Gradescope

Gradescope offers a variety of features on their platforms.  

• Batches like-answers (automatic or manual) for quicker marking. 

• Dynamic Rubric Criteria - Transforms simple point deductions and partial credit into criteria facilitating clear, specific feedback (comments and/or annotations). 

• Auto-adjusts previous scores when scoring decision changes are made midway. 

• Dividing grading by question allows each grader to focus on one question, which can increase fairness. If graders instead split work by section, sharing rubrics and comments across graders helps keep scores consistent and improves feedback. 

• Anonymous student mode during grading decreases potential bias. 

• Analytics are provided for quick review of student learning outcomes and question performance. 

• Grades are sent to eLearning Canvas with a single click. Students then have access to grades and feedback. 

• Manages item-level regrade requests, requiring students to submit a justification statement and send an e-mail notification. 

Paper-based exams in Gradescope are defined as fixed-length, templated assignments that support a wide variety of question types—including written responses, proofs, diagrams, fill-in-the-blank, and true/false formats. Instructors create a PDF of the exam and outline answer regions for each question. Once student responses are collected, scanned, and uploaded, Gradescope’s AI can batch-process answers to streamline grading and improve efficiency. 

Tips for Exams 

• Fixed Length Template Assignments: Put each question on its own numbered page (to reduce the chance of issues with the auto-sort during grading by question). If students may need more than one page to respond, provide an extra page for that within the template. Advise students to do their best to stick within the space provided when answering and confirm their page order before submitting (including submitting blank pages that may be there for extra space for others).   

• Include placeholders at the top for their name and ID number, then set it up in Gradescope prior to distribution to students so you can ensure there is adequate space for the Gradescope template box to mark off those areas. 

• Make sure you print a clean copy of the template (i.e., the printer doesn’t leave stray marks from the rollers). If there are marks on every copy, scan a PDF of the template with printer markings to Gradescope so it doesn’t try and parse the marks as student work.    

• Before scanning stapled exam papers, you can cut off the stapled corners. 

Gradescope provides a bubble sheet template (up to 200 questions) for paper-based exams with multiple-choice questions. Bubble sheets can be scanned by students with their smartphone or in bulk by the instructor using a basic, multi-sheet office scanner. Our assessment technology office is also available to facilitate secure scanning of Gradescope or Scantron exams. 

• Gradescope supports auto-grading of up to five different exam versions. 

• Answer keys can be pre-defined (or adjusted ad hoc) to allow for multiple correct responses to a single question with full or partial credit awarded. 

• Detailed statistics are available for bubble sheet assessments 

 

Tips for Bubble Sheets

• When working with Bubble Sheets and multiple exam versions, confirm each student has marked the form code upon submission   

• Department copiers with scanning capabilities can be configured by UFIT to scan to a secure user folder, instead of scan-to-email, for restricted data. 

 

In Gradescope, Homework is typically set up as variable-length assignment type by default, which allows students to submit multi-page work. Upon submission, students are prompted to indicate where each answer appears on their document, which will make the grading process easier for instructors. 

• Gradescope requires a PDF for their templates, but it may be easier for students to start with a Word document. You can provide the Word document in the Canvas assignment directions, and then they can Save As Adobe PDF before uploading (or use the Gradescope App).  

• Students might be new to the tool and should be provided information for self-help. 

Gradescope lets instructors collect and grade student code in any programming language using an Autograder, manual grading, or both with in-line feedback. Students submit files (individually or as ZIPs) through the Canvas integration, and the platform’s Code Similarity tool detects overlapping code across submissions. 

• Gradescope’s Autograder documentation offers specifications, guides, and example code. Instructors can combine automated grading with manual review for in-line feedback and to assess elements like documentation or algorithm use.  

• Students can upload individual files or ZIP archives to Gradescope via Canvas without a separate login, though they may authenticate with their Gatorlink. Although Gradescope offers GitHub and BitBucket integration, those services aren’t approved for UF coursework—refer to the Integrated Risk Management page on GitHub for permitted data types. 

• Gradescope provides a Creating a Programming Assignment video (4:57) that demonstrates how to create a programming assignment in Gradescope. 

 

Gradescope Online Assignments (Beta) offer instructors a flexible way to create and deliver assessments directly within the platform, closely resembling the functionality of an eLearning Canvas Quiz. Students submit responses digitally, with optional time limits and post-deadline content restrictions to support academic integrity. 

Key Features Include: 

• Question creation directly within Gradescope using the Assignment Editor 

• Auto-grading support for multiple choice, select-all, and short answer formats 

• File upload options for handwritten or externally completed work 

• Customizable rubrics for manual grading when desired