Essay Grader 4+

I really want to like this application, but the way it handles class rosters/students is a huge pain. I can understand loading different comment databases for different assignments, no problem there, but this option does not appear available for student/class rosters. To my mind, I should be able to first load the comment database I want and then the student database. When I'm ready to switch, it should be a simple click to select a new class. Tada. Not how this works at the present time. Once you import a class, that's it. The names become part of an all-encompassing list, with no way to delete or to differentiate/switch to another class. This is a mess if you teach more than one class. As some constructive criticism, I suggest the developer take a look at the iSocrates rubric software. Even though it's not the simple click I describe, the instructor does have much more flexibility editing both the feedback and the rosters, and that is welcome.

This does not grade your students' essays. What it does is allow you to give back feedback in an efficient manner. Anyone who has done this type of work,m and I have for 15 years, knows that much of the feedback you provide is generic and repetitive. What this does is allow you to compose small, prefabricated responses to typical situations and, with a click, provide feedback.

Actually it is with clicks. The program has multiple areas of concentration and it will take you some time to become adjusted to working with it. However, it is completely worth your time. I spent about two hours working with it to get my statements tailored and tested it a bit. Worth it! I have graded two sets of essays and the feedback, which has always been a weak point for me, has become the easiest part. My students come back and they have something we can talk about or they can show other teachers and tutors. And, most importantly, I have copies of the feedback. A student loses it, I can pull it up and talk about it. It's the best $20 I have spent this year on computer software and I think you will agree if you are a composition teacher or anyone who has extensive writing assignments for your students.

If you wish to reclaim your life and sanity, purchase Essay Grader. Anyone who is considering purchasing this program fully understands the immense workload placed on teachers today. All the numbers keep going up (number of students, number of classes, number of requirements, number of essays), but unfortunately time is a finite resource. As a college English professor, I have used Essay Grader since shortly after its release date. I can honestly say that this program has saved countless hours of my life and has enabled me to maintain my sanity while teaching as many as seven classes at a time. The irony is that with Essay Grader, I actually grade better.

Version 4.1 is the best yet. They resolved some issues with Lion, and the CSV comment spreadsheet is now simple to modify. With this version, I can see how instructors in any discipline can easily modify the app's content and interface to align with their grading needs. The program is also more stable than ever, and some nagging bugs have been resolved. Those of us of a certain age remember seeing "In case of emergency, please break glass." I feel like that should be Essay Grader's motto . . . only it doesn't even have to be an emergency.