iAnnotate PDF

iAnnotate PDF for iPad
Cost: $9.99 and totally worth it.

Rest for the Wrist and Faster Grading

I have been using this app for the first time since last week when I received my initial stack of  formal papers. The difference in grading for me compared to my previous methods (by hand, online, and/or using comments in a word processing program) is phenomenal. The ability to customize for one's own needs is invaluable. The program also connects with other programs, and I have mine connected to Dropbox for easy access to the files from any computer. All of these advantages will be discussed in this post momentarily.

But, first, I'd like to address some common issues with grading. With this app, I can grade sitting in almost any position simply because I am using the very portable iPad. This is good for me since I have old back and neck injuries that keep me from sitting still in any one position for a long period of time. 

Second, I can grade for longer periods because I am not suffering from wrist fatigue which plagues me when using any of the other methods used previously, whether grading by hand or on the computer. Consequently, I am getting more done.

With iAnnotate, I use a stylus, but it can be used with a finger easily. I tap and drag and occasionally type. Highlighter, pencil, pen, an underline tool, and "sticky" notes are all useful tools and one may color code each one, but the one that I am using most is stamps ("Tap-tap.").

Customizing with Stamps: one may use pre-made "stamps" or make one's own. For instance, I am using pre-made stamps of arrows and circles to bring attention to errors. I also made a number of stamps that reflect comments I make often: "Good!" "Excellent." "Recheck APA style here." "You might want to substantiate that claim." "Tell me why." And more. 

Above: Combination of highlighter and customized stamp tools.

 It does take a bit of time to set up the customized stamps, especially if one is color-coding. For example, I am using pink to highlight APA style errors, and the text of stamps/comments is in the same color. Yellow is used for writing errors such as spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation. General comments, e.g., "Excellent." or more detailed feedback are made using purple. Of course, the information can be understood without the colors, but the colors do give a clear indication about what kinds of issues there are at a glance.

Finally, I connected  iAnnotate to  Dropbox with a single click of the mouse button. All of the students' papers from the course management system program were downloaded in a single zipped file to Dropbox. From iAnnotate, I import from Dropbox, and then save the graded papers into Dropbox as well with one mouse click. Lastly, I upload to the grade book from Dropbox when done.

In addition to Dropbox, the app connects with Twitter, Facebook, DocAs, Notetaker HD, and more. One may also email the docs directly from the iAnnotate program.

Grading will always be a chore, but I am pleased to find out that with this app, I am getting more graded in less time and with less physical fatigue.