Though not always pleased with the results, Marquette students have the privilege of being able to check their midterm and final grades online through CheckMarq. Depending on the professor, students may also be able to track their progress in classes through Desire2Learn. But professors wisely choosing to fully use D2L in addition to CheckMarq have the overwhelming task of re-entering sometimes hundreds of grades.
D2L automatically updates its class lists every night based on CheckMarq's registration. Grades should be handled similarly. IT services should interface the grading functions, saving professors valuable time and increasing the incentive to use D2L
The programs in concert should encourage more professors to try D2L and continue updating content and grading through it. CheckMarq technically records the official grade and professors are required to post midterm and final grades on the site. But professors ought to have the option of simply communicating an official midterm or final grade from D2L as it provides more useful information to students. D2L allows teachers to break down students' grades into exams, quizzes, papers, projects, homework — anything. Students know specifically what areas to improve in and what percentage of their grade a paper or exam constitutes. This way, students can more easily calculate the scores needed to achieve their desired grade and manage their time accordingly.
The modification is indeed possible. However, the difficulty in integrating CheckMarq and D2L arises because the programs are two different systems under two different vendors, according to Kathy Lang, chief information officer of Information Technology Services. Lang said ITS would have to write the interaction code between the two systems. "It's definitely on the list," said Lang of the suggestion, noting that ITS must weigh its priorities without neglecting security in the balance.
Of course like any improvement, this process would take time and money. But resources would be well spent on the advancing technology widely used at Marquette.
