Do you want a reliable way to assess your students' understanding in real-time, based on their original work? Gradescope software allows instructors to grade handwritten, in-class assignments such as reflections, group work, drawings, and worksheets.

Gradescope is a software platform designed primarily for grading and assessing handwritten assignments and exams digitally. It allows instructors and students to scan and upload paper-based assignments, which can then be graded online using various tools and features provided by Gradescope. Gradescope is fully integrated with Canvas.

By having students do their assignments on paper in class and then scanning them into Gradescope, instructors can measure student comprehension without the influence of outside resources. For instructors worried that students might turn to AI tools like ChatGPT to breeze through their work, Gradescope can help keep things fair and focused on students' own understanding.

For instance, imagine an engaging class discussion on a recent reading assignment. After diving deep into the material, you might want to gauge how well your students grasped the key concepts. You could ask them to craft a thoughtful reading response, addressing specific guiding questions that emerged from the discussion. This exercise not only reinforces their comprehension but also encourages critical thinking and expression of ideas in their own words. (See image 1 of the scanned notebook page in the grading software.)

Similarly, if you're teaching a complex process or concept, such as a scientific method or historical timeline, you can prompt students to illustrate their understanding through visual aids like diagrams or graphic organizers. These visual representations not only demonstrate their grasp of the content but also encourage creativity in how they present their knowledge. (See image 2 of waterfall activity.)

Writing exercises can also be valuable in assessing deeper insights. Students can jot down reflections on a topic discussed in class, summarize key points from a lecture, or construct persuasive arguments based on evidence they've gathered. These activities not only assess their understanding but also foster analytical thinking and writing skills.

At the end of the class or at a designated time, students can easily submit their handwritten work into Gradescope. They simply open the app, locate the assignment, and use the scanning tool to upload their work. With the work being instantly captured, instructors can provide timely feedback to support their students’ growth.

Using Gradescope has other benefits, too. First, it eliminates the hassle of collecting physical papers since all assignments are stored digitally within the platform. Instructors can take advantage of Gradescope's annotation tools and customizable rubrics, allowing them to provide detailed feedback and store comments for future use. This not only streamlines grading but also enhances consistency in assessment. Students benefit from receiving prompt feedback, while instructors gain valuable insights into student performance through detailed analytics based on the rubric. Unlike Canvas SpeedGrader, Gradescope provides comprehensive analytics that offer deeper insights into student progress and understanding.

Additionally, Gradescope can be used to scan and upload other hand-written assignments. Students can upload notebooks filled with detailed notes, sketches, or diagrams that illustrate their understanding of complex concepts. For courses that involve artistic expression or fieldwork, Gradescope supports the submission of drawings and field journals, preserving the authenticity of students' creative and observational work. 

Keep in mind there may be instances where students require specific accommodations to ensure they can fully participate and demonstrate their understanding. For example, some students might need additional time to complete assignments due to learning differences or other personal circumstances. For students with visual impairments, alternative formats such as electronic submissions or specialized software may be necessary to compose and submit their work effectively. Flexibility is key in accommodating these diverse needs, ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the learning environment. 

Ready to integrate Gradescope into your classroom? Contact us at [email protected] for guidance on setting up and maximizing its benefits for your teaching environment.