Using Fast Mark

Fast Mark is Caliper's rapid assessment interface designed for teachers who need to mark large volumes of work quickly without sacrificing quality.

What is Fast Mark?

Fast Mark is a keyboard-driven marking interface that lets you:

• ⚡ Mark 3x faster than traditional methods
• ⌨️ Navigate with keyboard shortcuts
• 🎯 Focus on content, not clicking
• 📊 Track progress in real-time
• 🤖 Combine with AI for maximum speed

When to Use Fast Mark

Perfect For:

• ✅ Multiple choice or short answer assessments
• ✅ Code assignments with clear criteria
• ✅ Large classes (30+ students)
• ✅ Standardized rubric-based work
• ✅ Quick formative assessments

Less Ideal For:

• ❌ Highly creative/subjective work
• ❌ First-time viewing complex projects
• ❌ Assignments needing extensive feedback
• ❌ Work requiring multiple passes

Getting Started

Step 1: Access Fast Mark

1. Navigate to Fast Mark in sidebar
2. Or click Fast Mark button on assignment detail page
3. Select assignment to mark

Step 2: Configure Settings

Filter Options:

• Show only unmarked submissions
• Filter by class or student
• Sort by submission date
• Group by status

Display Preferences:

• Split view (submission + rubric)
• Full-screen submission view
• Compact rubric panel
• Auto-advance on save

Step 3: Start Marking

1. First submission loads automatically
2. Review content on left
3. Score using rubric on right
4. Press S to save and advance
5. Repeat for all submissions

Keyboard Shortcuts

Navigation

Key	Action
→ or N	Next submission
← or P	Previous submission
Home	First submission
End	Last submission
J	Jump to specific student

Marking Actions

Key	Action
A	Trigger AI marking
S	Save current marking
C	Copy previous feedback
R	Reset current scores
F	Toggle feedback panel
?	Show keyboard shortcuts

Quick Scoring

Key	Action
1-9	Quick score (if 9-point scale)
0	Zero points
Tab	Next criterion field
Shift+Tab	Previous criterion field
Esc	Cancel current edit

View Controls

Key	Action
V	Toggle view mode
Z	Zoom submission
F11	Fullscreen mode
- / +	Zoom out/in

Marking Workflow

Standard Workflow (Manual)

1. Review Submission (10-15 seconds)

   • Quickly scan content
   • Identify key strengths/weaknesses
   • Note any issues

2. Score Criteria (20-30 seconds)

   • Tab through rubric fields
   • Enter scores per criterion
   • Type numbers directly

3. Add Feedback (10-20 seconds)

   • Click feedback box or press F
   • Type main observations
   • Use templates for common issues

4. Save & Advance (instant)

   • Press S to save
   • Auto-advance to next
   • Track progress bar

Total Time: ~40-60 seconds per submission

AI-Assisted Workflow

1. Trigger AI (press A)

   • AI analyzes in 10-30 seconds
   • Scores appear automatically
   • Feedback generated

2. Review AI Results (10-15 seconds)

   • Scan suggested scores
   • Check feedback accuracy
   • Identify needed adjustments

3. Adjust if Needed (5-10 seconds)

   • Override specific scores
   • Add personal comments
   • Modify feedback

4. Save & Advance (instant)

   • Press S to confirm
   • Move to next submission

Total Time: ~15-25 seconds per submission (60% faster!)

Advanced Features

Batch AI Marking

Mark multiple submissions with one click:

1. Select submissions (checkboxes)
2. Click "Batch AI Mark"
3. AI processes in background
4. Review results in Fast Mark

Benefits:

• ⚡ Process 10-50 submissions at once
• 🔄 Background processing (no waiting)
• 📊 Bulk review mode
• ✏️ Quick adjustments

Feedback Templates

Save time with reusable feedback:

1. Create templates for common issues

   • "Missing docstrings"
   • "Logic error in loop"
   • "Great use of functions!"

2. Insert with hotkeys

   • Ctrl+1 → Template 1
   • Ctrl+2 → Template 2
   • etc.

