Grading Flipped

Outsourcing the Grind to AI for Enhanced Personalized Learning

Image generated via ChatGPT

Let’s slice through the usual fluff—grading, as it stands, is a monumental time-sink. It’s bogged down by biases and rigid policies that seldom capture the true measure of a student’s achievements. Honestly, the whole system often feels like a thorn in the side of real learning. And that number at the end? Rarely does it light the spark we hope for.

Now, imagine bringing AI into the mix—not to sideline our insights as educators but to amplify them. Think of AI that does more than just tally scores; it provides nuanced feedback, highlighting not only what students have nailed but also where they can stretch their wings. This isn’t about handing the reins over to technology; it’s about harnessing it to enrich the human connection which is at the heart of teaching.

With AI shouldering the grind of grading—sifting through essays and exams, pinpointing essential insights—us educators can shift our energies to where we truly excel: one-on-one interactions. That’s the real magic of teaching, where wisdom is passed not just through information, but through engagement. By cutting down the hours we spend marking, we unlock more opportunities for those invaluable, personalized teaching moments.

Looking ahead, I’m jazzed about the potential of an AI-enhanced teaching bot, one that goes beyond grading to perform continuous, random checks and gathers student feedback throughout the course. Much like I currently do with Typeform, but imagine it—smarter, faster, and seamlessly integrated.

I’m pushing for this not because I detest grading (okay, maybe a little), or because it’s an easy fix (it’s certainly not). I champion this because our time as educators is precious. We should spend it diving deep with our students, pushing boundaries, and igniting minds.

This is about revolutionizing education. It’s about leveraging cutting-edge technology to reclaim and enrich the very essence of teaching—connecting deeply and guiding our students to soar beyond the mundane. Let’s not just grade; let’s elevate!