The Calculator is a feature that you can insert into your Advanced Assessment items in Otus. Features are considered the "extras" that can be added to support the questions.

➡️ Need help getting started with Advanced Assessment first? Click here

The example below shows the Scientific Calculator being used with a Cloze Math question.

Article Table of Contents:

How to Add the Calculator
Student Use
Learnosity Resources

How to Add a Calculator to your Advanced Assessment

💡 Tip from the Otus Team: Rather than adding a calculator to an empty item, We recommend building the question first, then adding the calculator. If you haven't built the question yet, that's ok too, you can just add it later.

➡️ The example below shows how to add a calculator to an item that contains a Cloze Math question. A calculator can be added to any item at any time, not just math questions!

Step 1 - Add the Feature

While in the item you wish to add the calculator to, select the + symbol to add a new feature.

Select the Features tab and choose either the Scientific Calculator or Calculator option (they are both available in either selection).

❗ If you want to see information on using the Desmos calculators, click here

Step 2 - Determine Optional Settings

Choose the calculator you wish to add. You have two choices, each with additional customization:
- Basic (standard or expanded)
- Scientific (radians or degrees)

➡️ Basic

When Basic is selected, you have the option to leave it as the standard four-function, or you can select Extended to add the percentage and square root symbol.

➡️ Scientific

When Scientific is selected, you have the option to leave it in Radians, or change it to Degrees for the default view. Both will be available for the students to switch between; this option just determines the unit the students will see when they first open the calculator.

Step 3 - Save

Once you've chosen the calculator you wish to include, select Save.

Step 4 - Move

If the calculator button is not where you'd like it, you can move it to another location in the item by selecting the drag and drop icon on the right side. See the example below.

Student Use

The calculator will appear as a button along with the question. Clicking it once will open the calculator, and clicking it a second time will hide the calculator. The calculator can also be moved around by selecting the drag icon at the top of the calculator. See the example below:

Learnosity Resources

Learnosity Author Guide: Basic and Scientific Calculator

Otus Live

Below is a video from our Otus Live series on how to add a passage or calculator feature to your advanced assessments.

Next Steps

Beginners Guide to Advanced Assessments

Advanced Assessments: Features Guide

Advanced Assessments: Question Guide

Advanced Assessment Item Feature: Protractor

Advanced Assessment Item Feature: Ruler

Advanced Assessment Item Feature: Desmos Calculators

Advanced Assessment Item Feature: Audio Player

Advanced Assessment Item Feature: Line Reader