GradeAI User Manual

Your intelligent teaching companion

Introduction

GradeAI is a powerful tool designed to assist teachers in grading assignments using AI technology. The application supports multiple file formats, provides intelligent grading suggestions, and maintains complete teacher control over final grades.

Supported File Types

  • PDF documents
  • Microsoft Word documents (.docx, .doc)
  • Text files (.txt)
  • Images (.jpg, .png) - including handwritten assignments

Getting Started

System Requirements

  • Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
  • Internet connection
  • OpenAI API key (for AI grading features)

Initial Setup

  1. Access the application through your web browser
  2. Navigate to the Settings page
  3. Configure your grading preferences
  4. Set up default grading criteria

Features

1. Assignment Upload

  • Multiple file format support
  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Automatic text extraction from images and PDFs
  • Support for handwritten assignments through OCR

2. AI-Powered Grading

  • Intelligent grade suggestions
  • Detailed feedback generation
  • Customizable grading criteria
  • Multiple AI models (GPT-4 or GPT-3.5)

3. Teacher Controls

  • Review and modify AI suggestions
  • Set final grades
  • Add custom feedback
  • Track grading history

4. Grade Level Support

  • Kindergarten through 6th Grade
  • Grade-appropriate evaluation
  • Customized feedback per grade level

Using the Application

Uploading Assignments

  1. Navigate to the Assignments page
  2. Select the grade level for the assignment
  3. Upload files using one of these methods:
    • Click the upload area and select files
    • Drag and drop files into the upload area
  4. Wait for the file processing to complete

Grading Process

  1. Initial AI Review
    • The system automatically processes the assignment
    • AI generates initial grade and feedback
    • Criteria-based scoring is provided
  2. Teacher Review
    • Review AI-generated feedback
    • Examine criteria scores
    • Ask AI follow-up questions about the grading
    • Adjust final grade if needed
  3. Finalizing Grades
    • Enter the final grade (0-100)
    • Status automatically updates to "graded"
    • All changes are saved automatically

Using AI Assistant (Pearl)

  1. Select an assignment to review
  2. Scroll to the "Discuss with Pearl" section
  3. Type your question about the grade or feedback
  4. Click the message icon to get AI response
  5. Continue the conversation as needed

Settings Configuration

Grading Criteria

  1. Navigate to Settings
  2. Enter your default grading criteria
  3. Include point values for criteria-based grading: 
    Understanding of concepts (25 points)
Clarity of expression (20 points)
Organization and structure (20 points)
Supporting evidence (20 points)
Grammar and mechanics (15 points)

AI Model Selection

  • GPT-4: More accurate, slower processing
  • GPT-3.5: Faster processing, slightly less accurate

Feedback Styles

  1. Detailed: Full paragraph-form feedback
  2. Bullet Points: Concise, point-by-point feedback
  3. Criteria-based: Detailed feedback with scores per criterion

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  1. File Upload Failures
    • Ensure file format is supported
    • Check file size (max 10MB)
    • Verify file isn't corrupted
  2. OCR Issues
    • Ensure image quality is clear
    • Check image orientation
    • Verify handwriting is legible
  3. AI Processing Delays
    • Check internet connection
    • Verify API key is valid
    • Consider switching to GPT-3.5 for faster processing

Error Messages

  • "Unsupported file type": File format not recognized
  • "File too large": Reduce file size
  • "No text extracted": Image quality too low or blank document
  • "API key invalid": Check OpenAI API key in settings

Best Practices

Grading Efficiency

  1. Set up detailed default criteria
  2. Use criteria-based feedback for consistency
  3. Maintain grade-level appropriate standards
  4. Review AI suggestions thoroughly
  5. Use Pearl for clarification when needed

File Preparation

  1. Scan documents clearly
  2. Ensure proper orientation
  3. Use PDF format when possible
  4. Verify text is legible
  5. Keep file sizes reasonable

Grade Level Considerations

  • Adjust expectations per grade level
  • Use grade-appropriate language in feedback
  • Consider developmental stages in assessment
  • Maintain consistent standards within grade levels

Data Management

  • Regular review of graded assignments
  • Consistent grading criteria application
  • Clear documentation of grade changes
  • Regular settings review and updates