Thank you for your interest in Marky (formally known as the AI Writing Assessment Tool). We want to build something that can really impact on workload for teachers and your feedback is absolutely vital in helping us to shape the tool.
Marky uses sophisticated Artificial Intelligence (AI) to “read” and transcribe children’s writing which has been written by hand. It then analyses the writing and assesses it against the National Curriculum for English, offering feedback including strengths, points for development and a suggested grade. It is designed to back up teacher’s judgements, support moderation and help reduce teacher workload.
You are welcome to use Marky in your work and it would be great if you could let us know what you think works well and what does not. Thank you to everyone who has given us feedback so far. You can do this using the form below, through WhatsApp, the Facebook Group or by emailing Martin.
We really hope that it helps you in your work,
Martin & J.
How to use the AI App
You can access the app using the link below. It is best used on a mobile device which has a camera. Otherwise you can upload images from a photo library. Since Beta 1.0, you need to create a user account to access Marky.
The app currently works using the following process:
- The teacher takes a photograph of the child’s writing (this works best when it is unmarked or a final piece).
NEW – You can now upload more than one image so that longer pieces of writing can be assessed as one. - The AI then reads the child’s writing and transcribes it into digital text.
NEW – You can now edit the transcription to remove information such as learning objectives and correct any errors with the transcription. - The teacher then clicks the assessment button and the AI assesses the child’s writing against the National Curriculum. It provides feedback, a level judgement and points for development.
The screenshots below show an example of the output from the app. As we develop the app we will be adding additional assessment points and features.
We’re gradually rolling out additional features but in the meantime we are looking for primary teachers working in KS1 and KS2 to test the app and provide some basic feedback about whether it is accurate and helpful.
Please use the contact form below to submit any feedback. Alternatively, you can submit it via WhatsApp (below) or by joining the AI Testing Group on Facebook.
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A note about AI
We believe that AI should never replace a teacher or their judgement. Our approach to developing AI projects is to support teachers in reducing their workload and to release them from mental load to spend more time on what is important… actually teaching.
About the developers
Martin Waller FCCT
Martin is a fully qualified and practising teacher who has worked with a range of classes from Year 1 to Year 6 for over sixteen years (and counting). He has worked as a classroom teacher, middle and senior leader and was also an Assistant Headteacher in a large primary school. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.
Martin has significant experience in using digital technologies in education. He has keynoted at conferences and advised a range of organisations around the world about the innovative use of technology. Has has also authored academic book chapters about the use of techology in education. Because he loves teaching, he still works part-time in a school teaching classes from Year 1 to Year 6. He knows what it’s like to be a teacher, because he is one.
James Huggins (“J”)
James is a designer, developer and entrepreneuer who has spent the past twenty years working across different areas of digital media. He has successfully founded and exited three businesses at varying levels as well as working with some of the most exciting and innovative companies in the world including Ladybird and The Walt Disney Company.
Martin and J first “met” when J developed a piece of software called The Land of Me in 2009. Martin used the software with his Year 2 class for many years and still thinks it’s one of the best piece of educational software he has ever used. They are thrilled to be finally working on a project together, fourteen years later!
We are both passionate about helping to reduce teacher workload through the innovative and meaningful use of artificial intelligence.
Martin and J
Testing our AI apps will not add to teacher workload and we hope that they will help you in the process.
Beyond New Horizons 