As a student, I dreaded ScanTron tests. In high school, one of my classes was right across the hall from where the ScanTron grading machine was located, and I remember constantly hearing a noise, which can only be described as a machine gun-like, as the teachers shot the answer sheets through and the grader marked incorrect answers. I never thought much of it until I was a first-year teacher myself, and my school was fortunate enough to have a ScanTron machine. Each time I shot answer sheets through, I would cross my fingers, hoping for a “quiet” passage, cringing every time I heard that all too familiar rapid-fire of wrong answers being marked.
While I think ScanTrons are fairly common in high schools, they are much more rare at the lower levels. When I worked in an elementary school, we did not have a ScanTron machine which, while not the end of the world, would have made the grading process for end of unit exams, much, much easier. Many schools, in fact, are like this – there are teachers that, if they had this technology available to them (ScanTrons are fairly expensive and some schools can’t justify the cost), would most likely use it. This is what lead me to find these two great programs, both of which attempt to solve the “ScanTron-less School” issue.
A program that can grade a scantron just by reading in a picture of it. Scantron Scantron provides testing and training design, development, and delivery services to certification and licensure organizations, corporations, educational institutions, government agencies, and trade and professional associations. Laptop with camera, docking station, monitor, and headset; Microsoft ® or Office ® 365 license review. Microsoft or Office 365 hardening, management, and review. Scantron is a trusted managed technology advisor to more than 21,000 companies for IT, print, and security services.
Created by a team of educators through a KickStarter fund, this website and iPhone/iPad app combination work similarly to a traditional ScanTron machine. Teachers load students into the program, either through their mobile device or computers, and then print out the program’s unique answer sheets. These answer sheets can be used in conjunction with any previsouly created test, quiz, or exam. Teachers then use their mobile devices to scan the answer sheets. Answers are uploaded directly to the program, allowing for teachers to see quiz item analysis, student progress, and download CSV files to upload to nearly any gradebook (their claim).
Pros:
- FREE to use
- up to 30 questions per quiz/test/exam
- iPhone/iPad app to scan answer sheets (from developer – Android app in development phase)
- item analysis and student progress can be accessed from phone or computer
- still in the beginning phases, so lots of new updates can, hopefully, be anticipated (confirmed by developer)
Cons:
- Answers need to be bubbled in extremely dark (think black pen or marker) to be scanned
- website is basic, although it gives all the needed information
- answer sheets need to be printed – making copies from a blank master sheet tends to not work well when it comes time to scan
QuickKey answer sheet with bubbles filled in with heavy, black pen in order to register on the scanner.
This program has been around longer than Quick Key, so while the two programs essentially do the same thing, their website is more streamlined and offers a few more options. With GradeCam, teachers load their students into the website and print off GradeCam’s custom answer sheets for students to fill out. Answer sheets are graded by placing them under a camera attached to the computer – according to their website, most webcams or document cameras will work. The camera scans the answers and the computer instantly grades the assignment. The one notable aspect of GradeCam is that it has three access levels for its users – a basic, free package (limited to 10 questions a quiz, cannot export grades to gradebook), a mid level package ($15/month, limited to 100 questions a quiz, link CCSS to assignments, export to gradebook), or a school package ($2.50/student/year, same as mid-level package, with some additional features).
Pros:
- item analysis and student progress can be accessed through the website (also charts this data in graphs for you)
- user-friendly website
- Custom student ID numbers
- Can easily scan answer sheets with eraser marks or where bubbles are lightly filled in with pencil
QuickCam answer sheets with bubbles that get progressively lighter – all were easily scanned into the system.
Cons:
- No mobile app, for either Android or iPhone/iPad
- free account limited to only 10 questions per assignment
- Additional (and beneficial) features, like exporting to a gradebook, are pay-only for $15/month
Scranton Camera
Do you use either of these program? Do you know of one I missed? Let me know in the comments section!
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Our technology is the first of its kind to offer benefits that are completely unique to the conventional methods of industrial tank inspection or sediment removal. At Sciphyn, we are dedicated to doing our part in accelerating the industry’s transition to safer solutions in order to protect our environment and our workers.
Companies all over the world from many different industries are using our services for a wide array of applications. From fire water tanks to storm water ponds, cooling tower basins to scale pits, and everything in between we keep finding new ways to keep our customers in full operation and workers out of danger.
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If you knew us as Scantron Robotics USA Inc. don’t worry, its still us! We decided to shift our branding to something we felt would better align with our identity. The transition from Scantron to Sciphyn is one that will occur over a period of time so, you may notice some of our marketing materials still showing the Scantron Robotics USA, Inc. branding. We’re working as quickly as possible to update our materials to reduce confusion.
We hope you love our new name and look as much as we do! We are excited to continue servicing you in the future as Sciphyn, Inc.
This section provides answers to some of our most frequently asked questions however, we’d love the opportunity to speak with you directly. Please contact us directly for more information or to discuss your project.
What types of tanks does Sciphyn service?
Due to the customization options and versatility of our robotic equipment, we are capable of cleaning virtually any industrial tank, basin, cooling tower, reservoir, or water holding structure with a minimum hatch size of 23 inches. Our engineers are capable of fabricating robots for almost any application, so if you have a tank or holding container that isn’t listed, contact us to discuss the potential for robotic applications.
Please note that Sciphyn does NOT service aquarium tanks, septic tanks, or oil tanks. Additionally, we are unable to clean in areas where explosive materials are present.
Is Micro-Dredging environmentally friendly?
It certainly can be. Because the DredgeBots can work in areas with chemicals or obstacles that would be dangerous to humans, there isn’t a need to drain or replace these substances. Additionally, our proprietary water remediation methods allows the filtered liquid content to be recycled back into the tank. This, paired with our dewatering process results in the need to only dispose of mostly dry waste which is significantly better for the environment than liquid waste (its also significantly less expensive to dispose of than liquid waste)
Does Micro-Dredging create turbidity?
No. The DredgeBots are designed to efficiently cut through sediment without causing turbidity. An onboard pump provides constant suction during the MicroDredging process, meaning surrounding water will not be disturbed.
How do the DredgeBots maneuver around obstacles inside of a tank?
The DredgeBots are equipped with high definition cameras and variable intensity lights to combat low visibility. While viewing a live feed, the technician uses a remote control to navigate the robot throughout the tank and around any obstacles or debris.
In cases of reduced visibility due to poor water quality, our technicians will rely on blueprints and schematics to navigate the DredgeBot through the tank.
Has a DredgeBot ever become stuck inside of a tank?
There have been instances where the DredgeBot has been hung up on excessive debris or unanticipated tank structure, however, it has never caused any damage or significant delays in a project. It is very important for customers to either provide accurate blue prints or purchase one of our inspection services prior to a MicroDredging project so that we can identify potential obstacles. Regardless, if a DredgeBot becomes hung up while inside the tank, our technicians are trained in proper retreival techniques.