What is GOAL?
GOAL (Gradiance Online Accelerated Learning) is Pearson's Computer Science on-line homework and assessment technology featuring multiple choice questions and learning labs — the cutting-edge approach to enhancing students learning experiences.
GOAL is the most advanced online assessment tool developed for computer science. With its innovative underlying technology, GOAL turns basic homework assignments and programming labs into true learning experiences for students.
By using a series of "root questions" and hints, GOAL not only tests a student's capability, but actually simulates a one-on-one teacher-student tutorial that allows for the student to more easily learn the material. Through the GOAL programming labs, instructors are capable of testing, tracking, and honing their students' skills, both in terms of syntax and semantics, with an unprecedented level of assessment never before offered.
By taking advantage of all that GOAL has to offer, instructors will enhance their students' ability and learning experience.
How is GOAL different?
There are many computer science electronic homework offerings today.
GOAL's multiple choice question options are different...
GOAL is the only learning assessment tool today to offer root questions. These sets of questions are assigned by the instructor. The questions are phrased as problems for a student to solve completely. However, instead of having the student write down a solution, the student's knowledge is sampled, repeatedly if necessary, by a multiple-choice question. This methodology, the proprietary technique called "root questions," distinguishes GOAL from other on-line homework programs.
GOAL's learning labs are different...
GOAL programming labs are more than just compilers or syntax checkers. GOAL tests submitted code for both syntactic and semantic errors.
SYNTACTIC — Some of our competitors show students the same examples that they use to test whether the code is correct. As a result, students can write code that works on the examples — but, only the examples. GOAL shows students equivalent examples of errors, but these examples are never the same as the examples on which we test the code. The result — students really do the work and understand beyond the immediate example set before them.
SEMANTIC — GOAL checks for semantic errors rather than 'rule-based' construction only. Some programs today don't check the 'correctness' of the result at all, but leave the checking to the instructor.
How is GOAL "Cheat-Proof"?
The GOAL system has built-in safeguards against exchange of answers. Questions appear in random order, and the choices are also randomized. You may also assign multiple questions per homework to help eliminate systematic guessing as a strategy. There is also a verification system, so students can't print out an altered GOAL submission and thus ensuring there's no assumption that the system graded incorrectly.
Can I use GOAL as a stand-alone product?
GOAL may be used independently of the text.
Pearson feels the student learning experience is maximized by using GOAL in conjunction with the associated text. GOAL and its textbook are developed collaboratively to take full advantage of reinforcing knowledge to yield an exponential result. When the student makes a mistake, he/she is provided with a hint and textbook reference so he/she may review the material again to ensure they fully understand the subject matter. This consistent reinforcement provides the student with greater support to ensure his/her knowledge base is truly solid before he/she moves onto the next topic.
How do I review GOAL for my own classroom needs?
Please contact your local Pearson field representative to request a instructor access kit. If you are unsure of your Pearson representative's contact information, please click here to locate your rep.
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