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 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”. 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.
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.
To view the lab's settings or make changes to the lab, click the "Edit lab" button. This will take you into our "Edit lab" experience.
How can I edit ZMLs?
ZMLs editing is limited to title only. To edit the title of a ZML, click the Edit Lab button.
This will take you to the edit experience where you can customize the lab's title.
Note that you will be able to preview the rest of the lab details from the edit experience but will not be able to directly edit them.
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.
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 Unused. You would need to move the lab out of Unused first.
The cloned lab will automatically open in Edit mode where you can begin making changes.
Note, when cloning a zyLab, the generated clone will be set to hidden by default. This means students will not be able to view or work on the zyLab until you have made your changes, saved those changes, and toggled the "Hidden" property of the lab.
When you are ready to make the zyLab visible to students, you can use the visibility toggle in the upper right-hand corner of the lab.
Also, when you clone a lab, it will be added in the zyBook just below the original lab it is based on.
Can I use ZMLs with the new Advanced Labs?
Yes! Our C/C++/Java/Python ZMLs can be converted into Advanced Labs, to learn more please see our help article, Switching Classic zyLabs to Advanced zyLabs