Problem: How do I create a calculated grades column in Vista? Solution: A calculated column is created to calculate a total, using a formula specified by the designer. For example, the designer can use a calculated column for the students' final mark. To access the Calculation Editor: 1. Click on the "Grade Book" button under the "Teach" tab. 2. Navigate to the calculated column you wish to modify, "Final Grade" for example. You may have to scroll to the right with your horizontal scroll bar. 3. Click on the title of the column you wish to modify. A new menu should pop-up. Here click on "Edit Column Formula." This brings up the tool interface for editing the calculation. The tool works just like a calculator, with the added functions SUM, MIN, MAX, and AVG. Note: The formula can reference any other columns that contain numeric information: numeric columns, other calculated columns, quiz, or assignment column. It cannot reference an alphanumeric column. 4. Your grade columns appear in the middle of the page. You will use these in the formula by clicking on any of them. Use the math operators and parenthesis between the column names to create your formula. Note: Also, it is not possible to edit within the formula. If you need to make a modification, please write down the current formula and then click the "Clear All" button and use the written formula to re-enter your formula with any modifications. You can also use the "Undo" option multiple times to trace your steps backwards through the formula to the place where you need to make the change. In the case of a calculated Final Grade, you can use the following example as a reference: Here is the scenario in an imaginary class - Assignment One counts for 15% of the year-end mark. - Quiz One counts for 10% of the year-end mark. - Quiz Two counts for 10% of the year-end mark. - Assignment Two counts for 15% of the year-end mark. - Examination counts for 50% of the year-end mark. Once the designer has decided on the breakdown of the year mark, the formula can be added. For example, this particular formula would be added as: [Assignment 1]*.15 + [Quiz One]*.10 + [Quiz Two]*.10 + [Assignment Two].15 + [Examination]*.50 When you are finished with your formula, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the page. A good way to test out your formula is to enter all "100" manually for the Demo student and see if the final grade turns out to be 100 as well. If you still have questions, please contact the LearnTech help desk at 513-7094 or e-mail learntech@ncsu.edu for further assistance.