Microsoft Word Track Changes

Lucy Ferris explains why she does not use the "track changes " feature in Microsoft Word when grading undergraduate essays, and instead relies on corrections to a paper copy of the document. A vigorous set of comments follows her post.

I have some insights into the use of track changes in an online environment. There faculty do not have Ferris' option of requiring paper submissions, and track changes is a needed tool. However, any professor using track changes with new college students needs to explain how the technology operates. I have met several new online students who almost flunked their first course (and certainly frustrated their professor) because they did not have their software configured correctly to read the professor's comments.

-DD