GradeMate

//Jim Robinette UFL// =GradeMate= Online course management and collaboration software for teachers and students.
 * From the Developer:** "GradeMate is a powerful online organizer  for teachers and students to keep track of their courses — from managing grades, assignments, and events to sharing files, course notes, and class discussions."

(1) Resource link
//http://mygrademate.com/// //http://mygrademate.com/tour//

(2) SWOT
(a) **Strengths** (b) **Weaknesses** (c) **Opportunities** (d) **Threats**
 * It helps teachers post grades on a site accessible from any computer with an internet connection.
 * It provides the opportunity for teachers to simplify grading using weighted averages without an expensive program.
 * It's visual interface seems very user friendly once the program is committed to memory.
 * Website seems easy to understand and has many learning tools.
 * Export everything to other applications with a custom iCal feed
 * Does not seem to be multiple accounts available for assistants to access for grade entering and other various forms of help.
 * Can be very confusing at the beginning. Cannot easily learn the program intuitively.
 * Only as good as your internet connection.
 * I found the interface visually easy yet difficult to follow intuitively.
 * Might not be able to compete with a system that does more and is also provided for free from within an organization.
 * You have to subscribe, and the more (useful) advanced version is not free.
 * The professional developments that they offer are rather expensive
 * Could help simplify grading and allow those who are not "grade savey" keep grades online and easily accessible.
 * Opportunity to blog with other teachers who are registered to the Schoolbinder website
 * Would have to give access to others for collaboration.
 * Only as good as your internet connection.
 * Not effective for students who do not own a computer to keep track of assignment

(3) Ideas for the classroom

 * Teachers can use this on any of their computers at any location with internet access.
 * Teachers can be motivated to use weighted averages where they might not have before.
 * Teachers can help other teachers learn this grading program for consitency within an organization
 * This site has been allowed by most school districts filtering systems; therefore, teachers can access to it from the school site