NOTE: To use zyLabs, your zyBook must have zyLabs enabled. If you'd like to enable (or are unsure if zyLabs is already enabled), contact your Account Executive.
A zyBooks Maintained Lab (ZML) is a lab that was created by our zyBooks authors. Instructors have the option to use our labs in their zyBook as well as create their own zyLabs. You may also be interested in reviewing our article for how to create your own zyLab from scratch.
We may update ZMLs each term for improvement, preserving the point value. You can use the feedback button to report issues.
- What are the different types of ZMLs?
- How should I use ZMLs in my class?
- How can I find the ZMLs?
- How can I edit ZMLs?
- Can I use ZMLs with the new Advanced Labs?
What are the different types of ZMLs?
zyBooks maintains 3 kinds of lab activities:
* MSPs: Intended for courses using a "many small programs" approach, where 5-7 are done per week, shown to improve intro courses.
* OLPs: Intended for traditional courses doing "one large program" per week. OLPs are denoted with an asterisk in the title of the zyLab.
* Warm ups: Intended to precede specific OLP labs to help students get started.
Be sure to configure your zyBook before the term to include the zyLabs you want and move other labs to “Unused”.
How should I use ZMLs in my class?
We recommend using 5 to 7 MSPs per week, OR one warm up and one OLP per week. By default, all ZMLs will appear in your zyBook. You should look through the ZMLs to determine which ones you would like to use. You should then remove unneeded ZMLs from the zyBook by moving them to the "Unused" section. If you are unsure of how to move a section to unused, you can review our article on how to configure a zyBook.
How can I find the ZMLs?
All zyLabs, whether they are created by us or by you, have a green labs badge that is visible on the main table of contents and the mini table of contents.
Once you open a zyLab, check to see if it has a green banner in the top right corner. zyBooks Maintained labs are denoted with a green banner. Please note that students will not see this banner.
How can I edit ZMLs?
ZMLs cannot be edited, though you can add notes by clicking the Note button at the top of the section.
Or by hovering along the right side of the page.
To make any other changes to a ZML you will need to clone the lab and make your changes in the clone. Note that if you do clone the lab, that clone will not receive any of our maintenance updates as it is no longer a ZML.
To clone the lab, click on the "Clone" button at the top of the lab.
Please note: At this time, you cannot clone a lab that is currently in the Unused section. You would need to move the lab out of Unused first.
The cloned lab will automatically open, and you can click Edit at the top of the page to edit the content.
That will open the page in edit mode.
Also, when you clone a lab, it will be added in the zyBook just below the original lab it is based on.
What else can I do with ZMLs and zyLabs?
To learn more, please see our help article Switching Classic zyLabs to Advanced zyLabs.