Some professors are the most unorganized people, and I’m tired of it. I’m not going to name names here, but so many of them just don’t have it together. It’s really annoying, and the worst thing ever is that I don’t know what any of my grades are looking like.
First of all, can somebody just explain to me why most professors don’t use the “Grades” feature on Canvas?? This website has many capabilities, and it’s so much more visually appealing than Moodle, that I bet it’s very user-friendly for professors. And I feel that said professors should be obligated to post updated grades.
Now, I’m going to mention one good thing about my high school: all teachers updated grades using one online website. That’s right – all of my grades for every single class were online in one spot. I relied on this online grade book so much that I literally had the website open all the time on my phone and computer, and kept refreshing to check for any updates. Being able to check when assignments were due and track my progress always motivated me to stay focused on my schoolwork.
At Stevens, I feel so frustrated by the lack of transparency between students and grades. Everybody at this university claims to be so tech-centric, and yet we aren’t able to implement a platform for professors and students to access updated grades in realtime. This is really awful. I’m looking at my “Grades” on Canvas: one of my current courses isn’t even listed, half of classes say “no grade,” two classes with grades do not have the assignments in weighted categories, one of my seminars has a total of one grade logged in, and, finally, one class actually has all of my quiz grades up.
I have to note, it’s the Intro to Entre class with all of the module quizzes that is actually using Canvas well. Don’t get me wrong – the structure and curriculum of that course is awful, but the use of Canvas quizzes is good because you get your grades instantly. Similarly, Calc 2 used those short, weekly quizzes successfully last semester, and WileyPlus had a nice grade display, so that was acceptable too. I just want to see my grades as soon as possible.
The class that I am most frustrated with this semester is actually Differential Equations. This is because it has the most assignments and course materials, yet uses Professor Levine’s outdated website, with obnoxious music, and broken links. There is evidence of some attempt to connect the ratchet webpage to Canvas, but I think that somebody should have made the executive decision to actually transfer the files. Again, the Grades feature isn’t being used at all to log all of the assignments, attendance, quizzes, and exams.
Actually, I feel that the best user of Canvas this semester is my CAL 103 professor. In terms of Grades, I am not a fan of how Attendance is one grade that is updated each week, and Participation is operated similar, as I would prefer individual weekly evaluations. However, he has our first essays graded, and the file with his comments is attached to the grade, which is great! He has executed the Modules section very well, too. Each “Week” of class is divided into two sections,” 1st Class Meeting” and “2nd Class Meeting.” Then, he lists homework’s and attaches any necessary files he wishes students to bring to class. I always know what we are going to be discussing in class, due dates, and where to find files. He even sends us email reminders that he updated Canvas.
I really don’t expect all of my professors to be that impressively pro-active. And I really do appreciate that most of my other classes have many files and resources on Canvas. However, I am just concerned so much about knowing my grades, more than accessing the power points that we go over in class when I take notes. Being aware of my grades throughout the entire semester gives me peace of mind, allows me to evaluate my weaknesses, and better allocate my study time.
If you’re a professor reading this, please be inspired to update and use Canvas for grades. If you’re a fellow student, and you agree or disagree with me, go to TheStute.com and weigh in!
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