Criterion® Online Writing Evaluation Service
Criterion is a web-based writing evaluation tool. This product is developed by ETS (Education Testing Service) which is an innovative organization that provides a range of products and services to advance learning worldwide. They are the developer of well known products such as TOEFL,SAT and GRE.
With its many features, Criterion helps students improve their writing, and teachers to manage the writing curriculum. For our local schools need, Criterion can switch from American spelling to British spelling. Being an online product, schools can consider using Criterion as a virtual writing Lab.
How Does Criterion Work:
Criterion service is powered by e-rater’s® automated scoring technology to provide students with immediate scoring and diagnostic feedback on essays they submit.
- Holistic Scores are based on nationally recognized standards.
- Trait Feedback Analysis focuses on grammar, usage and mechanics; style; and organization and development. This analysis provides both a summary and in-depth analysis of errors in an effort to pinpoint areas that require attention.
Some of the features in Criterion:
- The Writer’s Handbook is an intuitive online tool that a student can access while reviewing diagnostic feedback. It explains every error or feature reported by defining them and providing examples of correct and incorrect use. There is now a simplified Chinese version of the Handbook.
- Prewriting tools: Students can choose from among eight different planning templates, which provide a structured approach that students can use to learn and employ planning strategies as they contemplate writing an essay.
- Criterion has two export features on the Class Report screen to create an export file in a comma-delimited format that can be opened by most text editors and spreadsheet programs. Detailed instructions for both features are provided in the administrator- and instructor-specific user guides.
- Educators have easy and secure access to each student’s portfolio of essays, diagnostic reports, and scores as well as summary information on the performance of entire classes.
- Teachers can use their own topics or select from the Criterion Topic library of more than 400 essay assignments at various skill levels. Each level will have topic of different modes, example, Narrative, Expository, Persuasive, Descriptive.
- Numerous options available for assignment (essay) creation, which can be controlled to the satisfaction of the instructor.
- The User manual is inbuilt in the system. Or users click on the ‘Help’ button to obtain necessary assistance.
Who uses Criterion:
Criterion service provides an effective initial evaluation of student skill levels allowing instructors to benchmark writing, to make placement decisions, adjust instruction and track progress.
- Faculty: Criterion service supports instruction by providing faculty with online, real-time access to faculty-specific writing assignments. With a variety of topics to select from, Criterion service is a learning tool that does not increase workload and adds value to writing instruction by providing a teachable moment.
- Students: Criterion service provides instant diagnostic feedback and real-time scores on essay submissions to helps students improve skills and build confidence. Students can rewrite their essays using feedback they receive online from both Criterion service and their writing professors.
Technical requirements:
What technical requirements must a user have to access Criterion?
Criterion only requires an Internet connection and a Web browser.
For Windows, Microsoft Windows 98, NT4, 2000 Me, or XP and Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher or Netscape 6.1 or higher or Firefox 1.0.1 are recommended for optimum performance.
For Macintosh, operating system 9.2, 10.1 or X and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.2 or higher or Netscape 7.1 or higher or Firefox 1.0.1 or Safari 1.2.4 are recommended for optimum performance.
Please go to this URL for a FlashTour:
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