| 37 | |
| 38 | == Other features of Bolt == |
| 39 | |
| 40 | By default, every Bolt page includes an "ask a question" link. |
| 41 | These questions are delivered as private messages to the course developer. |
| 42 | |
| 43 | |
| 44 | |
| 45 | == The bigger picture == |
| 46 | |
| 47 | Bolt's primary goal is to serve the needs of volunteer computing and skill aggregation projects. |
| 48 | However, we believe that it can also become a tool for research in education and cognitive science, |
| 49 | for a variety of reasons: |
| 50 | |
| 51 | * Experiments can be deployed with large sample sizes. |
| 52 | * Experiments can be deployed immediately, with no dependence on the academic calendar. Significant results are available in days rather than months or years. |
| 53 | * The student population varies widely in age, language, and education level. |
| 54 | * The student population is self-selecting for interest in the topic area, and has diverse learning goals. |
| 55 | * Experiments are not limited by standards or syllabi. |
| 56 | * Experiments can be conducted without dependence on educational institutions or teachers. |