It is no secret that the Internet has been a game-changer when it comes to education. In addition to providing new opportunities for learning, the Internet has also made it easier for teachers to keep track of their students’ progress and grades. However, there is still a lot of misinformation out there about online gradebooks. In this article, we will dispel some of the most common myths about online gradebooks.
Myth 1: Online gradebooks are only for big schools
This is simply not true! Online gradebooks can be used by schools of all sizes. In fact, they can be particularly helpful for small schools, which often do not have the manpower to maintain paper records. The main attractive point for schools, regardless of size, is that online gradebooks help reduce paper and administrative costs. Shifting grades online helps streamline the entire grading process, making your school a lot more organized and efficient. Online gradebooks also make it easy to share grades with parents and guardians, which is often a requirement for larger schools.
Myth 2: Online gradebooks are not secure
When it comes to security, online gradebooks are no different from any other online service. If you are using a reputable provider, your data will be just as secure as it would be if it were stored offline. In fact, online gradebooks often have additional security measures in place, such as encryption and password protection. There are numerous cloud-based options for gradebooks in the market as well, and these help to ensure that your data is always backed up and safe.
Myth 3: Online gradebooks are difficult to use
This may have been true in the early days of online gradebooks, but nowadays, most providers offer user-friendly platforms that are easy to navigate. In fact, once you get the hang of it, using an online gradebook is often quicker and more efficient than using a paper-based system. If you are worried about the learning curve, many providers offer free trials or demo versions of their gradebooks. This way, you can explore the features and decide if it is the right fit for your school.
Myth 4: Online gradebooks are not compatible with mobile devices
Most online gradebooks nowadays are designed to be compatible with a range of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This is extremely convenient for teachers, who can now update grades on the go. It is also helpful for students and parents, who can check grades anytime, anywhere.
Myth 5: Online gradebooks are expensive
This is another myth that is simply not true. There are a number of free and paid online gradebooks in the market, so you can find one that suits your budget. If you are looking for a more comprehensive solution, there are also many affordable gradebook options available. Many gradebook software companies will encourage you to join a demo where they go over all of the features of the gradebook, and will cover pricing in the same call.
Online gradebooks have become an integral part of education in the 21st century. With so many myths and misconceptions surrounding them, it is important to set the record straight.
Zara Raza is the Head of Marketing at SchoolCues, the all-in-one small school solution for schools with limited budgets and resources.
