Responding to extended writing electronically v3

John Blake Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Responding to extended writing electronically: tips and tricks

Technology-enhanced marking not only saves time but also saves paper. This presentation aims to share a system for responding electronically to extended writing. Although many teachers use correction codes and concise comments, research (e.g. Hyland & Hyland, 2006) shows that students who are working alone frequently misunderstand such comments. This integrated system solves that problem by drawing eclectically on a variety of tools. The Microsoft insert comment function is used for facilitative responses. By adding shortcut codes and corresponding comments to the autocorrect function, detailed unambiguous feedback can be generated in a few keystrokes. Mistakes are categorized into one of three categories slips, errors and attempts (Edge, 1990) . Slips are simply identified for writers to correct themselves. More detailed guidance is provided for errors via inserted comments, hyperlinks or objects, such as sound or video files while the track change function is used to provide the correct form for attempts. Fillable forms and the Microsoft spike tool are also used to add end comments.

Abstract


Introduction

Situation:

necessity to respond to writing

Problems:

• responding to writing is time consuming

• students frequently misunderstand pithy comments

Solution:

Harness technology to save time and increase clarity of comments

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Overview

1. “Correction” policy

2. Core features in Microsoft word

3. Cool features in Microsoft word

4. Tips and tricks for formative comments

5. Tips and tricks for summative comments

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Type Description of mistake Correction policy

Slips Mistakes that students can correct

Identify error usinginsert comment function

Errors Mistakes in language that students can understand but not correct themselves

Explain error using insert comment function

Attempts Mistakes in language beyond student`s level.

Ignore error OR change error using track changes

“Correction” policyCorrection policies vary according to teaching philosophies, institutional requirements, course aims, etc.


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Edge, J. (1990). Mistakes and correction. Harlow: Longman.

Core features Cool features

Track changes Autocorrect

Insert comment Spike

Fillable forms

Features in Microsoft WordDespite my preference for OS, no other text editor offers tools that compete with the Review and Developer tabs in MS Word 2010.


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Core feature 1: Track changes


Tip: Type ctrl + shift + E to start track changes

Alterations are coloured and deletions tagged. Author then chooses to accept or reject changes.

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Core feature 2: Insert comments


Tip: Write clear and comment sentences.

Tip: To insert comment: ctrl + alt + M

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Cool feature 1: Autocorrect


Type thsi

this

Type .gpt

When referring to past events or states, use past tense, e.g. Subjects were interviewed in September.

Tip: to add entry

Tip: Add frequently used sentences to comment bank

Tip: Create codes that are easy to remember and do not occur in normal language

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File Options Proofing

Cool feature 2: Spike


Spike – multiple cut and then paste all at once

Tip: to cut:Ctrl + F3

Tip: to paste: Ctrl + Shift + F3

Tip: This is for cutting

not copying

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Cool feature 3: Fillable forms


• Great for making slightly different comments for each student, following the same format. Perfect for feedback on assessed assignments.

Tip: too add Developer tab

Tip: to add Fillable form

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File Options Customize ribbon

File Developer

Examples: track changes

Tip: This is probably the fastest way to correct

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Examples: insert comment

Tip: Check your comments for careless mistakes

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Examples: insert code and autocorrect to comment

Tip: Personalise the autocorrected comments to the student, by adding or changing examples

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Examples: insert url in comment

Tip: insert url to online example, evidence or explanation.

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Example: using fillable form

Tip: Protect the form to avoid accidental altering

Tip: Perfect tool to justify grade with reference to assessment criteria.

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Example: using Spike

Structure of end-comments

• Overall summary

• Writing skills - Strengths

• Writing skills - Weaknesses

• Advice

• Closing comment

Tip: Save comment bank as new file before starting to avoid accidental loss.

Tip: Use Spike to create 5-sentence individualisedend-comments in 30 seconds

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Any questions, suggestions or comments?

John Blake [email protected]

Education

Responding to extended writing electronically v3