Bubble sheet scanningAssessment Technology aims to assist with the learning measurement process including current tracking and student success improvement efforts. For example, our Exam Scanning and Scoring team provides processing and reporting services for LR1 Scantron bubble answer sheets for a nominal supply fee and customized work upon request.

We take a holistic and iterative approach to learning improvement, often working closely with instructional designers and learning analysts, creating realistic and customized assessment plans. Assessment often serves as a learning process within a course design (referred to as formative assessment, which is low-stakes), in addition to the high-stakes assessment process for final evaluation of student learning outcome achievement (summative assessment). Thus, we aid with the adoption of state-of-the-art academic assessment technologies to increase formative assessment opportunities and substantive feedback guiding students during their learning journey. Consultation services are available to all instructors—we hope you contact us!

Exam Scanning and Scoring

To evaluate student learning outcome achievement in large classes with several hundred students, instructors need an efficient instrument. A common solution is to use multiple-choice question exams answered on purchased Scantron bubble sheets and processed with an optical mark reading machine. Smaller classes needing quick turnaround grading of final exams also rely on this method.

Bubble Sheet Ordering

LR1 Scantron bubble answer sheets are available for department purchase in packs of 500 for $40. The cost of Remark processing is included in the purchase price of the forms. To order, please submit a MyIT request noting how many packs you would like. After fiscal processing, these sheets can be picked up in our office (Hub Room 224C).

Billing questions and issues should be directed to:
UFIT Business Center
PH: 352-392-7449  FX: 352-392-4864
Email:  atbills@at.ufl.edu

Dropoff of exams

When you bring your exams and key(s) to be dropped off for scanning, you will need to complete our submission form with your contact information and exam point value. For automatic uploading of the results into Canvas eLearning, we will also need a section number (to match to the correct Canvas course shell) and the exact name of the assignment to load the data into that gradebook column (it will be set to Mute for manual release to the students by the instructor/TA). Please be prepared to provide the following details for the instructor or TA that will receive the reports and pick up the exams after processing:

  • UFID #
  • E-mail address
  • Contact phone #
Using the Scanning Service Web App

You will receive an e-mail containing the link to the Scanning Services results portal. Here you will be able to obtain your output ZIP file. Your ZIP file will contain a PDF file of your reports, no_match.txt file, and CSV grades file. Within the Scanning Services results portal you will see the following:

  • (A) Your scanning services tab will show your available downloads
  • (B) Your scans by default will be listed in chronological order starting with the most recent scans.
  • (C) Clicking on any of the headers (except file download) will sort the table according to the clicked header.
  • (D) To download your .zipfile click on the file name in the file download column.
  • (E) The search box will search the whole table for the inputted value.
  • (F) The number of items included in the table may be increased by selecting a larger number located in the drop-down menu directly to the right of the search box.
  • (G) The 2nd button to the right of the search box is the place where you can hide different table columns.
  • (H) At the bottom of the page, you will find buttons that will move you to the next page.
Uploading Data into Canvas eLearning

If you elected to manually upload your grade files instead of having the grades uploaded automatically into Canvas eLearning, your CSV grade file will be available within a ZIP file (containing: *_[COURSENAME]*.csv, *no_match.txt, *student_not_in_class.txt) on the Scanning Services portal (see above). You can then import these grades into your gradebook:

  1. Download and unzip your output files from Scanning Services.
  2. In your Canvas course, within Grades, select "Import" and then "Browse."
  3. Select the CSV file you received from Scanning Services and click "Upload Data."
  4. Canvas will prompt you to either select an existing column in Grades or create a new one. If you enter a new one, it will ask the point possible for that item. When done, click "Continue."
  5. Canvas will present a list of students and their scores for you to check. Any problem rows will display here for troubleshooting. If all is correct, click "Save Changes."

If you have questions or need additional assistance regarding importing Scantron grades, please contact e-Learning Support either by phone at 352-392-4357 option 3 or by email at learning-support@ufl.edu.

Pick-Up and Record Retention Policy

It is the responsibility of the instructor, or TA, to pick up examination papers (including Scantron bubble sheets) once notification has been sent that processing is complete. A note of any issues processing an exam will be included and the problematic exams are placed on top of the stack (e.g., missing name or UFID, double marked response, stray markings prohibiting processing).

If items are not picked up at the conclusion of the semester, the department will be contacted. University of Florida's Record Retention Schedule states that examinations taken in classes required for graduation must be retained for 1 anniversary year after final class grades are posted, provided no appeal is pending (Examinations: Graduation/Certification, Schedule Identifier: GS5, Item Number: 100). Secure destruction methods should be used after this time period.

Gradescope Pilot

Gradescope logoGradescope is a grading platform that links to eLearning Canvas to accelerate paper and digital grading workflows for closed and free response questions (including drawings). The software uses optical character recognition (OCR) and artificial intelligence (AI) assistance to help instructors efficiently grade and provide substantive feedback on homework and exams, as well as coding assignments. It also provides the instructor with detailed analytics of marks to help identify current concept weaknesses needing further instruction or for use when determining potential areas of course design changes. Gradescope also provides a bubble sheet template (up to 200 questions) to expedite workflows for paper-based exams with multiple-choice questions. With Gradescope, bubble sheets can be scanned by students with their smartphone or in bulk by the instructor using a basic, multi-sheet office scanner. Our office is also available to facilitate secure scanning of exams. More details, including how to join the pilot, are available on the Gradescope Pilot website.

Resources for Improving Assessment Practices

We are grateful that a lot of great resources have been created by our colleagues on the topic of improving assessment practices! We’ve highlighted below what we know of but there may be more resources within your college.

  • Practical Guide to Assessment by Dr. Tim Brophy (Video Series) topics:
    • Introduction to Assessment
    • Assessment and Rubric Design
    • Writing Items for Quizzes and Tests
    • Test Statistics and Analysis
    • Longitudinal Assessment of Student Learning (Portfolios)
    • Consensus-Based Learning
    • Navigating the UF Assessment System
  • Assessing Student Learning (CITT Instructional Design) topics:
    • Building Authentic Assessments
    • Collaborative Assessment
    • Designing Effective Peer and Self Assessment
    • Modifying Assessment Strategy for Online Teaching
    • Promoting Academic Integrity
    • Providing Effective Feedback
    • Scaffolding
    • Selecting Assessment Types
  • Action Tips for Achieving Learning Goals (Advice to students from the MyLA pilot) topics:
    • Writing assignments/Time Management
    • Study Strategies
    • Free Tutoring and Academic Coaching
    • Exams
      • Preparation
      • Mindset & combating test anxiety
      • Test-taking strategies and tips
      • Post-assessment reflection & future planning
  • Assessments Resource Library (Center for Teaching Excellence) topics:
    • Collaborative Two-Stage Testing
    • Evaluating Group Work
    • Feedback
    • Rubrics/Grading
    • Multiple Choice Questions