GradeCam Takes Test Scanning Online
At the FETC 2010 conference, underway this week in Orlando, FL, assessment software provider GradeCam released an online version of its test scanning tool, GradeCam Online. The software allows Webcams and other types of cameras to be used to scan multiple choice tests and collect data to be used to aid instruction.
The GradeCam Online is an image recognition tool that's used in conjunction with Web cameras or document cameras to provide an alternative to test scanning machines known as optical mark readers, or OMRs. This is designed to provide a cost savings over traditional OMRs while also opening up the technology at the classroom level, with teachers able to scan tests on the fly and discuss test results immediately. Forms are printed from the software, and tests and quizzes can be taken either in pencil or in pen.
The new online version sends scan data to a server for analysis, with results displayed in real time and information stored for future on-demand reports. The software is also designed to gather data and store it automatically in an electronic gradebook. The company said it works with all electronic gradebooks, including home-grown systems. The online version will also be available for education technology publishers to incorporate into their products. According to GradeCam, Illuminate Education has committed to incorporating GradeCam Online functionality into future offerings.
Some additional features of GradeCam software include:
- Support for credit/no credit assignments;
- Scores can be posted in gradebooks by swiping the form rather than typing grades;
- The software includes a number of report types, such as item analysis, class item analysis, statistics, class and individual standards reports, and others; and
- Support for creating custom forms with student IDs pre-"bubbled."
GradeCam Online is available now at a cost of $1.50 per student per year. Further information can be found here.