eGrading: Gradebooks for the Computer AgeKim WeissComputer Science

Why Use an Online Gradebook?

Accessible from any computer with Internet access

Hard to misplace Performs calculations automatically Secure access to grades Allows students to monitor class

performance regularly

Similarities:TurnItIn and Engrade

No software installation required Free to students Automatic grade calculation Provide student view and instructor view Student grade reports, with individual

grades and current grade, both online and printed

Easy backup of gradebook to another computer

Bonuses

Assignment calendar showing due dates for all assignments

Option to upload assignment instructions to course

Attendance tool included with each class

Discussion board tools to allow interaction between students

TurnItIn: Advantages Technical support available by e-mail and

phone Students can submit files to be annotated and

graded online Assignment libraries allow assignments to be

copied between classes Student can self-enroll in classes or be added

by instructor Student ID based on e-mail address (can use

same account for any class or any instructor) Students can compare performance against the

class as a whole Instructor can post feedback with grades in the

gradebook

TurnItIn: Disadvantages

Licensed-based: Instructor must have paid account (paid by Sullivan)

Cannot duplicate classes Individual assignments are scaled in the

gradebook, rather than using assignment-type scales

All assignments must be entered into gradebook to calculate overall grade for course

Grade reports are created only on a student-by-student view

Items appear in the gradebook in the same order used to enter the items—they are not grouped by assignment type

Engrade: Advantages

Free to use: No charge for anyone, at any time

Can duplicate class settings, but not assignments

Assignment types are scaled, rather than individual assignments

Assignments can be added as needed, with accurate grade calculation

Online file storage folder for syllabi, assignment instructions, etc.

All grade reports for a single class can be generated with one click

More flexibility for missed, excused, or extra credit work

Engrade: Disadvantages

Instructor must add students to classes

Student ID is instructor- and course-specific

Students cannot submit files to Engrade

Instructor cannot post comments with grades

No student-to-class comparison tools No central technical support Very slow during high-use periods

TurnItIn:Gradebook View

Engrade:Gradebook View

TurnItIn:Calendar View

Engrade:Calendar View

TurnItIn:Student Report

Engrade:Student Report

TurnItIn:Grade Scaling/Assignment Weights

Engrade:Grade Scaling/Assignment Weights

Sources

Engrade Overview: http://www.engrade.com/home-teachers.php

TurnItIn Overview: http://turnitin.com/static/support.html

Other Online Gradebooks

GradeConnect(http://www.gradeconnect.com)

GradeBookPortal(http://gradebookportal.com/)