Gradelink: The Future of Classrooms

Gradelink is a new online enrollment system (OES) that can be used for educational purposes. This interface is, in my opinion, quite unique because it reminds me of several other LMS's combined into one. Gradelink reminds me of Gradecraft, the LMS that we use in our EDT 211 class because it allows the instructor to submit grades and the student the chance to check their progress. It also reminds me of ClassDojo, an interface that was discussed in class through a tech talk. ClassDojo allows instructors to take attendance and use it as a reward/discipline system.

Gradelink basically combines teachers, students, parents, and administrators onto one interface. Teachers can use it to record attendance, submit and record grades and assignments, and access a student's records. Students and parents can both use it to keep track of their grades and view behavioral marks in school. What's unique about this interface is that the administration of a school is able to take contribute just like teachers would. The administrators of a school, like a principal, is able to use this OES mainly to record a student's behavior or open up files on a student's personal records.

Although Gradelink is unique and can be used for educational reasons, there are some things it lacks in that would make it as useful as something like Gradecraft. Firstly, Gradelink is not free, and pricing is based on the number of students in a school. Secondly, Gradelink does not allow teachers to post assignments on their page and there is no option for students to submit their work, unlike on Gradecraft. Although this OES is claimed to be used for all grade levels and even higher education and college, I feel that it would work best with elementary/middle school students. Older students would not benefit from this and it would not contribute to the 'flipped classroom' experience.

More information and details on Gradelink can be found on their website linked below:
https://gradelink.com/explore-features/