To the Parent/Guardian of a WRHS physics student,
In 2003, WRHS Physics teachers began using an interactive website called “WebAssign” to assist
students in their understanding of physics. This site allows students to complete homework assignments
online, presenting them with immediate feedback as they work on practice problems. It is this feedback
that shows students where their mistakes and misconceptions lie and give them a chance to correct
themselves without having to wait for corrections from a classroom instructor the next day or days later.
Students learn responsibility. Assignments are given days before they are due, and WebAssign
allows the student flexibility to work around their (often very busy) schedules. This way, if a student has a
prior engagement (music concert, sports event… etc) they can plan ahead to be sure the assignment is
completed.
The homework questions come from our textbook. If the student is stuck at any time on a
problem, their physics textbook can help. It’s like having a teacher right there with them.
The price per student is $10.50/school year. You can use a credit card or PayPal to buy into the class.
This is truly a minimal amount for what our students get out of it. (Plus, it saves on paper) If there is an
economic or “dead computer” hardship that hinders your student’s access to WebAssign, please let us know
and steps WILL BE TAKEN to be sure that everyone can take advantage of this educational experience.
Please take a moment to go to http://www.webassign.net to check it out and ask your student about
their progress during the year.
*Research shows that online assessment improves student learning without sacrificing efficacy, accuracy, or judgment in the teaching process. John C,
Dutton and colleagues compared results of online and traditional sections of a course, and find “firm evidence that successful completion of WebAssign
questions is a good predictor of success in a course.’ (WebAssign: A Better Homework Delivery Tool, The Technology Source, 2001.)
How to gain access to WebAssign.
You will be given a Class Key. Your class key is:
Go to
(Fill in boxes here.)
wachusett.ma
http://www.webassign.net
On the right hand side of the page it says: “I have a class key.” Click those words.
Follow the directions, and you will be given access to your class.
They will ask you for your username: please use your WRHS student ID number.
Your institution is: wachusett.ma
Your password should start as: physics
(you can change it after we’ve got the hang of it)
The first assignment is there.
If you have any problems, please let your teacher know.