Google Adds Tools for Grading, Plagiarism Detection

Google Assignments

This week, Google introduced Assignments, a revamp of its Course Kit toolkit (in beta last year), designed to streamline the process of collecting and grading student work.

Assignments combines the functionalities of Google Docs, Drive and Search, and can be used in conjunction with an existing learning management system or integrated within the LMS via the Assignments LTI tool. Features include:

  • Instructors can assign files and automatically send each student a copy;
  • Instructors and students can attach a variety of files to assignments, including Docs or Word files, spreadsheets, presentation slides, digital portfolios, Colab notebooks and more;
  • Any file type can be reviewed without leaving the grading interface;
  • Instructors can use Google Docs to comment and leave suggestions on student work, and grading work is automatically saved; and
  • A comment bank allows instructors to repeat the same feedback for multiple students.

In addition, a new originality reports feature checks student work against "hundreds of billions of web pages and tens of millions of books," according to a Google blog post, to identify possible plagiarism. The system can automatically lock student work when it's turned in, or allow students to check their own work to correct originality issues before submitting it for grading.

Assignments will be available in a few weeks as a free feature of G Suite for Education. A sign-up for beta access is available here on the Google site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • magnifying glass with AI icon in the center

    Google Intros Learning-Themed AI Mode Features for Search

    Google has announced new AI Mode features in Search, including image and PDF queries on desktop, a Canvas tool for planning, real-time help with Search Live, and Lens integration in Chrome. Features are launching in the U.S. ahead of the school year.

  • geometric pattern features abstract icons of a dollar sign, graduation cap, and document

    Maricopa Community Colleges Adopts Platform to Combat Student Application Fraud

    In an effort to secure its admissions and financial processes, Maricopa Community Colleges has partnered with A.M. Simpkins and Associates (AMSA) to implement the company's S.A.F.E (Student Application Fraudulent Examination) across the district's 10 institutions.

  • college students in a classroom focus on a silver laptop, with a neural network diagram on the monitor in the background

    Report: 93% of Students Believe Gen AI Training Belongs in Degree Programs

    The vast majority of today's college students — 93% — believe generative AI training should be included in degree programs, according to a recent Coursera report. What's more, 86% of students consider gen AI the most crucial technical skill for career preparation, prioritizing it above in-demand skills such as data strategy and software development.

  • row of students using computers in a library

    A Return to Openness: Apereo Examines Sustainability in Open Source

    Surprisingly, on many of our campuses, even the IT leadership responsible for the lion's share of technology deployments doesn't realize the extent to which the institution is dependent on open source. And that lack of awareness can be a threat to campuses.