Types of Component Blocks

The article will provide the different types of component blocks available for the Instructor to use

Component blocks make up an activity and allow instructors different options to make up an activity. A noncoding activity allows an instructor to use all component blocks with the exception of the Code Block. If an Instructor selects a Code Block component, the Choose Image modal will appear to prompt them to choose the appropriate image so that they can convert the noncoding activity to a coding activity. 

Component blocks are divided into three sections:

Blocks

A.I. Content Assistant

Provides AI suggestions for text content creation in IllumiDesk to simplify the content creation process for Instructors and improve the quality of course material.

 

#

Name

Description

Example Prompt

  1

Request AI to write

Responds to the request

"Write a List of Books about the Python Language"

  2

 Outline

Creates an Activity structure.

"Create an outline for an Activity about [user input]."

  3

 Objectives

Defines the learning goals.

"Generate learning objectives for a lesson on [user input]."

  4

  Code Example

Provides a code snippet illustrating a concept.

"Write a code example demonstrating [user input]."

  5

  Exercise  Idea

Suggests hands-on exercises for practice.

"Propose a hands-on exercise for students to practice [user input]."

  6

Additional Resources

Suggests supplementary learning materials.

"Suggest additional resources (e.g., articles, videos) for learning more about [user input]."

Quizzes:

Quizzes enable instructors to ask their students questions to confirm that students have retained information from the course.

Quiz component subtypes can include:

  • Multiple Response (with one answer)

    • Instructor is able to add checkbox button options that represent the answer choices

    • Instructor is able to mark multiple checkboxes as the correct answer

  • Single Response(with more than one answer (checklist)

    • Instructor is able to add radio button options that represent the answer choices

    • Instructor is able to mark the radio button that is the correct answer

  • True or False

    • Instructor only have two radio button choices which are true or false

    • Instructor is able to mark the radio button that is the correct answer

  • Short Answer

    • Instructor is able to write the correct answer and in student view, the student sees a blank text box

    • Instructor is able to list the correct answer below the text box if the student is incorrect


    Instructors can add extra points while grading a submitted Activity for any quiz block in such an Activity.

Code Blocks

Code blocks require an underlying kernel that lets you execute code. In order to select the kernel must choose an image and confirm that you are connected to the kernel. 

Code blocks consist of 5 subtypes: Read Only, Manually Graded code, Auto Graded, Static code and Manually graded text.

Select subtype:

  • select subtype on the right side of top the panel
  • press "/" and select a subtype from the drop-down list

Read Only:

Read-only code blocks allow the instructor to write code that is needed for the activity that is not graded. Read-only blocks can be used by an instructor to include imports and develop starter code that a student will require to complete the activity.

Manual Graded:

A Manual Graded code block allows instructors to create blocks that an instructor will grade after the student submits the activity.

The instructor must set the total point value for the Manual Graded code block so that the student can view the total points they can receive for the code block. Additionally, the instructor can add the Solution code to both test the solution and refer to it when grading a student submission. The student will not be able to view the solution code

Auto Graded:

An Auto Graded code block allows instructors to create blocks that the submission flow will automatically grade using test code created by the instructor. These code blocks require the instructor to add Solution code and have at least one visible test case to grade against.

The instructor can set the points for each test case they create. At least one visible test case is required and the instructor has the option to include hidden tests. If the instructor would like to include more than one test case they have the option to select the + Add New Test, in order to add a new test case. 

Manually Graded Text:

Manual Graded text block allows an instructor to ask a text-based question to their respective students.

The instructor must set the total point value for the Manual Graded text block so that the student can view the total points they can receive for the text block. Additionally, the instructor can add the Solution text if they would like to refer to it when grading a student submission. The student will not be able to view the solution text.

Static Code:

A Static Code allows an instructor to add non-executable code snippets to their activity. In order to change the code syntax highlighting, use the language syntax dropdown to the right of the block.

Text Formats

Text Formats include: Text, H1, H2, H3, Bullet list, Ordered list and Quote.

A Text block will allow users to add text to their activities. 

Text block opens up a markdown editor that allows the instructor to add markdown and markdown-related features.

Other

Divider:

The Divider allows you to divide sections in the activity

Table:

A Table allows you to add tables

Media

The  Media component blocks consist of the following: Embed and Image.

Embed:

The Embed component block allows the instructor to define a container for an external resource, such as a web page, a picture, a media player, or a plug-in application. The instructor will be prompted to paste any embed link or tag. 

Image:

An Image component block allows the Instructor to add an Image link or upload an image by selecting the Upload Image button.