3. Customize per submission

   • Edit template text inline
   • Add specific details
   • Combine multiple templates

Copy Previous Feedback

For similar issues across submissions:

1. Press C on current submission
2. Feedback from previous student copies
3. Edit to personalize
4. Save time on repeated comments

Progress Tracking

Monitor your marking session:

• Progress bar: Visual completion %
• Counter: "5 of 32 marked"
• Time estimate: Based on your speed
• Session stats: Total time, average per submission

Pro Tips

Speed Optimization

1. Use AI first for bulk processing
2. Reserve manual for edge cases
3. Batch similar work together
4. Set time limits (e.g., max 60s per submission)
5. Take breaks every 10-15 submissions

Quality Maintenance

1. Spot check AI every 5th submission
2. Compare scores across similar work
3. Review outliers (very high/low scores)
4. Add personal touch to standout work
5. Document patterns for class feedback

Ergonomics

1. Adjust display brightness
2. Position keyboard comfortably
3. Use external monitor for more space
4. Stand/stretch regularly
5. Stay hydrated during long sessions

Customization

Layout Options

Split View (default):

• Submission on left (60%)
• Rubric on right (40%)
• Best for standard marking

Full Submission View:

• Submission takes full screen
• Rubric as overlay/sidebar
• Best for detailed review

Compact Rubric:

• Submission maximized
• Rubric condensed to essentials
• Best for simple scoring

Keyboard Customization

Remap shortcuts to your preference:

1. Go to Settings → Fast Mark
2. Click on any shortcut
3. Press new key combination
4. Save preferences

Popular custom mappings:

• Space → Save & Next
• Enter → AI Mark
• Backspace → Previous

Auto-Advance Settings

Configure automatic progression:

• On save: Move to next immediately
• After 3 seconds: Brief pause to review
• Manual only: Stay on current until →
• Skip marked: Jump only to unmarked

Troubleshooting

"Keyboard shortcuts not working"

Solutions:

• Check if focused on input field (shortcuts disabled in text boxes)
• Verify browser allows keyboard events
• Check for conflicting browser extensions
• Try different browser (Chrome/Edge recommended)

"Fast Mark feels slow"

Solutions:

• Use batch AI marking first
• Enable auto-advance
• Customize shortcuts for your workflow
• Close unnecessary browser tabs
• Use dedicated marking session

"Made mistake, need to go back"

Solutions:

• Press ← to return
• Edit and save again
• Use Submissions page to find specific student
• Check marking history for audit trail

"AI results not appearing in Fast Mark"

Solutions:

• Ensure AI marking completed (check Submissions page)
• Refresh Fast Mark page
• Verify rubric is linked
• Check AI service status on dashboard

Best Practices

✅ Do's

• Warm up with 2-3 manual marks before going fast
• Set session goals (e.g., "mark 20 in 30 minutes")
• Use AI liberally for standard cases
• Document common issues for class discussion
• Review your work periodically

❌ Don'ts

• Don't rush through quality submissions
• Don't skip AI review completely
• Don't mark while distracted or tired
• Don't forget to save (press S!)
• Don't use for high-stakes assessments without review

Performance Metrics

Typical Speeds

Without AI:

• Beginner: 2-3 submissions/minute
• Experienced: 3-4 submissions/minute
• Expert: 4-5 submissions/minute

With AI + Fast Mark:

• Beginner: 4-6 submissions/minute
• Experienced: 6-8 submissions/minute
• Expert: 8-10+ submissions/minute

Time Savings:

• 30 students × 2 min each = 60 minutes (manual)
• 30 students × 30 sec each = 15 minutes (Fast Mark + AI)
• 75% time reduction! 🚀

Next Steps

• Understanding AI Marking - Optimize AI usage
• Creating Effective Rubrics - Speed up marking
• Submission Management - Organize workflow

Support

• 📧 Email: info@restrat.co.za
• 🎓 Training: Request Fast Mark workshop
• 🔗 Platform: caliper.restrat.co.za