Frequently Asked Questions

(Word 2003 only) The zip file opened, but the installation didn't seem to work.
Option 1: The installation did work, but Word won't change unless you tell it to. There should be a new icon inside Word that says "ON" in blue. Click it, and Word will change dramatically. Need to go back to the way things were? Click the blue "OFF" icon.
Option 2: Word, Outlook, or some other Microsoft Office App was running during the install. Close all Office programs. NOTE: Outlook can be tricky, since it sometimes remains running from the lower right in the sys-tray (by the clock) on many machines. After closing all Office programs, run the installer again.
Can I still write comments of my own?
Of course! Just use the built-in Insert Comment tool that is part of Microsoft Word and handily placed on the Semi-Automatic Grader toolbar. Or, if you prefer, press "Alt + C" on the keyboard (this shortcut only works when the Semi-Automatic Grading Environment is turned "ON") to launch the Insert Comment tool, then write your comment.
Does Semi-Automatic Grader work on a Tablet PC?
Perfectly well, yes. I created it on a Gateway M275 Tablet, as a matter of fact, and I love the flexibility that the two tools offer when used in tandem. For anyone who grades writing electronically, Semi-Automatic Grader is the perfect companion to the functionality a Tablet PC provides.
Is Semi-Automatic Grader compatible with Blackboard / WebCT / Desire2Learn / Moodle / ANGEL / or any other online Course Management System or Virtual Learning Environment?
Certainly. Because Semi-Automatic Grader requires only Microsoft Word, you can still receive, retrieve, and return files to your students by any method you like, including all online course environments, email, flash drives, or shared network spaces. You can even print out the essays after you have provided feedback, and the comment balloons will remain in the printed version. For example, I always print a copy when I have detected plagiarism in an essay. That way I have a permanent copy should the student wish to challenge a grade years later. Hey, technology changes. Paper doesn't!
I hate that annoying window that opens at the bottom of the screen when I run a comment tool. Can I get rid of it?
This is a Microsoft Word "feature" that, if closed, will simply open again next time you run a comment macro. The best solution is to click the blue down arrow icon . This will re-align the bottom window so that almost all of it is gone. Now it's out of your way, and you can get back to grading.
I keep getting an error after I run only one tool. What gives?
Semi-Automatic Grader tools can only be run when your cursor is in the text of the document. So make sure you return the cursor to the text after running each tool. The cursor moves to the comment balloon in case you want to add or change anything in the feedback.
I can't see the comment balloons, just some initials.
If you can't see the comment balloons, change your view to "print layout" by clicking View > Print Layout .
Is there a complete list of all the Macros?
Yes. It can be found here.
How do I edit a rubric?
Using Microsoft Excel, click "Open File" and navigate to the installation directory and open one of the files named Rubric1.xls through Rubric8.xls. Make any changes you like to the rubric, then simply click File>Save. DO NOT use the "Save As" command. You must keep the original file name or the rubric tool in Microsoft Word will not know how to find the rubric you have customized.
I really messed up a rubric. Can I restore it?
Yes. Simply re-install Semi-Automatic Grader (download the latest version anytime by visiting the "Purchase" page). If you have customized any rubrics you wish to preserve, back up the customized rubric files before re-installing, then copy them back to the installation directory after the install, answering "Yes" to the warning that you will replace certain files.
Is Semi-Automatic Grader available for the Mac?
I created a functional version, but licensing it on a Mac costs me about a year's profit.  If an open-source or otherwise affordable installation program comes along for the Mac, I'd love to release this version.  Until then, let me know if you are interested in a Mac version.
Can I move tools or remove them entirely? (Word 2003 only)
To move or remove buttons:
  • 1) Click Tools>Customize

  • 2) While the "Customize" window is open, you can move any icon to other toolbars, or remove them entirely.

  • 3) To move an icon, click and drag it to a new toolbar location, being sure not to "let go" until you have it exactly where you want. If you drop it off the toolbar, you'll need to reinstall to get it back.

  • 4) To remove an icon, simply click and drag it away from its place in a toolbar, dropping it anywhere except on another toolbar.

  • 5) When you are done moving or removing icons, close the "Customize" window, then close Microsoft Word.
  • 6) Before fully closing, Word will ask if you want to save changes to "BlessingerMacros11-7.dot". Answer "Yes."

  • 7) The next time you run Word and turn on Semi-Automatic Grader, the tools you removed will no longer appear.