November 26, 2024
This is the fourth in a series of posts about AI strategies in teaching and learning.
AI grading tools are appealing and popular, offering to reduce the time teachers spend on one of their most tedious tasks. However, before adopting these tools, it’s important to understand their capabilities, limitations, and how to select the right tool for their needs.
AI can be a Powerful Time-Saving Assistant for Grading Student Work
AI algorithms can analyze and assess student work swiftly, providing consistency and freeing up valuable teacher time. AI-powered tools can also provide immediate and targeted feedback, supporting student understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement.
Structured writing, such as the five-paragraph essay, lends itself particularly well to AI assessment. AI models are trained to recognize patterns in logic, argumentation, and persuasion, making them adept at identifying elements like the thesis statement, supporting claims, and evidence.
AI is also very strong when it comes to numerical calculations and solving equations. So, AI can be of great assistance when it comes to grading answers that require numerical resolutions, as found in many math assignments, some science classes, and statistics-based courses.
AI is also adept and problem-solving and can break down problems — numerical and otherwise — into a series of steps, or building blocks. As such, AI is often very useful for evaluating the problem-solving process that a student has undertaken.
AI Assessment Has Significant Limitations
While AI offers valuable assistance, it also comes with limitations. AI identifies patterns in student work but doesn’t fully grasp meaning and nuance like a human reader. This means that an eloquent but factually incorrect response might receive an undeservedly high score.
AI also struggles with understanding and solving complex math, though it has made significant strides in that direction. Additionally, AI models can perpetuate biases present in the training data, potentially disadvantaging certain student groups. Furthermore, highly creative or original work that deviates from predictable patterns presents a challenge for AI assessment. For instance, AI struggles to grade poetry or humorous writing effectively. Human judgment remains indispensable in evaluating such assignments.
Important Considerations When Choosing an AI Tool for Grading and Feedback
Selecting the right AI tool for your needs requires considering several factors. First, explore if your school has a Turnitin subscription, which might provide access to Gradescope and Feedback Studio. Gradescope streamlines creating, distributing, grading, and analyzing assessments, supporting diverse assignment types. Feedback Studio offers a wide range of tools, including QuickMarks, audio and written comments, grammar checks, and rubrics.
Seamless integration with your Learning Management System (LMS) is another crucial consideration. For example, CoGrader, Enlighten AI, and Graded Pro connect with Google Classroom, while Timely Grader integrates with Canvas.
Some AI tools offer assignment generation alongside assessment. MagicSchool and Class Companion are two such examples. Class Companion notably includes numerous assignment templates for English, Social Studies, Science, and AP courses.
Cost is another key factor in your decision-making. Some tools are free, but most operate on a freemium model or require a paid subscription. Carefully weigh the features you need against your budget.
Additional features to consider when choosing an AI grading tool include support for handwritten essays, batch uploading, and tagging student work with specific feedback criteria.
The Role of ChatGPT and Similar AI Chatbots
Advanced AI chatbots like ChatGPT are powerful alternatives for grading and feedback. Compared to specialized AI grading tools, chatbots like ChatGPT have more advanced large language models and thus can provide higher-quality and more tailored feedback. They also offer a wide range of functionalities beyond grading, making them versatile additions to a teacher’s toolkit.
However, maximizing the benefits of AI chatbots requires proficiency in crafting effective prompts. In addition, ChatGPT is not specifically designed for educational purposes and lacks streamlined features many teachers find desirable. ChatGPT also does not have built-in data privacy protections and this lack of student data protection can be a significant concern for schools.
Where To Find An Annotated list of AI Grading Tools
You can find an extensive and annotated list of AI tools to simplify and enhance grading for teachers at AI Tools for Teaching Grading and Feedback. I created this list to provide teachers options for quick, consistent assessment options, automated feedback, and insights into student performance. From grading essays to evaluating assignments in real-time, you will find AI solutions that can streamline your workflow and provide students with timely, constructive feedback.
Recommendations for Using AI Grading Tools
As you explore AI grading tools, critically evaluate their capabilities paying close attention to the their impact on grading and feedback quality. Consider using a mix of tools, such as a specialized grader and a chatbot, to benefit from both time-saving features and high-quality, personalized feedback.
Remember that AI should not replace teacher judgment. AI tools are efficient and convenient, but they have inherent limitations. Human oversight is essential to ensure accurate and fair assessment.
The Future of AI Grading
The field of AI grading is evolving rapidly, with new and more sophisticated tools emerging frequently. We can expect to see increased accuracy and personalization, as well as a greater emphasis on formative feedback and student growth.
Embracing the evolving capabilities of AI grading tools, while remaining mindful of their limitations, will hopefully enable you to enhance student learning experiences.
Tom Daccord taught in independent schools for 15 years and is currently an AI speaker, trainer, and author. His most recent book“AI Tools & Uses: A Practical Guide for Teachers” is available at Amazon.
You may also be interested in reading more articles written by Tom Daccord for Intrepid Ed News.
