A Rainbow of Possibilities: The Use of Canvas Speedgrader for Writing Improvement

Jennifer Muniz

Assistant Professor of Music

Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts

Indiana University South Bend

QHTLC-003

Keywords: Speedgrader, Peer review, Writing, Critical thinking

Abstract

I use the Canvas Speedgrader editing tools to improve writing in two general education courses, offered fully online, each with an enrollment of about 30 students. Common problems in undergraduate writing include: grammar/punctuation/spelling, use of casual language, and use of overly general language. I integrate specific comments in the margin with highlighted, color-coded trends, linked with a rubric, and also general comments about the paper. Using the color-coding of yellow for grammar, blue for casual language, and orange for general language, I sensitize writers to specific changes that need to be made, along with overall trends, and how these various levels of feedback affect the assignment grade. This gives the students a clear path to necessary improvements. By indicating trends, this system influences students’ progress for one specific paper, and helps build skills for other academic written work. I encourage critical thinking with the use of the Peer Review tool in the Canvas Speedgrader as well.

QHTLC 003 A Rainbow of Possibilities.m4v