Inspera Assessment allows you to import questions authored in the STACK format. This is used for Numerical Simulation and Symbolic Math Question types content. 

This article explains how to import STACK questions, details how their elements are automatically mapped to Inspera Assessment's question types and scoring, and outlines common post-import adjustments and limitations.

Important notes before importing

Before importing STACK questions, consider these points:

A full QA of the question is required before use, including verifying the variable mappings. You might need to make updates to the question as necessary.

• Only functionalities currently supported for authoring in Inspera Assessment are eligible for import.
• You can import only one question at a time.
• All questions will be imported in English.

How to import a question into Inspera

The import functionality must be enabled on your tenant for the Import QTI option to appear.

1. Open the question list in the Author module

2. Choose Import QTI from the dropdown menu as shown in the image below. 

   

3. While the option is labeled Import QTI, you should upload the exported XML file here. Keep in mind that the file importer popup is set by default to only allow zip file selection. You’ll need to change it to All files to select the exported file.

4. Automatic question type mapping:

   When you import a STACK question, Inspera Assessment automatically maps it to a Numerical Simulation or Symbolic Math question type based on the comparison operators used within the STACK question's nodes:

   • If only numeric comparison operators are used in all nodes (such as Equal, Abs/Rel. Tolerance, Unequal, Greater/Less than, and excluding Algebraic equivalence), the question is imported as a Numerical Simulation question type.
   • However, if the question contains any other comparison operators, it will be imported as a Symbolic Math question type.

5. Once imported, the Program model must be compiled before the Author can continue. Opening the question will inform the Author of this: 

   

6. Open the Program model and compile.

• When importing a STACK question, Inspera Assessment maps its correct answers based on the <truescore> for an outcome in the STACK file:
  • If <truescore> for an outcome is 1 or above, the outcome is set as correct.
  • If <truescore> for an outcome is 0.1-0.99, the outcome is set as partially correct.
  • If <truescore> for an outcome is 0 or below, the outcome is set as incorrect.
• For imported STACK questions, the marks are automatically set as follows:
  • Mark for a correct answer is set to 1.
  • Mark for a partially correct answer is set to 0.5.
  • Marks for a wrong answer is set to 0.
• Any generalfeedback from the STACK question will be imported to the General Feedback section in Inspera Assessment. All content, including HTML, will be imported. However, variables and LaTeX within this feedback will not render for candidates.

Typical changes required Post-Import

• Semicolons often need to be added for correct syntax.
• Error Carry Forward (ECF) Variables:
  • Detection Issues: Sometimes ECF variables are not detected as such; verification and adjustments may be necessary.
  • ECF Formula Adjustments: Formulas need to be changed from STACK format to Inspera format.
  • ECF as Response Outcome: In some cases, ECF outcomes are created as regular outcomes by the importer; you must re-created them as ECF outcomes (any related feedback can be copied/pasted into the new ECF outcome).

Examples of functionality not supported in Inspera

This is not a full list, but examples of limitations based on test content.

• Images in Feedback.
• Hints.
• In stack, it is possible to manipulate the candidates answer before doing the comparison (equal, greater, etc). Extra maxima code (values of question variables, values of each input, feedback variables) can be assembled and evaluated before the comparison check.
• Arrays are not supported in response variables. If imported, the response variable will be empty. You will need to modify the program model to create a separate, non-array, response variable.
• stackintfmt is not supported and must be removed manually from PM.
• <prtcorrect>, </prtpartiallycorrect> and </prtincorrect> are not imported.
• Variables containing abs: <sans>abs(ans1)</sans> and <tans>abs(ta1)</tans> are left empty in response outcomes when imported to Inspera Author view: Candidate view: