The gradebook in Pearson LearningStudio, or eCollege, has been updated this semester to improve communication between students and instructors.
“We were kind of past due for a face-lift,” said Kerrie Conover, manager of instructional design for Pearson. “Some of it was cosmetic, and some of it was true function to help increase engagement and interaction.”
The gradebook now allows instructors to incorporate grade explanations. Before, students couldn’t see instructor comments on submitted work, but the update includes a chat bubble if an instructor leaves feedback, Conover said.
Conover said about 45 faculty members attended a webinar at the beginning of the semester to look over the updates. All TCU faculty also received a recording of the webinar, she said.
“We are working with instructors to make sure they know the new things that came out for their side of things,” Conover said. “We are really promoting giving feedback to students and making sure that they know that it’s there.”
Connor Hammond, a sophomore accounting and finance double major, welcomes the new options.
“Especially the rubric option,” Hammond said. “I always get a grade, and professors won’t be able to tell me why they docked points.”
Molly Suggs, a sophomore anthropology major, said she also likes the new features.
“It at first threw me off,” Suggs said. “It’s just an adjustment, but overall it’s not a bad thing.”
Pearson posted an instructional video explaining the gradebook enhancements for students. Neither Suggs nor Hammond knew about the tutorial video. Currently, the video has 350 views.
Michael James, a professor of theatre, said he thinks the system is slower than it used to be before the changes. He said the enhancements are good ideas, but that the system can still be simplified and more “user-friendly.”
Conover said Pearson is working on enhancements to the feedback functionality, which are set to release over the next year, but they are still in the development stage. She said these features will be the “most exciting parts” for students.
