Diagram interpretation and e-learning systems

Abstract

We describe a system capable of grading free-form diagrammatic answers. Our matches meaningful parts of a diagram with equivalents in a model solution. This is complicated by errors, omissions, and superfluous items in the student answer. The result of matching is used to calculate the grade and generate appropriate feedback; it performs at least as well as a human marker on a variety of diagram types. We describe tools that allow the easy creation of questions, marking schemes, and diagram editors suitable for embedding in a VLE quiz engine. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.