Online homework (WeBWorK and Canvas quizzes): a strategy

Unlimited attempts are a gift and a trap. How to use online homework to learn rather than to guess.

Online homework gives instant feedback and often unlimited tries. Used well, that is the fastest learning loop in the course. Used badly, it becomes a guessing game where you get 100% and learn nothing, which shows up at the exam where there is one attempt and no green checkmark.

The loop

1. Do the problem completely on paper before typing anything. Paper is what the exam looks like.
2. Enter the answer. If it is wrong, do not change a sign and resubmit. Find the mistake on paper first.
3. After two wrong tries, stop and reread the matching Mathub notes or watch a five-minute video on that topic, then return.
4. When you finally get it, write the problem type and the mistake in a running "missed" list. That list is exam gold.

Entering answers

• Read the format hint: exact vs. decimal, radians vs. degrees, units required or not.
• Use parentheses generously: 1/(2x) is not 1/2x.
• For "show your work" quizzes, a clear photo of clean handwriting matters. Number the steps.

Timing

Start the day it opens, not the night it closes. Problem sets are designed to take several sittings; the last-minute version costs twice the time because you are tired and the help room is closed. Mathub calendars show every due date, and reminders can nudge you the evening before.