Input

The <input> element is used to define an input field in an assessment or interactive learning environment. It is a mostly visual cue to let readers no where in print input is requested, typically within exercises or quizzes. The <input> field will serve no functional goal. It is only there to serve as a cue to let readers no that there is input expected of them.

Child Elements

The <input> element does not contain any child elements, meaning it is a self-closing tag used within other elements that handle structured content (e.g., <assessment>).

Usage Guidelines

• <input> should be placed within a structured element where user responses are expected.
• Ensure the type attribute is correctly set based on the expected user input.
• <input> is a self-contained element and should not enclose any child content.

Example Usage

Text Input

Here are some examples of how <input> might be used in different scenarios:

<assessment>
    <p>What is the capital of France?</p>
    <input type="text"/>
</assessment>

The type="text" suggests that a free-text answer is expected.

Examples

Multiple-Choice Input

<assessment>
    <p>Which of the following is a mammal?</p>
    <list type="unordered">
        <li><input type="checkbox"/> Dog</li>
        <li><input type="checkbox"/> Eagle</li>
        <li><input type="checkbox"/> Shark</li>
    </list>
</assessment>

Here, type="checkbox" indicates a multiple-choice selection. We make no distinction between radiobuttons or checkboxes and between single selections or multiple selections. In any case, use type="checkbox".

Text-Area Input

The textarea type shows users where input multi-line text is expected, making it suitable for cases where more extensive responses are required compared to a standard text input. Unlike a simple text field, a textarea shows longer content is expected, such as summaries, descriptions, or detailed answers.

<assessment>
    <p>Please give a summary to the text:</p>
    <input type="textarea"/>
</assessment>

Examples

Prefilled input

Sometimes part of an assessment is already (partly) filled. In this case we can use the prefilled attribute.

<assessment>
    <p>What is the capital of France?</p>
    <input type="text" prefilled="Paris"/>
</assessment>

Best Practices

• Always specify the correct type so that it is clear what kind of answer is expected.
• Place <input> inside a logical structure like <list> or <assessment> where user responses are expected.
• Use <input> in conjunction with clear instructional text (<p>) to guide users.

Print/code examples

Inline text input

<assessment>
   <title><number>Aufgabe 4</number> Mein alter ist...</title>
   <p>Wie alt sind die Jugendlichen? Sind sie 11 (elf), 12 (zwölf), 13 (dreizehn)    oder 14 (vierzehn) Jahre alt?</p>
   <p fontStyles="bold">Hör dir an, was die Jugendlichen erzählen, und schreibe das Alter auf.</p>
   <p xml:lang="nl" fontStyles="italic">Luister naar wat de jongeren vertellen en schrijf de leeftijd op.</p>
   <p><number>1</number> Katharina ist <input type="text"/> Jahre alt.</p>
   <p><number>2</number> Simon ist <input type="text"/> Jahre alt.</p>
   <p><number>3</number> Benjamin ist <input type="text"/> Jahre alt.</p>
   <p><number>4</number> Floriane ist <input type="text"/> Jahre alt.</p>
   <p><number>5</number> Nora ist <input type="text"/> Jahre alt.</p>
   <p><number>6</number> Anita ist <input type="text"/> Jahre alt.</p>
</assessment>