by Joan Reissman
JFYNetWorks and the Future of Writing Education
JFYNetWorks (JFY) has contributed to educational innovation by integrating emerging technologies to advance the effectiveness of blended learning. The rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents an opportunity for even greater transformation. JFY is using AI to create tools that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of instruction by giving teachers more time to think creatively about teaching and more tools to do it. JFY is uniquely suited to this task because we have been working side by side with teachers in the classroom for more than two decades.
One of the most time-consuming jobs of teaching is giving feedback. The new JFY Writing Assessment Tool uses AI to give teachers detailed feedback on student essays, allowing them to focus on areas where students need the most support. With AI providing the feedback, teachers can target assignments to students’ precise needs. Automating the evaluation process streamlines assessment and significantly reduces teacher workload. Teachers can spend their valuable time providing direct personalized instruction, enhancing and enlivening the learning experience.
The JFY Assessment Tool offers detailed analysis, constructive feedback, and predictive scoring. It provides specific feedback aligned with the MCAS ELA essay rubric, covering key components like thesis development, evidence, organization and grammar. Since essay questions comprise one-third of10th-grade ELA MCAS points, this tool is essential. It can be customized to align with other rubrics such as SAT, ACT, AP, or with school curriculum.
Key features of JFY’s Writing Assessment Tool
In-Depth Diagnostic Analysis: Highlights strengths and areas needing improvement, with detailed feedback aligned to state standards.
Batch Essay Uploads: Supports both individual and batch essay submissions, offering personalized feedback for each student along with class-wide recommendations.
Comprehensive Resource Integration: Incorporates MCAS practice prompts, scoring rubrics, and sample essays— a comprehensive approach to writing assessment.
Predictive Scoring: Generates scores based on MCAS criteria or custom teacher-specified guidelines.
Flexibility: Commercial AI products are made for a mass market. They tend to have strict boundaries or limits on assignments, and few options for customization. JFY offers extensive options and customization for specific school and student needs.
As we continue to develop this tool, we will collaborate closely with educators to ensure that the JFY Writing Assessment System evolves in sync with the actual needs of the classroom. By partnering with teachers, we empower students to reach their full potential while giving educators tools to save time and improve their teaching.
JFYNet Academic Support
Writing is not just about the written product. Our writing assessment program is supported by online instructional software. Students still need to learn the basics of grammar and writing fundamentals taught in English classes. JFY’s online learning program—JFYNet— helps students build the skills they need to improve reading, the foundation of writing. JFY’s program adapts to each student’s needs by creating exercises based on individual interests and performance, which keeps students engaged and motivated. Teachers can use pre-made assessments or build their own. They can give generalized grade-level assessments or customize an assessment for a student. The program has a robust paragraph and essay writing component that builds skills in grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and mechanics.
Key Components
Personalized Learning Pathways: Adaptive algorithms tailor exercises to the student’s skill level and learning pace. As the student progresses, the platform adjusts the difficulty of the tasks, providing more practice in areas of need and advancing more quickly through areas mastered.
Personalized Content: The platform generates writing prompts and exercises based on students’ interests (favorite TV shows, sports teams, musicians, movies or books), making the content more relevant and engaging. This personalization increases student motivation and participation.
Assessment: Diagnostic assessments identify students’ strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can use this data to create targeted learning plans. The platform also provides formative assessments to track progress over time and adjust instruction accordingly.
Writing and Revision Tools: Students can draft, revise, and submit essays directly on the platform. JFY’s program provides real-time feedback on grammar, punctuation and style, guiding students through the revision process. Teachers can assign topics or types of writing—narrative, expository, descriptive, persuasive, etc. There are exercises to guide students through the writing process and facilitate analysis. Assignments are based on commonly used texts.
AI Grading: The program employs Artificial Intelligence in the AI- powered Grading Assistant. Students can fulfill assignments and AI will grade them, saving teachers time. Students will not see feedback without teacher approval. The teacher can modify the feedback before giving it to the student.
Alignment to State Standards and Tests: The JFY Writing assistant is aligned with MA and Common Core State Standards and other educational standards, ensuring that the content meets the relevant educational requirements. Teachers can also align course work and rubrics to standardized tests such as MCAS, AP and SAT.
JFY’s online writing assistant is a powerful educational platform designed to improve student writing skills through personalized and adaptive learning. The program customizes grammar, punctuation, and writing exercises to students’ unique needs, using interest-based content to keep them engaged. Tools for drafting, revising, and receiving real-time feedback help students build strong foundational writing skills. The program is a valuable tool for reinforcing learning throughout the school year.
JFYNetWorks is dedicated to improving educational outcomes through the innovative application and adaptation of technology. The AI Writing Assessment Tool and JFYNet online learning programs operationalize this commitment. By continuously refining our tools in close collaboration with educators, we strive to create rich learning experiences that give all students the opportunity and the means to reach their full potential as learners, earners, and citizens.
Joan Reissman is a JFYNetWorks blended learning specialist.
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JFY's AI Writing Assessment Tool
Other posts authored by Joan can be found here.
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