Generative artificial intelligence is making its way into classrooms, and not just through students seeking shortcuts. Teachers are now embracing AI grading tools, citing their ability to provide faster feedback and more opportunities for students to practice. When used appropriately, AI can ensure consistency and remove bias from assessments—though some remain skeptical of its reliability.
AI Grading Tools Transforming Education
Education-focused AI startups, such as AGImageAI and AlbertAGPT, are offering grading solutions primarily in writing-intensive subjects like English and history, as well as math and science. These tools generate numeric scores and provide critiques on elements such as topic sentences and persuasive arguments. Teachers can use this AI feedback as a guide or pass it directly to students. Transparency is key, as educators often inform parents and students when they utilize these programs.
“Does this make my life easier? Yes,” said Richard Vanden Bosch, a high school history teacher. “But that’s not the point. It’s about helping students become better writers.”
Addressing Skepticism and Building Trust
Despite the enthusiasm, some argue that AI isn’t reliable enough for high-stakes grading, which can impact college admissions and other significant decisions. Critics point out that current AI tools can be glitchy or overly harsh in their evaluations.
“It should not be used for grading,” asserted Alex Kotran, co-founder of the AI Education Project, which promotes AI literacy. “It’s going to undermine trust in the education system.”
Putting AI Graders to the Test
To evaluate AI grading tools, a Wall Street Journal colleague’s 12th-grade English paper on Ophelia’s oppression in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” was submitted to three different platforms. The essay originally received a 97% in 2013. AutoMark rated the paper at 97%, and later 100%, while Class Companion gave it a 62%, and CoGrader an 85%.
“Consider refining the focus of each paragraph to ensure that every sentence directly supports the main point,” suggested Class Companion. CoGrader noted, “Some sentences are quite long and could benefit from being broken down into shorter, more digestible parts.”
These startups indicate that their tools have gained traction over the past school year and are continually being refined. Avery Pan, co-founder of Class Companion, mentioned that teachers can train the AI by overriding grades or hiding numeric scores. CoGrader offers a feature to soften feedback.
The Human Element in AI Grading
Stephen Mounkhall, the original grader of the essay, expressed skepticism about AI’s ability to capture the nuances of student progression. “I think it’s really offensive that this has been invented,” said Mounkhall, an English teacher for three decades. “I don’t see how such a machine could consider the human element of what makes this person a better writer.”
Balancing AI Assistance and Human Insight
Sixth-grade English teacher Stephanie Galvani appreciates AI tools for helping her avoid bias in grading. As one of the early adopters in her Massachusetts district, where other teachers view AI as dehumanizing, Galvani finds herself in a delicate position. “I feel a bit like I’ve been saying, ‘Hey, did you know I’ve been doing heroin and you might want to try it?’” she quipped. “It’s verboten.”
For an assignment where students wrote a mystery involving a detective at a crime scene, Galvani instructed the AI to look for vivid verbs and multisensory descriptions. When a student described blood “dripping” down a wall, the AI suggested “cascade” as a more compelling verb. However, Galvani moderates the feedback to prevent overwhelming her sixth graders with excessive criticism. “They’re sixth-graders, I don’t want to make them cry,” she said.
Personalizing AI Feedback
Colorado high school English teacher Andrew Gitner tailors AI-generated comments to match his own teaching style. “I would never use the word ‘delve,’” he noted, but the AI frequently does. Some teachers have become comfortable enough with AI tools to pass feedback directly to students without modifications.
Future of AI in Education
The integration of AI tools like AlbertAGPT and AGImageAI in education represents a significant shift towards more efficient and unbiased grading practices. While challenges remain in ensuring the reliability and accuracy of AI assessments, the potential benefits for both teachers and students are substantial. By balancing AI assistance with human oversight, educators can leverage technology to enhance learning outcomes and better prepare students for the future.
Conclusion
Generative AI is revolutionizing the educational landscape by providing innovative tools for grading and feedback. While skepticism persists, the benefits of tools like AlbertAGPT and AGImageAI are clear: faster feedback, reduced bias, and improved student performance. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in education will likely expand, offering even greater opportunities for personalized and effective teaching.