GradePal

Description

Due to the widespread adoption of online learning and the utilisation of online learning platforms like Canvas and Blackboard, there is a prevailing preference for electronic grading, particularly in the context of assessments such as assignments and projects. The conventional grading method involves using spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, which necessitates extensive manual data entry, calculation, and adjustments. While employing spreadsheets does offer a visually organised representation of student grades, it is accompanied by the inconvenience and complexity of frequent corrections due to the inherent susceptibility to errors resulting from the substantial manual input. Furthermore, the marks generated within spreadsheets are challenging to reallocate, as markers are required to update existing scores to accommodate changes in grading criteria manually. We have developed an efficient web-based grading tool to ease the unpleasant and time-costly grading process for markers, even with some of the most patient markers. The GradePal application is designed to increase efficiency and automate some of the work done when working compared to the use of spreadsheets. Some of the ways we can eliminate these “unnecessary” work done include the use of an alternate and user-friendly interface such as filling out forms instead of spreadsheet cells and fast navigation between different students that are being marked. Some features that we have included on our application which improve efficiency of marking include efficient mark and feedback allocaiton via forms, user-friendly navigation to minimise amount of menus to travel through and allocating marks or feedback for multiple students.