November 20, 1998

When Professors Get A's and Machines Get F's

By DENNIS BARON

It's time to put a stop to talk about new computer programs that can grade students' essays with less effort and more accuracy than any teacher could -- and do so more cheaply and quickly, to boot. Such programs are neither necessary nor desirable. I'm not worried that computers will replace teachers. Technology, used well, can enhance the human aspects of learning. But I am concerned that essay-grading programs may

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