The result is a prototype system that uses the Web to improve the role of homework assignments and provides a tool for tailoring the curriculum to the immediate needs of the students. Homework as an Educational Tool Homework is a proven educational tool, as are mathematical modeling and the collection and analysis of data as described above. Completing homework assignments encourages students to think about the course material outside of the classroom. It is an opportunity for them to wrestle with conceptual subtitles in the material and problems that are two detailed for complete presentation during class periods. It is very common and effective for teachers to use homework to assign grades, monitor progress and to assess student understanding of course material.
Homework can also be an important part of the feedback loop between teacher and student.
Constructive comments on homework assignments provide students with feedback that forms the basis for additional learning opportunities. Another form of feedback can occur if a teacher uses his assessment of the student's understanding, based on homework, to plan the following class periods. In this way successive classes can better address the immediate needs of the students. While traditional paper and pencil homework is certainly effective and has stood the test of time as an educational tool, there are several confounding factors that, if removed, would enhance its effectiveness. When students submit paper and pencil homework they no longer have access to their solutions.