Hey! Use Online grading

IU has long claimed to be a leader in information technology and online education tools. That is why during our campaign for student government last year, it was such a surprise to hear overwhelming complaints from throngs of students expressing their dismay regarding online grading (Oncourse, Post-em), or the lack of its usage. \nIUSA took these concerns back to the student body this fall in order to lay a solid foundation for our argument in favor of more widespread use of online grading. Of 229 students surveyed, 64 percent said they are more likely to take a class if the professor uses online grading. Eighty-two percent of students surveyed said they feel they perform better in a class in which these resources are used, and over 75 percent of students rated these tools between "important" and "very important."\nPersonally, only two of my five classes employ the use of online grades. It is disappointing that a university which claims to be a leader in technology can't get its faculty members in line with these online communications. IU faculty should be using the technological advances available not only for students' peace of mind but also for the ease of their own workload: to eliminate ambiguity and streamline grade management.\nIn order to push for the awareness of these concerns, IUSA is mobilizing efforts to gain real support and facilitate discussion regarding the lack of universal online grading usage. We will be seeking an endorsement from the Bloomington Faculty Council, encouraging faculty members to take the time and initiative to use these tools in their classes. We will also be seeking out the deans of the respective academic schools to urge that they "strongly encourage" the universal use of such online course communications. Understanding that it is almost impossible to suggest that all faculty members will be using these systems by next year, our efforts are aimed at starting the discussion that puts Oncourse users in the vast majority. Hopefully, these discussions will bring future topics to light, namely larger issues such as the importance of a student's stake in his or her academic control.\nIn my discussions with a few faculty members, most of them have agreed online resources are only slowly creeping into their courses but also agree they should be fully utilized. Many have suggested that if students themselves request the use of online grading, professors will be happy to make accommodations. One faculty member told me, "If my students came to me with such a request, I'd be happy to comply."\nProfessors, hear my plea. Post your syllabi online. Post your lectures online. Post your grades online. Allow your students to collectively compete using grade distribution information. And encourage your peers to do likewise. You will find it to be a very helpful tool, and your students will appreciate it as well.\nStudents, you have a say in the way your classes are run, and I encourage you to make this an issue in your classes. Your academic needs at this University will depend in part on your willingness to communicate with your professor and express your expectations for your class. \nIn order to provide some structure for a student's request, I have posted an online grading request application on the IUSA Web site that can be circulated in class in order to relay these concerns to a course instructor. The request application is available at www.indiana.edu/~iusa. The power of grass-roots mobilization is stronger than we realize, so please take advantage of it.