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.
NOTE: This article is primarily for zyLabs for C, C++, Java, and Python. zyLabs for Web Programming may have some differences. zyLabs for MATLAB uses a tool provided by Mathworks and may have larger differences.
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 still use classic ZMLs
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”. See Info/advice for instructors using zyLabs for more.
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.
When navigating to a lab, any zyBooks Maintained labs will be denoted with a green banner that says "zyBooks maintained".
How can I edit ZMLs?
ZMLs cannot be directly edited, but instructors can clone a lab and make any desired changes in that clone.
Please note: once a lab has been cloned it is no longer maintained by zyBooks. Any changes made by the zyBooks team to a ZML will NOT be reflected in a clone.
To clone a lab, use the "Clone" button on the top margin of the page.
Clicking the button will create a clone at the end of the respective chapter, and navigate to that new section. Please note, the original ZML will still be in the zyBook and can be removed later if desired.
The newly cloned lab will have an "Edit" button that can be used to begin making changes to the lab.
To learn more about what details can be edited and how, please review How to add and use Advanced zyLabs in your zyBook
Can I still use classic ZMLs
By default, all zyBooks Maintained Labs are created as advanced labs. Advanced labs offer all of the same great benefits of classic labs but with even more great features! If instructors prefer classic labs, they can use the Advanced/Classic toggle at the top of the lab to make the switch. Or, to request that all labs be converted, please send an email to support@zybooks.com for help.
IMPORTANT: If a lab is toggled from Advanced to Classic, or Classic to Advanced and students have already begun working, any work the student completed in classic will NOT be accessible in advanced and vice versa.
Please note, we do plan to sunset classic labs in the near future! If you have questions on Advanced Labs or there is something that seems to be missing from Advanced Labs, please share any feedback with support@zybooks.com so that we may address any questions or concerns.