Inside This Issue:

• MicroGrade User Tip

• WebGrade and Podcasting

• MicroTest Pro Is Now Shipping

• Support For MicroGrade Version 5 Ending

MicroGrade User Tip

Quite often, students will have to transfer out of a class and into another class taught by the same teacher. Rather than have to re-enter all assignment scores, MicroGrade provides an easier way to transfer students.

To Transfer Students:

1. Open the class file that contains the student you would like to transfer.

2. From the Students menu, choose Transfer Students. The Select Students To Be Transferred dialog displays.

3. From the Active Students list box, select the students you would like to transfer. Student names will appear in the Selected Students list box when selected for transfer.

4. Click OK when finished.

5. The Select a Class File to Transfer Student To will display. Select the appropriate file and click Open.

6. A message will appear to notify you of any errors found. Click OK to proceed with the transfer process. The Transfer Students dialog will display with detailed error information.

7. If there are errors reported, review the information listed in the dialog. Errors will usually be the result of any inconsistencies between your class files, such as differences in category and assignment names and assigned point values. You can choose to print the error messages, write the error messages to disk, cancel the transfer process or proceed with the transfer. If you choose to proceed, verify the checkbox selections listed at the bottom of the dialog. Click Transfer to complete the process. You should carefully review the class file you transferred information to in order to verify the information that was accepted during the transfer process.

8. When the transfer process is complete, close your original class file and open the transfer class file to begin working with your transferred student records.

WebGrade and Podcasting Survey

Now that virtually every student has an iPod or similar device, podcasting is becoming very popular in all levels of education. If Podcasting in education is new to you, it is defined as the distribution of audio files (such as lectures) over the Internet for listening on mobile devices and personal computers. Podcasting is about creating content for students that want to listen when they want, where they want, and how they want.

Several instructors have asked us if it would be possible to modify the WebGrade system to provide podcasting capabilities. Essentially, WebGrade would be modified to allow instructors to upload and store their audio files and then make them available only to students with a WebGrade log in and password. Before we can proceed, we need to know the level of interest among WebGrade users. Please take a moment to let us know your thoughts by emailing us at ac@chariot.com

MicroTest Pro Is Now Shipping

Preparing tests is a labor-intensive process. Tests have to be created, formatted and then duplicated. MicroTest Pro computerizes the process by classifying and storing questions on the computer. When it is time to prepare a test, the user can select questions automatically or by simply pointing and clicking. Once questions are selected, MicroTest Pro formats and prints the test, ready for duplication.

Test Items

Did you know that most textbook publishers create test item banks for the textbooks they publish? In most cases, your school or department can obtain the test items in electronic form without charge. Ask your textbook sales representative for details.

MicroGrade Users Can Purchase MicroTest Pro Online At A 20% Discount

To order, visit our online store at http://store.yahoo.com/csgstore/microtest.html. Enter the discount code mtp.

Technical Support For MicroGrade Version 5 Ending

MicroGrade Version 5 is now 6 years old and several users have reported compatibility issues and grade calculation problems that are beyond our control. The users with problems invariably have installed their older version of MicroGrade on newer computers with operating systems that were developed well after their version of MicroGrade was produced. Consequently, we are no longer able to provide technical support for MicroGrade versions older than 6.0.

Upgrading to the most recent version of MicroGrade is optional. The latest version has the same look and feel as earlier versions so you won’t have to learn a new program. Also, your existing class files will work with the newest version.

Visit us at www.chariot.com for more information.

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