Frequently Asked Questions
How do students gain access to Physics LE?
Students can purchase a Physics LE access code at PhysicsLE.com. High Schools have the option to purchase a block of Physics LE access codes for distribution to students. Complete instructions for setting up a student account can be found at Physics LE for Students.
Do students need to know a particular course code or specific information pertaining to the course prior to purchasing an access code?
No, a Physics LE access code is universal and can be used one-time to gain access to any course. When students set up their Physics LE account they simply select their course from a list of courses in the sytem. The course list shows the school name, course name, and instructor name. The Physics LE instructor gradebook will automatically populate with student names once they register.
Is there a fee associated with the instructor account?
No, there is no fee involved for the instructor account. The only fee is that associated with student access codes.
Is Physics LE appropriate for both high school and college/university physics courses?
The problems and questions comprising the Physics LE library have varying levels of difficulty, and target both lower and higher levels, providing ample problems for high school, college, and university introductory physics courses.
Will Physics LE integrate with my course?
The Physics LE Question Bank is universal and can be used to accompany all algebra-based and calculus-based introductory physics courses. All problems are authored to function as stand-alone problems and do not require an accompanying textbook. Individual problems are categorized by general topic headings to provide quick and easy correlation to your course.
Will I need to allocate time instructing students how to use Physics LE?
Students become proficient with Physics LE by going through the self-guided student tutorial, and reading the short & concise Student Guide. Instructors do not have to allocate classroom time for instructing students on how to use the system.
Is Physics LE compatible with all web browsers?
Physics LE is compatible with all standards-compliant web browsers. The following web browsers have been tested and are fully compatible (latest browser versions): Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
Can the Physics LE gradebook be exported?
The Physics LE gradebook can readily be exported using a number of different file formats. The exported gradebook file can then be printed, archived, or imported into an existing gradebook or learning management system.
What safeguards are in place preventing students from simply copying answers?
Physics LE problems utilize randomization of the numerical values used in the problem. This ensures that each student receives a unique version of the problem. Most problems have approximately 100 unique variations. This prevents plagiarism among students and makes it nearly impossible for students to search online for the answer to a particular problem variation. A student must fully understand the problem and correctly solve it to receive credit.
How are significant figures handled in problems?
Significant figures are carefully displayed in every problem, especially when trailing zeros are involved, to make sure there is no unintended reduction in the number of significant figures which should be used in the answer (e.g., situations such as 10 x 12.5 = 100 are always avoided, care is taken to display 3 significant figures for all values in the problem so that 10.0 x 12.5 = 125). Students are guided to make any necessary corrections regarding significant figures prior to the grading system evaluating their answer, and in certain cases some leniency is allowed (see documentation). The vast majority of numerical problems require students to enter their answer using 3 significant figures.
It's important to have some guidance when it comes to significant figures to avoid frustration on the student's part. As an example, consider a correct answer of 1.25 kg. If the student rounds to 2 significant figures instead of 3 and enters 1.3 kg, his or her answer will vary from the correct answer by 4%. In this case the student answer would be marked incorrect as the answer tolerance is generally set at 2%.
Is the Physics LE online environment reliable and secure?
The Physics LE team takes security very seriously. The system is monitored continuously and security updates and patches are applied as soon as they become available. High levels of intrusion security have been incorporated into the Physics LE servers. The servers have redundant backups making the Physics LE site accessible at all times.
