MT: Should Computers Be Used to Score Essays?
MD: Computers offer a fast and cheaper alternative to marking student essays in schools. However, there are few aspects about computer market scripts that can be called to question.
H1: Why Computers Should Be Used
Anyone will likely jump at the opportunity of doing or buying something at a lower price. In the same ways, many schools are always for ways to cut costs and the time spent marking students’ essays. Many schools are now considering using computer programs to assess students’ writing assignments and to provide feedback and writing help. These computer programs are capable of evaluating a large number of papers in minutes, if not seconds. Using these programs for automated essay scoring has the advantage of lowering the expenses as well as better test grading. However, some people still frown at the idea of their well thought out essays being assessed by a computer. Many of them argue that computers cannot replace humans, and it may make errors.
With these computer programs, school officials cut on the expenses that would have otherwise been spent hiring teachers to do the work. A computer can mark thousands of scripts in a matter of seconds and provide instant feedback for every essay as well. This means that the students will be able to write more essays, thus improve on their quality. The fast and consistent feedback also motivates the students, who will not have to wait for days before receiving their scripts. The computers can also be coupled with real human teachers to be continually assessing the quality of the work done by the computer.
H2: Computers Should not Grade Essays on Their Own
It is futile trying to fight the change that is happening today, especially in technology. Computers now run almost every aspect of our lives, from the basic calculator to the launching of missiles. There are no surprises, whatsoever, that computers now can be used in place of a teacher to assess students’ scripts. Time is of the essence, and if a computer can mark my essay and submit it in time, then so be it. However, we still need the teachers to continue with their primary role of marking scripts. Some inconsistencies can arise when a computer is used to mark essays. The computer may not read through the idea I’m trying to put across, something that the 1human teacher would see. Such a situation can negatively affect the student’s score, especially if the computer software does not find anything related to their answers.
Many people argue that the kind of technology used in learning institutions is preferable, for it enhances the speed of grading several students. Whereas this may be true, the impact this system lays on the students doesn’t make it suitable when used as a grading system. Computer programs do not have the flexibility of a human to read in between the lines and award the students for the points they are trying to put across as well as their efforts.