Grammarly for Students
In order to support our students' ongoing development as writers, HCOS has accessed the Education version of Grammarly. Students (grades 7 - 12) can sign up using the Universal Supports form.
This paid version has a number of benefits not available in the free version. Features and highlights can be fully explored on the Grammarly site, but below are some of the benefits that we are excited about for our students, as they are supportive of our school values (Academic Success, Relationship, Integrity and Flexibility).
- Immediate feedback on student writing. HCOS values Academic Success. We desire students to be life-long learners, who each do the best they can. Suggestions and corrections in real-time, while students are engaged in the assignment, takes advantage of a teachable moment. Our hope is that this timely reflection and intervention will support better writing. Having reduced typos and grammar errors to correct also frees up parents and teachers to spend their time with students on higher-level thinking skills.
- Increasing students' confidence and enjoyment of writing. We anticipate that not having to wholly depend on a parent, EA or teacher to proof-read student work will grow feelings of autonomy and independence in our older students. And, while we all need humility for learning and growth, having minor correction come from a program rather than a person is often easier to receive. This becomes specifically impactful at an age when students are sensitive to rejection and correction can become a barrier to relationship. HCOS values Relationship and seeks to promote and preserve it.
- Supportive tools level the playing field. HCOS supports a significant number of reluctant writers, as well as those with dyslexia, anxiety or other challenges. Knowing embarrassing mistakes are less likely, we experience less of the stress and anxiety associated with writing. HCOS values Flexibility and so want to be able to support learners wherever they are, with tools that reduce barriers and meet individual needs.
- Transparent and accurate practices. HCOS values Integrity. Tools that help with citation and plagiarism are intended to support transparent and accurate practices. Today, students can very quickly cut and paste a sentence or paragraph and forget where they found it on the internet. These tools help them identify sentences where they may need to either cite a source or put the thought in their own words.
Sign-Up and Questions
Grammarly is available to HCOS students grades 7 - 12, as a universal support. In this instance, universal means it is accessible without barrier or cost.
Students can be signed up using the Universal Supports form and any questions can be directed to Raine Oddy in the Learning Commons.
Grammarly is available to teachers and staff as well.