SAGrader ( www.sagrader.com ) , our automated essay grading service, has seen a lot of changes this summer. We’ve improved the interface, made some changes to some features, and added an array of new functionality. For an example of something we’ve changed, please look at the section view in your account (paid or demo).

In order to get some information on how users view the changes and new features that we have released, we are running a beta test of the newest version of SAGrader, version 3.0.
Beta test enrollment will run from July 14th through August 1st. Unfortunately, we can only accept a limited number of beta testers, so apply early to receive first consideration.

For the beta test we are offering instructors the ability to have three essays programmed into SAGrader for free, and then have up to 150 students in a class submit to their personalized assignments. This will give instructors the ability to offer the SAGrader learning environment to their students without requiring their students to pay anything (as always, instructors pay nothing).

Why would we do something as crazy as offer such a powerful program as SAGrader for free? In short, we need data. We want to know what people think about our new features, and how we can improve in the future. Also, we want to know a few things about SAGrader instructors. We want to know how their experience goes, and how their students’ experiences go. In order to do that, we are asking that instructors and students fill out a couple surveys.

We hope to be able to use this opportunity to dramatically improve SAGrader, and build an even more powerful learning system. Go to www.sagrader.com/beta for more information on the beta. Find the solicitation after the jump.

The beta:

Idea Works is proud to offer free beta testing of the newest version of SAGrader™. SAGrader is the only completely instructor directed automated essay grader that focuses on the actual content of student essays and then compares it to instructor-specified criteria. More information can be found on our website: www.sagrader.com. Registration will take place through Aug. 1st, 2008.

We’re trying to make SAGrader as useful as possible for instructors and students, so we’re soliciting beta testers to help by using SAGrader for free in their classroom this fall semester. We’re specifically looking for instructors who teach a college course of 35 to 150 students, teach in a discipline well-suited for SAGrader (see website for more details), and have up to three essay assignments you can use with SAGrader this semester.

Sign up for the free beta test and get:

* Three completely customized assignments.
* The ability to enroll up to 150 students to submit to these assignments and have them automatically graded.
* Access to our full suite of classroom tools.
* The ability to help shape a powerful educational tool that could affect thousands of students, instructors, and institutions.

In return, you will be asked to:

* Provide feedback on the program – tell us what you love, what you dislike, what you’d like to improve, etc.
* Report your level of satisfaction with SAGrader’s scoring and feedback on each essay assignment

For more information on the beta or to sign up, please visit www.sagrader.com/beta. Please sign up by Aug. 1st, 2008.

I look forward to hearing from you! If you have any questions, contact me at the info below.

Jonathan Brent
Office: 573-445-4554
jbrent@ideaworks.com

P.S. Don’t qualify as a beta tester? You can still use SAGrader in your classroom! Contact sales@ideaworks.com for more information.