The upcoming release of CLE 2.7 includes support for Gradebook 2, an exciting alternative to the Gradebook tool. It offers many new features but still retains the basic functions of Gradebook. So if you’re comfortable using that tool, you’ll have no problem getting up to speed with Gradebook 2.
The most obvious departure from Gradebook is the user interface. Gradebook 2 offers an easy-to-use, spreadsheet-style format.
In Gradebook 2, all functions and features are on a single screen. This interface helps streamline what you do with the tool, in a number of ways:
- Flexible layout. In Gradebook 2, the CLE displays information in panels you can expand or collapse. A folder format, similar to a computer’s hard drive directory, makes it easy to arrange categories and items. When you click the checkbox next to a category or item, the CLE automatically displays the appropriate columns for grading.
- Menu access. The dropdown menus in the tool menu bar give you quick access to important functions, such as adding new items or categories, tool setup, and importing/exporting grades. Right-clicking on category and item names in the directory list also gives you menu options.
- Multiple student/item grading. You can enter a score for any item—and for any student—simply by clicking on the appropriate cell in a column or row. The CLE instantly re-calculates course grades whenever you make changes; you can also access a history of all grade entries and changes.
- Single student grading. When you click on a student’s name or ID, the CLE displays a “Student Summary” panel where you can score items, add comments for items, and excuse items from the total grade calculation. This panel also includes a “View as Student” button, as well as buttons for the next and previous student.
While Gradebook 2 shares Gradebook’s functionality, it also provides several features not found in Gradebook:
- Grading options. You can create extra credit items that don’t negatively impact course grades, as well as enter negative scores; you can also set up the tool for entering letter grades.
- Export options. You can export grades as either an .xls or .csv file, and also export grades to your institution’s Student Information System (SIS). Your gradebook structure can also be exported, so you can reuse it by importing it in another site.
- Statistics. In Gradebook 2, the CLE provides a variety of statistics, such as mean, median, mode, and class rank. Instructors can choose to let students view any combination or all of these statistics.
Keep in mind that in the 2.7 release, Gradebook 2 will share content and some settings with Gradebook—so changes made in one tool will be reflected in the other. Gradebook 2 also shares Gradebook's integration with other tools in the CLE.
Marist College has been helping rSmart test Gradebook 2. Rob Egan, Support Specialist, Academic Technology and eLearning at Marist, reports that testers have been impressed with the tool. Gradebook 2, they say, is “intuitive” and “user-friendly.” They liked how easy it is to create categories and items, and they especially appreciated the ability to quickly grade all items for one student.
We look forward to learning what other users have to say about this important new tool!
