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Is MarkScanner right for you?
There are basically three ways to handle a stack of math quizzes: grade them all by hand, switch to a fully digital platform where students answer on computers, or use MarkScanner: paper assessments with AI help on the marking. Here’s how to figure out which fits your classroom. Comparing specific tools? See MarkScanner, Crowdmark, and Gradescope.
Side by side
Three approaches
| Grading by hand | Fully-digital platforms | MarkScanner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup time | None | Weeks. IT involvement. | Add your class list. We help you set up your first assessment. |
| Students write on paper? | Yes | No, on a computer or tablet | Yes |
| Can students show their working? | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Partial credit for almost-right answers? | You decide | Rarely | AI suggests, you decide |
| Time to grade a class set | Hours | Instant for multiple choice; manual for written work | Processing runs in the background; your time goes to review |
| Class-wide insights? | Not without a spreadsheet | Yes | Yes |
| 1:1 device or lockdown browser required? | No | Yes | No |
| Cost | Free (your time) | Varies; often a school or board licence | Free trial, then $49 CAD/month plus HST per teacher |
The fit
Choose MarkScanner when...
- Your students still write on paper, your weekends matter, and you teach high school math.
- You want to see which questions tripped your class up, not just an average score.
- You don't have IT support, a 1:1 device program, or a procurement budget.
Honest about the fit
...and when it isn't right for you
We’d rather tell you up front than have you sign up and find out the hard way. MarkScanner isn’t the right fit when:
- Your school requires fully proctored digital testing on locked-down devices. We don't replace that.
- You assess only with multiple-choice and Scantrons already work for you. We're overkill.
- You teach younger grades where students don't write organised math working yet. Reading their handwriting is less reliable.
- Your board has already paid for a full digital assessment platform and you're required to use it. MarkScanner may still help with the paper work you do, but talk to us first.
Still not sure?
The fastest way to figure out if MarkScanner works for your class is to send us your next quiz. We’ll grade it for free, and you’ll see what you’d get every week, on your own materials.