Will AI Grading Distance Me from Students?

AI grading is here. It’s probably only going to get more powerful. You may be excited. Or maybe you're concerned.

Either way, you may have wondered, could AI grading distance me from my students?

I founded an AI Grading company. While there’s no doubt I have bias, I’ve only seen it help teachers forge closer connections with their students. Here’s why:

• AI grading frees up time for teachers to be with students in person.
• AI grading gives teachers deeper insights into student performance.

What is AI Grading?

AI grading systems utilize machine learning algorithms to assess student responses, ranging from structured multiple-choice questions to more complex written responses. These systems are designed not only to grade accurately but also to provide feedback that can guide student improvement. For example, platforms like SwiftScore can instantly grade short-answer assignments, a task that otherwise takes way too long.

More AI Grading = More Time

One of the most tangible benefits of AI grading is the gift of time. By automating the grading of routine quizzes and assignments, teachers can redirect their focus from the daunting piles of papers to the faces in front of them. This isn't hypothetical; numerous educators report that with the hours saved, they engage more with students through interactive discussions, one-on-one sessions, and tailored group activities that cater to varying educational needs.

Your AI Grading Platform Probably Does More Than Grade

It also analyzes. They may provide analytics that detail not only what students know but how they think. For instance, SwiftScore notes whether a student marks an exam, uses the process of elimination, or brushes through an exam too quickly. This information can be invaluable in understanding if errors were due to weak test-taking strategies, knowledge gaps, or patterns of misunderstanding. From there, teachers can be able to tailor instruction to better serve each student, enhancing learning outcomes.

Concerns and Challenges

Despite these benefits, the adoption of AI in grading is not without its challenges. Concerns regarding data privacy, the mechanical misinterpretation of nuanced answers, and the potential decrease in critical human judgment are valid and must be addressed transparently. Therefore, it’s critical to analyze whether your AI grading system is safe, protects student data, asks for your specific input, and requires you to review AI-generated grades.

Get Involved in the Future of AI in Education

Looking ahead, AI grading is poised to become more refined and integrated into educational practices. As technology advances, these tools will become even more sophisticated, offering greater accuracy and deeper insights. It’s an exciting horizon, and one way to get involved in this future is to try out tools like SwiftScore that aim to help K-12 schools leap toward a more engaged, insightful, and responsive teaching environment, not make education impersonal.

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Will Krasnow is a Junior at the University of Pennsylvania and the CEO of SwiftScore, a tech product made by students with love for high school teachers across the country. He’s always happy to talk: will@swiftscore.com