Fast-tracking feedback using Google Apps Script [Release 1] Jisc CETIS MASHe

Fast-tracking feedback using Google Apps Script [Release 1]

In October last year the Sport Learning Technologists at Loughborough College successfully won funding from the LSIS Leadership in Technology (LIT) grant scheme for the Fast-tracking feedback using Google Scripts project. Here’s an extract from the project summary:

This project will effectively combine Google Apps for Education and Google Apps Script in order to create a tool which allows tutors to enter grades and feedback in a single spreadsheet which then automatically populates individual feedback proforma, simultaneously sharing these results with students, progress tutors, and administrators as appropriate.

The benefit will be an increase in the efficiency with which assessment feedback can be shared, improving the speed and quality of paper-less student feedback. A successful conclusion to this project will be demonstrated by reduced submission turnaround times and a reduction in the errors brought about by inconsistencies in data entry.

Project funding is not just for deploying technology but also increases the capacity within the organisation at the operational level. With this in mind I have been working with Loughborough, helping them in the technical aspects of developing the Fast-Tracking Feedback System and also learn about Google Apps Script via a series of workshops. Friday was the first of these and I thought I’d share the story so far.

The Loughborough group had already got of to a flying start successfully modifying My #eas11 world premier: Creating personalised Google Documents from Form submissions. 5 months is a long time in Google Apps Script and since then not only is there some new functionality in Apps Script, but I’ve also picked up some new tips. My own understanding has come on along way thanks to receiving a preview copy of Google Script: Enterprise Application Essentials by James Ferreira [due out 27th January]. I’ve been a regular visitor to James simpleappssolutions.com site and tutorials so wasn’t sure if his book would teach me much more, but how I was wrong. Part of the reason I believe for this is the book is geared towards ‘enterprise applications’ so concentrates on documents and workflows, just as assessment in education (for better or worse) is concentrated on documents and workflows.

So below are two links of the current version of the Google Apps Script Spreadsheet and example Document template followed by a quick video to show how it is used. Obviously these are still work in progress as there is still 6 months to run on the project but there’s already enough there for others to benefit from and perhaps feedback on design.