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Online Discussion Platform Adds Auto-Grading

Ed tech company 42 Lines has introduced a new auto-grading feature for its Harmonize online discussion platform, geared toward making it easier to manage and assess online class discussions.

Based on criteria selected by the instructor, Harmonize Auto-Grading automatically assesses students' discussion activity and level of engagement. For example, students can be graded by number of posts, comments and replies. Instructors can then adjust grades based on their own additional criteria.

Auto-grading also incorporates Milestone Dates, a recently released capability allowing for multiple requirements and due dates to be assigned to a single discussion topic. "By enabling sequential due dates for posts, comments on posts and replies to comments, instructors can set clear expectations for their students and help them engage more successfully throughout the course," according to a news announcement.

"These capabilities will help instructors engage students in online discussions more organically," commented Marcus Popetz, CEO of 42 Lines. "Students want to participate in a timely fashion — but let's face it, sometimes they get overwhelmed. These new tools encourage students to participate more consistently — and that means they can keep up with coursework and deepen their understanding of course material. And we've lifted some of the administrative burden from instructors, so that they can focus more fully on the quality of discussions."

For more information, visit the 42 Lines site.

About the Author

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

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