Dr. Bob Hurt, C.M.A., C.F.M.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Accounting Department
College of Business Administration
3801 W. Temple Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
Phone: (909) 869-2372
FAX: (909) 869-4511
E-mail: RLHurt@csupomona.edu
I employ an electronic gradebook (created with Excel) in all my classes. Periodically (such as after each exam), I distribute a hard copy to the class (in which students are identified only by their SS#) so students can check their grades. Additionally, the electronic gradebook saves time in calculating grades at the end of the term.
I was motivated to start using electronic gradebooks by the substantial amount of time I was spending calculating midterm and final course grades.
The benefits of using this tool include: (a) reduced grade calculation time at the end of the term, (b) easier feedback for students throughout the course, (c) independence of a particular piece of software (since the gradebook can be created with any spreadsheet), and (d) easy customization that's not always offered with similar publisher-designed tools.
I'd caution other faculty always to keep a hard copy of students' grades in addition to the electronic version. And, when first creating electronic gradebooks, a faculty may need to spend half an hour or more in the design phase.
All that's required here is a basic knowledge of how a spreadsheet functions; the attached file contains an example gradebook.
Using an electronic gradebook encouraged me to learn how to use a spreadsheet more effectively. Since it's primarily a course management tool, student learning wasn't the primary objective. But, students do appreciate the feedback they receive on their grades throughout the course.
In some indirect way, the electronic gradebook spark students' interest in creative uses of spreadsheets.
The attached file contains a sample gradebook.