Intelligent Textbook Feature Checklist

Intelligent Textbook Feature Checklist

This checklist helps authors and product managers understand what features are available in the MkDocs Material intelligent textbook ecosystem. For each feature, you'll see whether it's implemented in this book and how much effort it takes to add.

!!! note A level 2+ textbook is one that has rich interactivity but does not store any personal student data. A level 2+ textbook can be converted to a level 3 textbook by sending event data to a learning record store (LRS) to create a hyper-personalized learning experience for each student. The five levels of intelligent textbooks are described in the Intelligent Textbooks course.

An intelligent textbook goes beyond static text to include interactive simulations, personalized learning paths, auto-graded quizzes, and AI-generated content. This checklist tracks which of these capabilities are present in this textbook.

Legend:

• :white_check_mark: Feature is implemented and working
• :x: Feature is not yet implemented
• :construction: Feature is partially implemented

Effort Levels

Basic Features

These features come by default with MkDocs Material or require minimal configuration.

Intermediate Features

These features require plugins, extensions, or moderate configuration.

Content Enhancement

These features make your content more engaging and easier to read.

Site-Wide Resources

These are pages and files that support the entire textbook rather than individual chapters.

Publishing Features

These features help your textbook look professional when shared on social media.

Advanced Features

These features require significant effort, custom code, or AI assistance.

Interactive Learning

MicroSims are small, browser-based simulations that let students experiment with concepts.

Learning Graph System

A learning graph maps every concept in the course and shows which concepts depend on others.

Content Generation

These features involve creating the actual educational content.

Feature Dependencies

Some features require others to be implemented first.

Course Description
    └── Concept List
        └── Learning Graph (CSV)
            ├── Learning Graph (JSON)
            │   └── Graph Viewer
            ├── Glossary
            │   └── Glossary Quality Report
            ├── FAQ
            │   ├── FAQ Quality Report
            │   └── FAQ Coverage Gaps
            └── Chapter Content
                ├── Per-Chapter Quizzes
                ├── Per-Chapter References
                └── Book/Chapter Metrics

Cost Considerations

Most intelligent textbook features use free, open-source software.

Quick Start: Adding Missing Features

Start with the easiest wins and work your way up.

Highest Impact, Lowest Effort

These can be done in under an hour:

1. License page - Copy the standard Creative Commons template
2. Contact page - Add author email or feedback form
3. Edit page button - One line in mkdocs.yml enables "Suggest an edit" links
4. Social media cards - Auto-generate preview images when shared

Medium Effort, High Value

These use Claude Code skills to generate content:

1. Glossary - Use the glossary-generator skill to create searchable definitions
2. FAQ - Use the faq-generator skill to answer common student questions
3. Book metrics - Use the book-metrics-generator skill to track completeness
4. Per-chapter quizzes - Use the quiz-generator skill for auto-graded practice

High Effort, Transformative

These take more time but significantly enhance the learning experience:

1. Additional MicroSims - Each simulation takes 2-4 hours; aim for 10-20 total
2. AI-generated infographics - Requires paid image generation subscription
3. Instructor's guide - Helps teachers adopt your textbook

Generated by book-installer feature-checklist-generator

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