WebRespond: Enhancements in Version 2.1

Technical Enhancements

• Rewrite the code to Java v1.1 - This version of WebRespond has been rewritten in Java 1.1.8.  Although this rewrite does not directly increase the capabilities of WebRespond, it does provide an event handling model which is more efficient.  Java 1.1.8 also makes provision for class serialization.  Class serialization is used to implement a customizable layout and appearance to WebRespond.  This rewrite should make WebRespond more efficient and reliable. (Version 2.0)
• Threaded question loading - This version of WebRespond uses a separate thread to load and initially parse the question file.  This allows the the next sequential question be loaded while the user is answering the current question.  The time to proceed to the next question should be reduced especially when using slow network connections. (Version 2.1)

Increased Functionality

• WebRespond as an Application - WebRespond can be run as an application as well as an applet.  Applets must be run within a web browser; however, an application can be run directly from the hard drive of a computer.  This should make it easier to preview quizzes before installing them on the web.  It will also make it possible to set up quizzes on a specific computer.  If the use of this computer is done under a secure environment, it will be easier to protect the security of questions used by WebRespond. (Version 2.0)
• Non-sequential access to questions - A list box has been included on the upper right corner of WebRespond.  This makes it possible to select a particular question to view.  This non-sequential access can be suppressed by using the tag <Mode>once</Mode>.  When a question has been answered, its entry in the list box is marked with a '*'.  This feature makes it easier to return to unanswered questions before completing the quiz. (Version 2.0)
• Question Formatting Options - WebRespond handles basic question formatting by implementing a subset of HTML.  Through the use of HTML tags implemented in WebRespond it is possible to add images, colored text, and special characters. (Version 2.0)
• Enhanced HTML Support - Additional HTML tags are supported in this version of WebRespond.  This makes it possible to include ordered and unordered lists as well as tables. (Version 2.1)
• Customized Appearance of WebRespond (Registered Version Only) - WebRespond is able to read in an appearance file, which specifies the text for the introduction and closing pages of the quiz.  The appearance file allows the text on any button or label in WebRespond to be changed.  The font can also be changes along with the color scheme.  It is also possible to specify a background image to be used for the introduction, option, and closing pages of the quiz. (Version 2.0)

New Question Types

• Short Answer - This question type allows a line of text to be entered as an answer.  This text is then compared to a series of possible correct responses.  More than one short answer entry can be specified within a single quiz question.  This makes it possible to efficiently gain survey information from the the student. (Version 2.0)
• Essay - This question type allows a block of text to be entered as an answer.  This text is then compared to a series of possible key words or phrases.  If all the words and phrases are present in the block of text, the question is considered correct. (Version 2.0)
• Computation - This question type is similar to the short answer question with the additional ability to insert randomly generated numerical values.  The question response can also be numerical and is graded based on an equation provided by the question writer. (Version 2.1)

Support Programs

• WebRespond Registration Program - This application generates a serialized version of the user's appearance for WebRespond and designates a particular server for WebRespond's installation.  If the serialized file generated by the registration program is present in the same directory as the quiz, the user's appearance file will be used.  Otherwise WebRespond will use the default values. (Version 2.0)