Webwork Student Guide

Webwork is an online assignment and quiz toolfor numeric problems and equations that allows you to solve assigned problems as part of homework sets or quizzes. You will receive instant feedback after answering each problems, with multiple attempts (if your instructor allows them), to better understand your learning.

Webwork isFIPPAcompliant (it follows provincial privacy policy) and your data is stored securely in Canada.

What will I use it for?

Your instructor may have you use Webwork for solving numeric problems or equations in a variety of formats:

  • Homework assignments
  • Quizzes
  • Proctored exams

What do I need to use Webwork?

A supported web browser

Webwork runs in your web browser and supports using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. However, we recommend you use the latest version of Chrome or Firefox for the best experience.

Tips

  • You can download theCanvas Student appto access Webwork assignments on your mobile device.

How do I use Webwork?

Click any bar below to find instructions and tips for using Webwork.

Access Webwork through Canvas

You will access Webwork exclusively through your Canvas course.

  1. Log in to your Canvas course and clickAssignmentsin the Course Navigation to access your assignments.
  2. Click theWebwork linkto your Webwork course, where you will be able to access and complete your Webwork assignments.
    • Some instructors may list individual links for each Webwork assignment. In this case, it’s important to click eachindividual assignment link, so that grades sync correctly between Webwork and Canvas.
  3. Click the“Load Webwork link in a new window” linkfor the course or assignment. You will be redirected to Webwork.

Tips

  • Instructors may provide Webwork links in other ways, but you should first try to access through Canvas.

Complete a Webwork homework set

Homework sets are groups of problems that make up Webwork assignments.

  1. Once you’ve accessed Webwork through Canvas, click thehomework setto be completed.
  2. On the homework set page, you will see the list of problems that the set contains. Each problem shows the number of attempts allowed, number of attempts remaining, worth, and status.
  3. To get started, select aproblemto work on by clicking it. There will be an empty field where you can input your answer.
  4. While typing your answer, you can click thePreview Answersbutton to see your entry in mathematical form. If this previewed answer is not what you expected, you can adjust your answer.
  5. Once you’re satisfied with the mathematical form, clickSubmit Answers.
  6. After you submit, Webwork will tell you if you got the answer correct or incorrect.
  7. To access the next question, click the greenNextbutton above the problem.

Tips

  • You can download and print the homework setbefore inputting your answers online.
  • Use the list of problems on the left-hand sideto access the other problems in the set.
  • It’s best to always preview your answer before you submit.You may not have extra attempts, and there is no undo.
  • If Webwork says your answer is incorrect but you can see it is correct, use the preview button to check the syntax of your answerfor errors. For example, ensure you have used brackets where appropriate or the correct number of decimal places throughout your calculations, as the answer format can be very specific.
  • If you have technical issues you can’t resolve on your own, contact your instructor or teaching assistantor reach out to the support points at the bottom of this guide.

Complete a Webwork gateway quiz

A gateway quiz is a quiz version of a Webwork assignment. These may be proctored, which means you will need to do a few extra steps as specified below.

  1. Prior to starting, ensure that you are prepared for the quiz by familiarizing yourself with the time limit, instructions, and course content.
  2. Once you’ve accessed Webwork through Canvas, click thegateway quizto be completed.
    • For proctored gateway quizzes, you must enter theproctor passworddistributed by your instructor.
  3. Once you begin, use thePreview Answerbutton at the bottom right corner of each question to check the syntax of answers as you go.
  4. After you have finished all the questions, click thePreview Testbutton at the bottom of the page to check the format of all your answers.
  5. Once you are satisfied with the mathematical form of your answers, click theGrade Testbutton at the bottom of the page to submit the quiz.
    • For proctored gateway quizzes, you may need to enter a proctorusernameand proctorpasswordwhen submitting.

Tips

  • Gateway quizzes share characteristics similar to classic quizzes in Canvas,such as the following:
    • Time limits
    • Different question sets per student
    • Multiple pages for one set
    • Hidden scores after completion
  • The time limit can be found on the top right cornerof your screen, as soon as you begin a gateway quiz.
  • It’s best practice to click the Preview Answers button periodically预览你的回答和触发自动保存feature.
  • Only click the "Grade Test" button when you are ready to submityour entire quiz. There is no undo.

View your Webwork grades

  1. Once you’ve accessed Webwork through Canvas, click成绩under the main menu on the left side of the Webwork homepage.
  2. A table of the assigned sets will show your corresponding score and percentage for each.

Tips

  • You may be able to access Webwork grades through Canvas,but this is dependent on how your instructor sets up Webwork with Canvas. To see if grades are available, click Grades in the Course Navigation of your Canvas course.

Where can I get more support with Webwork?

Technical support

If you have trouble accessing Webwork:

  • 联系哥伦比亚大学IT Service Centre Help Desk:
    604 822 2008 or fill out theweb form
  • Reach out to your instructors or teaching assistants with any questions too, as they often have a lot of experience with Webwork.

For support with online learning:

Learn more


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