TeachingHacks: How AI Can Make Marking Easier

Teacher, you want to get your life back?

As a veteran teacher who also sells educational materials on Gumtree, I'm always looking for workflow hacks. Lately, I've been experimenting with AI tools to streamline one of my least favorite, most mind-numbing and time-consuming tasks - exam marking. In this post, I'll share my experiences using artificial intelligence to speed up the process.

Taking the pain out of marking

It all starts with scanning. Instead of sorting through messy paper stacks, I scan exam booklets in batches using a high-speed scanner and using Optical Character Recognition. This digitizes everything for uploading into AI marking programs. There are several free and paid options available these days like Anthropic PBC's Claude LLM or with a specialized app such as Gradescope by Turn-it-in.

Once uploaded, the AI system gets to work analyzing student responses and common errors through machine learning algorithms. It highlights patterns and flags questionable scoring for review. This gives me a bird's-eye view of class performance I never had time for previously.

But AI is not meant to fully replace human judgment yet. I still spot check a percentage of papers to validate scores. The time savings comes from letting the algorithm handle routine multiple choice and calculation questions which make up the bulk of exams. This frees me up for more in-depth marking of essays and problem-solving sections.

At the end, I export grade sheets with customized feedback the AI pulled from common mistakes. Students receive detailed reports to improve, and I gain hours back in my schedule. It's a real time-saver that helps me better focus limited teaching resources.

Will AI replace teachers?

While AI won't replace teachers, it is a helpful tool for more efficient workflows like exams. I'm excited to see further innovations that reduce administrative burdens and maximize classroom impact. Has anyone else experimented with AI grading? Share your experience below! 

#EdTech #TeachingHacks #AIforEducation #Gumtree #FutureofLearning

Check out my handy guide on Gumroad.