Traditional grading systems have always served as the center of educational assessment. Therefore, teachers are largely responsible for grading, evaluating, and scoring students’ work by themselves. Even though this method is efficient in some instances, it has its drawbacks. For example, it takes a long time, is subject to judgment, and is also the possibility of human errors. These problems might lead to the different grading of students, so it will be hard to have fairness and objectivity.
AI in Edtech has created a big impact in the education field. AI-based learning management System is all set to change the whole assessment system. The introduction of AI in grading has improved the whole assessment process to be more accurate, quicker, and bias-free.
AI-Assisted Grading: How AI Grading Works?
Let us now find out how an AI-based grading system works:
- Data Collection and Analysis: AI grading systems need a large database to train the model and to work well. Databases related to past assignments, the grading system, and the assessment of teachers help the system improve their grading accuracy.
- Machine Learning Algorithms in Grading: Artificial intelligence grading systems are based on machine learning algorithms. These algorithms help to analyze the current data to predict the results based on the past dataset. With time, the system becomes more efficient owing to the increase in training data.
- Essay Scoring: AI can also assess subjective essays. It can do this by making a judgment based on various parameters like grammar, coherence, and relevance. However, it is suggested that human intervention should also be a part of the system to ensure right grading.
- Multiple-choice and Objective Assessments: AI can also assess multiple-choice and other objective examinations. AI can evaluate a large set of responses in a short period with efficiency. Thus use of AI-based grading is very effective for large-scale tests.
AI can grade objective assessments at a faster pace and with an incredibly high degree of accuracy. It is one of the major contributions it has made to the field of standardized testing. It guarantees that all students receive grades based on the same standards and eliminates the possibility of a teacher’s mistake or bias. This uniformity helps maintain the credibility of standardized tests.
How AI Evaluates Written Responses?
AI assesses written answers using 2 major algorithms Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML).
NLP helps AI to understand what humans are trying to express using sentence structure, grammar, and other elements. ML algorithms help to train AI models by accessing the large dataset of graded responses. Over time, AI can find out the best responses by exploring the logical sequences and the most wrong ways to approach the task.
- Multiple-choice and Objective Assessments: AI can conduct the grading of various assessments efficiently. It can check the right answers quickly and with precision. AI can assess students’ responses by comparing them with standard answers and provide immediate and error-free grading. AI can also provide insights about specific weak areas to teachers, making the whole learning process more effective.
- Grading Standardized Tests and Objective Assessments: AI can grade all papers uniformly and eliminate any possibility of bias and human error. AI systems work efficiently for large exams with thousands of students. Also, AI provides instant results and feedback which helps in adaptive testing where the questions are determined by the previous answers.
- Accuracy and Reliability: AI can grade multiple-choice and objective assessments with precision. AI-based systems can match teacher-assigned answer keys with student responses. Thus, errors associated with manual grading are solved. Based on the tendency of mistakes, AI-based systems can also detect the weaknesses of students and help in improving learning activities.
Human Grading vs. AI in Grading
Artificial Intelligence in the field of grading helps in the evaluation of students’ works using machine learning and natural language processing. It can assess various types of works like written submissions, assignments, and examinations, among others. AI can help human graders by conducting a large part of the grading work and making it faster and more accurate.
They use machine learning to recognize a pattern and make decisions based on the predetermined data. AI-based systems can also identify the grammatical correctness of a given text.
In comparison with grading, AI-based grading works faster and more accurate. Also, since it is based on some predetermined criteria, it is not dependent on the mood or personal experience of the evaluator, unlike human grading. It is very helpful for cases when a large number needs to be checked within a short period.
The Future of AI in Grading
The continuous development of various AI-infused systems is all set to create a huge impact in the field of educational assessment. The future of AI-based grading is looking bright and impactful.
- Advancement in the field of AI: AI advancements are going to change the grading process completely. Advanced technologies such as deep learning and advanced NLP help to make AI grading accurate and efficient even with complex assessments. Deep learning algorithms can analyze complex worksheets to identify hidden patterns that a human grader may not notice. This technology can improve the accuracy and reliability of AI grading systems. Advanced NLP methodologies help to scrutinize written responses. AI can comprehend the context and message conveyed in students’ responses thanks to NLP.
- Predictions for the Next Decade: AI is all set to be a standardized part of the educational system in the near future. AI will become a significant part of personalized education with the implementation of personalized feedback and growth plans. Students can receive the support they individually require to efficiently complete their education. These approaches can help to increase the student retention ratio in universities and online classes.
- Integration with Other Educational Technologies: AI grading systems can be easily integrated with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other educational tools. This integration will help to create a connected educational environment. With this integration, students will have the advantage of a single data store. They can get all data related to their learning from different programs and can get customized feedback related to their progress.
Final Words
AI is all set to change the traditional assessment process with the infusion of some efficient tools and systems. The efficiency and quality of education have improved with AI-based systems. It helps teachers to use their time for their main tasks of teaching, and mentoring. AI-infused systems also enable the students to get individual assistance and support which are necessary for their success.