Self-Check: The D2L GradesTool

1. The gradebook can be set up to drop the lowest scores from a particular grade category.

True

False

Depending on what kind of scores you want to get on your instructor evaluations, you might decide to let your students drop their lowest quiz scores from the final grade calculation. D2L makes this very easy by using the "Grading Distribution" features under "Manage Grades."

Explanation

Depending on what kind of scores you want to get on your instructor evaluations, you might decide to let your students drop their lowest quiz scores from the final grade calculation. D2L makes this very easy by using the "Grading Distribution" features under "Manage Grades."

2. When displaying the Final Grade to students, the "Release Final Grade" check box must be selected in order for the grade to be visible to students.

True

False

You need to check the "Release Final Grade" check box in order to display the final grade to your students. If you forget to do this, it's kind of like coming home from the grocery store and telling your kids you bought ice cream but not giving them any. And I'm sure you can imagine the what the aftermath would be like in either of these situations so it's best to avoid them both.

Explanation

You need to check the "Release Final Grade" check box in order to display the final grade to your students. If you forget to do this, it's kind of like coming home from the grocery store and telling your kids you bought ice cream but not giving them any. And I'm sure you can imagine the what the aftermath would be like in either of these situations so it's best to avoid them both.

3. The same grade for any given assignment can be entered for all students in the class.

True

False

A's for everyone! If that's your mantra (not that I'm endorsing it), then this is the tool for you! You can assign the same grade to everyone in the class in one swift move. You can also edit individual grades if necessary once they've been set just in case someone didn't quite make the A grade.

Explanation

A's for everyone! If that's your mantra (not that I'm endorsing it), then this is the tool for you! You can assign the same grade to everyone in the class in one swift move. You can also edit individual grades if necessary once they've been set just in case someone didn't quite make the A grade.

4. Comments can only be entered for individual students.

True

False

You can actually enter comments in the Grades tool that a single student can see or that the entire class can see. So if you just want to save time and give everyone the same grade and the same comments, D2L makes that possible (not that anyone would ever do that, right? RIGHT??).

Explanation

You can actually enter comments in the Grades tool that a single student can see or that the entire class can see. So if you just want to save time and give everyone the same grade and the same comments, D2L makes that possible (not that anyone would ever do that, right? RIGHT??).

5. When a grade is not entered for a student, it is always considered a "zero" when D2L calculates the final grade.

True

False

While Coke Zero always has zero calories with the real coke taste, the D2L Grades tool doesn't work quite the same way. You have to define in the Grades Setup whether you want ungraded items to be considered zeros or not. Just remember that if you do set all ungraded items to be graded as "zeros" some of your students (probably those go-getting eager beavers) might email you saying, "OMG! Why am I failing this class?!?!?" Posting a news item letting students know how this works is not a bad idea. Otherwise, if ungraded items are not treated as zeros, don't forget to go in and add a "0" to any items a student doesn't complete.

Explanation

While Coke Zero always has zero calories with the real coke taste, the D2L Grades tool doesn't work quite the same way. You have to define in the Grades Setup whether you want ungraded items to be considered zeros or not. Just remember that if you do set all ungraded items to be graded as "zeros" some of your students (probably those go-getting eager beavers) might email you saying, "OMG! Why am I failing this class?!?!?" Posting a news item letting students know how this works is not a bad idea. Otherwise, if ungraded items are not treated as zeros, don't forget to go in and add a "0" to any items a student doesn't complete.

6. Extra credit and Bonus items are the same thing.

True

False

If you are a nice teacher on RateMyProfessor.com you must offer your students opportunities for extra credit, then this question is important. If you're a big meanie and don't offer it, then you can keep on moving.

Extra Credit and Bonus Items in the D2L Grades Tool are not the same thing. You can add additional extra credit points to a graded item or you can create a Bonus item in the gradebook that is comprised only of extra credit points.

Explanation

If you are a nice teacher on RateMyProfessor.com you must offer your students opportunities for extra credit, then this question is important. If you're a big meanie and don't offer it, then you can keep on moving.

Extra Credit and Bonus Items in the D2L Grades Tool are not the same thing. You can add additional extra credit points to a graded item or you can create a Bonus item in the gradebook that is comprised only of extra credit points.

7. It's a good idea to Export your Grades each time you make major updates.

True

False

Should Lindsey Lohan have to serve her jail sentence? Heck yes this is a good idea! If for some reason you accidentally delete a grade, you can easily import your Grades backup into D2L and continue on your merry way. If you don't have a back up, you can contact Madison to get your deleted grades resurrected but it might take a while.

Explanation

Should Lindsey Lohan have to serve her jail sentence? Heck yes this is a good idea! If for some reason you accidentally delete a grade, you can easily import your Grades backup into D2L and continue on your merry way. If you don't have a back up, you can contact Madison to get your deleted grades resurrected but it might take a while.

8. When using Grade Schemes to display letter grades, D2L does not round up.

True

False

Unlike your grandma, D2L isn't going to cut your students any slack. Let's say one of your students gets an 89.7% and 90% is set to be the cutoff for an A-. D2L won't automatically round up to give the student the better grade. You can either set your grade scheme up to allow all scores from 89.5% and up to be an A- or you can manually go in and override the grade D2L automatically assigns.

Explanation

Unlike your grandma, D2L isn't going to cut your students any slack. Let's say one of your students gets an 89.7% and 90% is set to be the cutoff for an A-. D2L won't automatically round up to give the student the better grade. You can either set your grade scheme up to allow all scores from 89.5% and up to be an A- or you can manually go in and override the grade D2L automatically assigns.