MICROGRADE NEWSLETTER---Volume IV, Issue #4---January 2004
Visit us on the web at www.chariot.com

Inside this Issue:
*MicroGrade User Tips
*WebGrade User Tips
*News & Information
*Product Updates

***MicroGrade User Tips***
If you are at the start of a new semester or grading period, review the step-by-step instructions below to help you make the most of MicroGrade. You can easily create a new grading period using your existing settings and you can create templates of your current class files using our Save As feature. The Save As feature also allows you to make complete backup files of your MicroGrade data.

Create New Grading Periods with Settings from a Previous Grading Period

  1. From the Periods menu, select Add Grading Period.
  2. The Add Grading Period dialog will appear.
  3. Click the Options button in the lower left corner of the dialog.
  4. Under the heading Duplicate the Following Information From the Current Grading Period, you will see several checkboxes labeled "Preferences, Categories, Assignments", etc.
  5. Check the boxes that correspond to the information you want copied to the new grading period, then click OK to close the dialog. A new grading period will be created with the duplicate information.

MicroGrade's Save As Feature
To save backup copies or modified versions of your class files, use the Save As feature.

  1. From the File menu, select Save As.
  2. a. To make a backup copy, click the Option 1 button and click Save. Enter a backup file name when prompted.
    b. To create a modified version of your class file, choose from the desired save options and click Save. Enter a new file name when prompted. Use this feature when you need a class file that contains duplicate information, such as students only or categories and assignments.

*NOTE: To save changes within your class file as you work, use the Save option in the File menu. You can also click the Save icon on the MicroGrade tool bar.

***WebGrade User Tips***
Use WebGrade to Post Class Announcements
To publish a message for your entire class, use WebGrade's Notice feature. Log in to your WebGrade account and access this feature from your WebGrade Reports Index page. A "Notice" button will appear next to each class report that has been uploaded. Click the Notice button for the desired class to enter your message. Your announcement will appear when students go to eClassInfo to view their grades.

Use WebGrade to Email Your Students
If you include student email addresses when you upload grade reports to WebGrade you can easily send messages to individual students as well as the entire class. Use the Action menu on your WebGrade Reports Index page and select the Email Students option. Enter your message and use the checkboxes provided to choose your email options.

***News & Information***
Online Registration Available for MicroGrade
Use our new online system to register your copy of MicroGrade. As a registered user, you will receive important information about product upgrades and changes. You will also be eligible to receive upgrade discounts that are only available to our registered users.

Use the link below to access our online registration system:

http://www.chariot.com/home/verify-reg.asp

Review Online Tutorials at Chariot.com
Chariot's web site includes a comprehensive technical support section with links to online tutorials. If you need step-by-step instructions to help you with MicroGrade, WebGrade or our new Palm Pilot module you can access our tutorials at:
http://www.chariot.com/micrograde/tutorials/index.asp

***Product Updates***
Post Your Class Syllabus on the Internet
Chariot has developed an online syllabus program that will be available to Premium WebGrade users. eSyllabus allows users to create and publish their class syllabus on the Internet. Once a syllabus is created, instructors can modify the information as needed and students can access the syllabus from any computer with an Internet connection. The eSyllabus program also includes a notice feature that instructors can use to post messages and announcements to an entire class.

You can review our eSyllabus tutorial at:

http://www.classmanager.com/about/eSyllabus_tutorial/default.html

Chariot is committed to providing outstanding service and product support. We want your input to ensure that our WebGrade service meets your needs.