Make sure that you solve the problem algebraically for one variable before entering it as the evaluator will not solve equations with an "=" sign. Also, you can only use the variables defined in the question, along with the following operators and functions.

Available Functions:
sqrt floor ciel int abs sin cos tan csc sec cot asin acos atan
+ - * / ^ ( ) PI 3i 10E+05

Students will not see any of the algebraic expressions you use, only the values generated by them. You may want to enable "Instant Feedback" as well to alert students to any errors they make.

Voting:You must first register and allow us to set a cookie in your web browser's public folder.

When viewing the table of questions, select the Register Answer link to vote. If you you have set your cookie, then your identification number will also be evident. Clicking the Register Answer link will produce the corresponding question. A javascript countdown timer is provided. Select the clickable object (radio button) for the answer that you fill best satisfies the question.

If prompted with a question regarding your level of confidence, please answer honestly your confidence that the answer is correct. When the polls close, a plot showing confidence versus correctness will become available.

Your identification code should be displayed, if it is not, retype it - no votes will be accepted without this id code.

Click on the Register Answer button when ready. You will be given the option to re-vote as long as the polls remain open. Once closed, your ability to vote is terminated.

View Results:Poll results are available once the polls close. A histogram showing the results will also be produced.
What is a Poll?POLL, Public Opinion, technique for measuring the range of opinion held by the general public or by specifically limited groups of people. It developed during the 1920s. Opinion polls rely on certain statistical laws which show that small carefully chosen samples of any group can accurately represent the range of opinions of the whole group or population. The population in question, know as the "universe" many be a general one (all voters in the US) or a limited one (all car workers in US). Accuracy depends on the care with which the sample is constructed and on the size of the sample. Since 1944, all polls have adpoted the method of random selection pioneered by the US Census Bureau in which each member of the "universe" has an equal chance of being questioned. Pioneers in US public-opinion polling included George Gallup, Louis Harris and Elmo Roper
The New American Desk Encyclopedia, 1987: ISBN 0-452-00871-9.
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