Advantages of using GradeMark for giving formative feedback; see video below:
Thus, the main benefits seem to be:
- saves time (although the tutor needs to spend some time learning how to use the technology and setting up the ‘system’ to suit her needs and those of her students
- offers consistency to students (although it is important to avoid using cliches such as ‘be more critical / analytical’ as these may not be understood by students)
- can offer the potential of collaborative learning (with Peermark for example)
- enables the tutor to use diagnostic tools such as GradeMark report; allowing for greater understanding of what students need to do to improve their academic skills
- allows tutor and students to access work online in a flexible way: anytime, anyplace etc.
- to be able to limit involvement with students who may be ‘high maintenance’
- to manage time more effectively
Drawbacks to using GradeMark:
- attempting to be ‘consistent’ and customising comments that can be applied across the board could lead to difficulties in targeting feedback to individual needs
- does not support synchronous communication (could this be overcome with Skype and IM ?)
- does not allow for more ‘creative’ annotation such as highlighting text and inserting comments more directly e.g. spacing the text to allow comments
- need to get to know the technology(although so far it has proved easy to use)
- need to set aside time to set up the assignments and develop a set of customised comments
- advantages of f2f communication can be lost e.g. being able to respond flexibly to a student’s needs and to be able to ‘delve beneath the surface’ to understand how to support a student – reading non-verbal clues, asking questions, providing encouragement etc.
More advantages than disadvantages – so far.
The Daley Post 