Technology Review: Engrade

This website has been an invaluable resource for me over the last few years.  This site has given me a chance to run and update my grades from anywhere with internet as well as give my students a chance to keep track of their grades on a daily basis.  As I continue to teach, I plan on continuing to explore and utilize other functions of this website including the discussions, quiz, and uploaded file functions.  Here is my review:

www.engrade.com

1.       Summary: This website is one I am very familiar with.  I have used it the last few years, and it applies to this week’s discussion.  This website is a free online grading program that is completely web-based.  A teacher can update grades using this site from any computer that has an internet connection.  It also allows for students to log on to their personal account and view their grades, missing assignments, etc.  Since it is all web-based, the students’ grades are updated the second the teacher updates the grade.  There are no extra uploading steps needed.  It also allows for direct communication between the teacher and student on clarification of grades, help with homework, etc. in an e-mail interface.  There are many other functions along with the grading part that are valuable, however the one that applies to what we are doing today is the discussion function.  Each assignment posted has the capability of having a discussion board attached to it.  This function can be used to run a completely interactive discussion inside a program that could already be established for other purposes.

2.       Strengths

·         It’s free!!!

·         It allows for interactive discussion in a multi-purpose program that can be used for more than just discussions.

·         Easy-to-use interface.  It is made to look almost like a social networking site for ease of use.

3.       Weaknesses

·         Inconsistency in availability.  I have had trouble with the site being down for an afternoon here or there or moving very slow and denying access to certain things (but what site doesn’t do this from time to time).

·         Every student is required to have their own account.  This can be a tedious process to set up.

·         The discussion board is a secondary function so if you do not use it as a gradebook, it may not be worth using as a discussion board.

4.       Who is this useful for?  This site would be useful for any teacher that does not currently have an adequate grading program.  I would say it would be best for grades 3 and up in any content area.  In gaining the grading program, you gain the ability to have the interactive discussions.

5.       What is needed to use it?  All that is needed to use this site is an internet connection.  There are no fees.  You will need to set up a user account for yourself, a profile for your class, and an account for each student which can take some time.  However, once it is set up, it is very easy to use.