Recently our UNBC Education class discussed Fresh Grade as a tech tool for teaching. I found very similar aspects as e-portfolios in that there is an online record of work, however Fresh Grade caters more exclusively to grading rather than exhibition of student work.
The two main focusses of Fresh Grade, as I interpreted them, were to facilitate parent, teacher and student communication and to enhance assessment. When using a tech tool, it is always important that the tool enhances teaching or one is simply using tech for tech’s sake which can be confusing and redundant. In this case Fresh Grade is a legitimate tech platform.
The main points regarding communication are as follows:
parents have inside access to what their child is doing at school; instantaneous communication; teacher can show particularly awesome stuff that was done; can post videos used to justify with learning outcomes.
This all boils down to a transparent system where teaching is documented and can be exhibited for any reason at anytime. This makes a teacher able to justify their program, grades and process. This can be a necessity in some situations. Beyond this all stake holders are able to be on the same page with regards to student progress.
The main points regarding the enhancement of grading are as follows:
can create artifacts in real time; grade book online; accountability for all; power of self reflection
A teacher can use this tool to create assignments and grade them quickly and easily. They are continually on a platform where all stakeholders can view them. This alleviates confusion. As grades and assignments are online this program eliminates the need for stacks of paper while automatically organizing assessment. How many times have things been lost or forgotten when using copious amounts of pages? Having a running record that is easily accessed allows for quick and easy self reflection for students and teachers. The data is stored indefinitely so there is accountability for all who are partied to this system.
In a digital age with green undertones a system for enhancing organization, accountability while decreasing reliance on paper products is an ideal way to move forward as a conscientious teacher.
In my practice I will explore this system for assessment thoroughly.