So it really depends on the type of assessment. I created a branching escape room type vocabulary assignment in Google Forms. It autogrades. Basically if a student completes the challenge, they get the credit. Journals are checked by an AI for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It also checks for plagiarism and AI use. Then, I read the submission. I can accept or reject the AI suggestions or recommendations. Btw, the students are given the same feedback before they submit. They have a chance to make changes.
Using AI to search for plagiarism is questionable. For one thing, anything you run through Turnitin becomes part of bot training data. Privacy is an issue. For another, false positives occur too often. Third, students exist in a state of fear that they will be falsely accused. So far it’s an individual decision, but the tide is turning
I agree, assessing is student-facing. And without it, why, as a student, am I paying tuition? At the end of the day, all the other aspects of a school are secondary to the presence of, and access to, knowledgeable faculty who are willing to interact with students.
I teach 5-6 classes at the same time. So on weeks when there's nothing major due, I usually spend about 10 hours grading short assessments. This past week (when final projects were due), I probably tripled that.
Oh my goodness, Jason. I'm teaching 8 classes every term. I have two small children at home as well (1 yr old and 5 yr old). I couldn't do what you're doing. Your students are lucky to have you.
I tried automating comments for a Discussion Board once. I ended up scrapping it, and redoing all of the comments.
It made me feel distanced from what my students were sharing. And one of my beliefs: if an innovation makes us feel more disconnected from our work, it's probably not worth it.
So it really depends on the type of assessment. I created a branching escape room type vocabulary assignment in Google Forms. It autogrades. Basically if a student completes the challenge, they get the credit. Journals are checked by an AI for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It also checks for plagiarism and AI use. Then, I read the submission. I can accept or reject the AI suggestions or recommendations. Btw, the students are given the same feedback before they submit. They have a chance to make changes.
Using AI to search for plagiarism is questionable. For one thing, anything you run through Turnitin becomes part of bot training data. Privacy is an issue. For another, false positives occur too often. Third, students exist in a state of fear that they will be falsely accused. So far it’s an individual decision, but the tide is turning
Agreed. There are quite a few reasons to steer clear of them!
That's a good point. I think you're right: so much of it depends on context.
That sounds like a very cool activity!
Couldn’t agree more. In any case, personal feedback carries a different weight.
Right?!
I agree, assessing is student-facing. And without it, why, as a student, am I paying tuition? At the end of the day, all the other aspects of a school are secondary to the presence of, and access to, knowledgeable faculty who are willing to interact with students.
Right!!
How much time per week do you spend grading would you say?
It really depends.
I teach 5-6 classes at the same time. So on weeks when there's nothing major due, I usually spend about 10 hours grading short assessments. This past week (when final projects were due), I probably tripled that.
Oh my goodness, Jason. I'm teaching 8 classes every term. I have two small children at home as well (1 yr old and 5 yr old). I couldn't do what you're doing. Your students are lucky to have you.
Thank you! It's definitely a slough many times.
And I have an (almost) 10-month-old and an (almost) 4-year-old myself!
You make very good points in this article!
Thank you!!
I tried automating comments for a Discussion Board once. I ended up scrapping it, and redoing all of the comments.
It made me feel distanced from what my students were sharing. And one of my beliefs: if an innovation makes us feel more disconnected from our work, it's probably not worth it.