Test Scoring Replacement Project

This project is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, Associate Vice-President Academic, and in partnership Open Learning and Educational Support.

Overview

The current test scoring system at the University of Guelph has limitations that impact quality, efficiency and the overall student learning experience. One of these limitations includes a dependence on proprietorial products, including a dedicated scanner. This scanner is restricted to optical mark reading (OMR) bubble-sheet scans and cannot scan other paper-based assessment formats. In addition, the current solution will no longer be supported from a technical perspective beyond 2021.

The University has identified the business need to provide a test scoring solution that allows instructors to design more robust and innovative paper-based assessments, supporting the University’s commitment to learner-centredness. 

As such, a project has been approved and prioritized by the IT Governance Council (ITGC) to procure, implement and support a test scoring solution that will:

• enhance the University’s reputation for excellence with a more progressive and robust platform for assessing student learning
• provide University faculty with an effective, supported tool for paper-based, machine-graded assessments
• enrich the student learning experience through enhanced assessments
• increase adherence to academic integrity standards
• allow for both centralized scanning and faculty self-serve
• create efficiencies and reduce overall support required for test scoring, including paper-based, bubble-sheet and short-answer assessments.

Work to Date

This project is now complete!

After an extensive request for proposal, Gradescope by Turnitin was selected as the solution which meets and exceeds the University's requirements. This new technology offers up-to-date assignment design opportunities, for both online and in-person formats, and provides assessment features that can increase grading efficiency and consistency and deliver extensive feedback to students.

Gradescope is supported by OpenEd and provides many learning opportunities to support instructors.

Want to join a Gradescope drop-in? Please visit https://opened.uoguelph.ca/instructor-resources/fall-2022-programming#Introduction

More information on Gradescope can be found in the recordings and resources from our OpenEd’s Winter 2022 Get to Know Gradescope Series.