iParadigms is best known for its TurnItIn anti-plagiarism software, which checks essays submitted through the program for originality, but the company also offers a service called PeerReview, which facilitates peer review of writing assignments online. What’s more, iParadigms has partnered with ETS to integrate ETS’s e-Rater service into its GradeMark program. This will provide automatic mechanics and grammar checking for papers submitted through GradeMark, right from ETS’s scoring engine, iParadigms says.
Programs such as Writing Reviser and these others encourage students to revise and resubmit their work, which is a key to developing good writing skills. That was recently demonstrated in Derry Township, Pa., where a one-to-one laptop program has led to more frequent writing and revision by middle school students. And that, in turn, has led to gains in students’ writing scores, officials say.
“Since implementing the computer program, our district has seen writing test scores increase at an impressive rate among middle school students,” said Al Harding, director of technology for the district. “The program has been praised by teachers, students, and parents alike, and we’re looking forward to expanding it to additional schools in our district.”
Organizing one’s thoughts
For those who need a bit of help organizing their thoughts before starting the writing process, there is Kurzweil 3000. Particularly appropriate for students with learning difficulties or those struggling to read after third grade, Kurzweil 3000 provides a variety of tools to help improve reading and writing skills.
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