A web-based testing system with dynamic question generation

The use of the web for a variety of educational needs has exploded. It provides one approach in the increasing use of electronic media. HTML-the "Lingua Franca" of the Internet-provides great platform independence. However, for mathematically intensive applications as seen in Engineering, HTTP and HTML are not able to compete with nonweb computer based programs. At least not without server-side or client-side enhancement. In the paper, we describe one solution to the problem of presenting students with dynamically generated browser-based exams with significant engineering mathematics content. This proof of concept is called WTML, Web Testing Markup Language. WTML is an extension of HTML. The web-server is extended to process the WTML and support features necessary for mathematics exams. The result is then supplied to the client (student's browser). The student completes an exam and returns it for grading and database recording. The system is used in a calculus class and then assessed.