Gradescope, a Canvas-integrated grading platform, offers flexible options for grading handwritten, paper-based, digital, and bubble-sheet quizzes, exams, and homework assignments. The tool pairs AI-assisted grading with instructor-created rubrics to increase the efficiency and consistency of scoring and facilitate more timely feedback. After assignments are graded, faculty can analyze questions to better understand student performance. While Gradescope is especially well suited for STEM classes, it can be used to grade assignments in any discipline. 

• Complex problem-solving: Design assignments that involve students working out mathematical or scientific equations by hand (e.g., STEM fields in particular).

• Adaptable rubrics: Deliver detailed feedback quickly using adaptable rubrics. You can also retroactively apply changes or adjust points quickly. 

• Assignments for large classes: Grade large classes quickly and consistently using rubrics, allowing multiple graders to assess simultaneously. 

• Al-assisted grouping feature: Leverage the grouping feature of student handwritten answers for efficient grading. 

• Variety of submission types: Whether you use regular assessment questions or use bubble sheets and paper submissions, Gradescope has you covered.

• Handwriting: Students who prefer or need to show their work can easily upload their work. 

• Regrading: Students can easily request a regrade on the assignment. 

• Transparency in assessment: Rubrics can outline grading criteria and standards, allowing for consistent grading. Students can also receive feedback and annotations of their work.

• Individual, sequential graders
• Providing audio or video feedback
• Question banks and randomized questions on quizzes
• Applying basic rubric standards to student submissions

• Assignments must be created and linked in Gradescope and Canvas.
• Grades must be pushed from Gradescope to display in Canvas Grades.
• Course Outcomes cannot be assessed via Gradescope assignments.

• Online Submissions: Encourage students to submit their work directly to Gradescope, eliminating the need for physical paper submissions. This can save time and reduce the risk of lost or misplaced assignments. Example: Dr. Smith in the Mathematics department uses Gradescope for all homework submissions.

• Grading rubrics: Create grading rubrics within Gradescope to ensure consistent and transparent grading criteria. Rubrics can be shared with students, so they understand how their work will be evaluated. Example: Prof. Garcia in the Engineering department uses Gradescope rubrics for grading lab reports.

• Annotations and feedback: Utilize Gradescope’s annotation tools to provide detailed feedback on student submissions. This can include inline comments, highlighting, and drawing on the document. Example: Dr. Lee in the English department uses Gradescope’s annotation tools to provide feedback on essay drafts.

• Group assignments: For group projects or collaborative assignments, use Gradescope’s group submission feature. This allows instructors to grade and provide feedback at the group level rather than individually. Example: Prof. Patel in the Business school uses Gradescope for group case study assignments.

• When adding markdown syntax in rubric items to insert images, ensure alternative text is provided and appropriate heading styles are used.

• Use EquatIO to generate accessible math equations/formulas to drop into rubric items.

• Leverage the Accessibility Checker (Review tab within the Office Ribbon) within Microsoft Word before adding content to Canvas.

• Students can access the functionality of the alternative format within Ally to convert uploaded course content into preferred alternative formats (audio, HTML, ePub, etc.).

• Extended-time accommodations can be applied to Gradescope assessments.

• Remember Universal Design for Learning (UDL) best practices when creating assessments.