Are you keen to exploit the full benefits of AI grading and assessment but mindful of looking before you leap?
Let’s unpack the issues and explore how AI grading is lightening the load for educators.
We’ve left the most important consideration till last, though it may well be at the top of your list!
Understanding the undeniable benefits of AI grading
Educators are known for keeping their heads when all about them are losing theirs. They’re not ones to have their heads turned by the latest shiny object.
So, why are so many—26 institutions (universities, exam boards, apprenticeships, and vocational training providers) totalling over 4.4 million students—now making the leap?
Why bother with AI grading at all?
Well, the benefits are pretty compelling.
- Streamline assessment processes: AI can take over repetitive tasks, making assessments quicker and more efficient.
- Ensure consistency and fairness: AI can bring a level of consistency that’s hard to achieve manually. AI is indefatigable. It doesn’t tire in the same way we humans do! That reduces human errors and biases considerably.
- Save time for educators: AI frees up educators from piles of paperwork so they can focus on what matters: teaching and supporting learners. In our own efficacy trial with the University of Birmingham, the median grading times reduced by 74%, and the number of words of feedback given increased by a factor of 7.2. University of Birmingham, Graide Efficacy Research
Key considerations when choosing an assessment platform
Alignment with educational goals
Not all AI tools are built the same. It’s crucial to ensure that the AI grading solution aligns with your educational goals.
- Support learning outcomes: Does the tool support your desired learning outcomes? AI may make assessment a whole lot easier, but, first of all, it should help learners develop the skills you’re aiming to teach.
- Fit institutional needs: vocational education and training are hands-on, and AI should support practical skill assessments as well. Make sure the AI tool isn’t just general-purpose but works well for your specific training needs.
Integration with existing systems
No system is an island, entire of itself.
You probably already have systems, like a learning management system (LMS), in place. Make sure the AI grading solution sits nicely with your current setup.
- Compatibility: Will the AI grading solution integrate smoothly with your own LMS and other tools? Seamless integration means fewer disruptions and headaches down the line.
The goal is to improve efficiency, not create extra work. Look for solutions that are designed to integrate without a hitch.
Customisation and flexibility
Every course is different, and your grading solution should reflect that.
- Adaptable to course structures: Can the AI grading solution adapt to your different course structures and assessment types?
- Flexibility to meet unique needs: Whether you’re running a workshop or a practical skills test, the tool should be flexible enough to cater to all kinds of assessments, including typed and handwritten responses.
Educator and learner experience
At the end of the day, the AI tool should enhance the experience for both educators and learners.
- Improve educator experience: The tool should simplify grading and allow educators to spend more time providing valuable guidance.
- Provide actionable feedback: The AI should give actionable and timely feedback to learners, helping them improve in real time. This is why AI-boosted assessment is proving such a game-changer.
Training and support
Introducing a new system can be challenging, but proper training and support can make all the difference.
- Training for educators: Is there adequate training available to ensure educators feel confident using the tool?
- Ongoing support: Make sure the solution provider offers ongoing support to troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Cost vs. value
Cost is always a consideration, but it’s important to look at the bigger picture.
- Cost vs. benefits: How does the cost of implementation stack up against the potential benefits? Consider how much time will be saved, how learner outcomes will improve, and the difference this can make to student satisfaction and retention.
- Long-term value: Think about the long-term impact—will the solution continue to add value as your institution grows? By using platforms such as Graide, you can reduce average assessment marking costs from £20-£40 to less than £5 whilst also improving the timeliness, consistency, and quality of feedback.
And last but not least, by any stretch...
Data security and privacy
Handling student data is a sensitive matter. Data privacy has to be a top priority.
- Compliance with regulations: Make sure the AI solution complies with relevant data protection regulations.
- Student data handling: Understand how the tool manages student data. Does it ensure privacy and security every step of the way?
Final thoughts
While all the world’s agog for AI, educators exercise a little more caution, and they’re right to look before they leap. Weighing up the pros and cons is imperative.
That said, with more and more providers moving to AI assessment, it’s less of a leap of faith these days. And the technology is improving all the time. Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the assessment process, streamlining systems, saving time, improving grading consistency, and providing more meaningful feedback.
For more on this important topic, read
Implementing AI-assisted Grading in Education: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid
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