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
Responding to extended writing electronically: tips and tricks
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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Responding to extended writing electronically: tips and tricks
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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Responding to extended writing electronically: tips and tricks
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.
Responding to extended writing electronically: tips and tricks
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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.
Responding to extended writing electronically: tips and tricks
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Core feature 1: Track changes
Responding to extended writing electronically: tips and tricks
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
Responding to extended writing electronically: tips and tricks
Tip: Write clear and comment sentences.
Tip: To insert comment: ctrl + alt + M
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Cool feature 1: Autocorrect
Responding to extended writing electronically: tips and tricks
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
Responding to extended writing electronically: tips and tricks
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
Responding to extended writing electronically: tips and tricks
• 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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