		   N I A G A R A   L E A R N I N G   S Y S T E M S
				   GRADESPACK 96
				   -------------
	  Are you a teacher who needs an administrative assistant for
	  student marks and attendance tracking? Do your students require
	  continuous evaluation? Does your system of evaluation require
	  weighted averages of many tests? If your answer to ANY of these
	  questions is Yes, and you have access to a MS-DOS computer or
	  to a VAX computer then GRADESPACK 96 may be the gradeskeeping 
	  program for you.

	  GRADESPACK is a well-prompted, error-tolerant, user-friendly
	  program that can maintain records of names, identifiers, and marks.
	  LIMITS: VAX: up to 25 classes of 350 names and 32 marks per name.
	       MS-DOS: up to 16 classes of 135 names and 24 marks per name.
	  Many editing and review features allow you to keep up-to-date 
	  lists of status and progress. Reports can be generated to produce 
	  paper documentation of current student status and ongoing progress. 
	  There is Full ON-SCREEN HELP and highlighting of menu selections.  
	  Menus are identical on MS-DOS and VAX/VMS and data files are 
	  fully compatible between systems.

	  Class lists may be maintained manually or continually updated from 
	  the CIS (Registrar's official list) "throughout" the term. Student 
	  names or identifiers may be added, changed or dropped at any time.
	  The class list may be kept alphabetical if desired.  Marks may be 
	  added, changed, or deleted at any time.  A comment field is
	  available to label the type of test or assessment given.  Data
	  entry is checked so that no student can be given more than the
	  maximum mark.  You may choose to omit a specific mark/assessment
	  evaluation for an individual (for reasons of permitted absence or
	  granted exemption due to prior work or knowledge).

	  Reports can be generated for sign-in lists, attendance grids, and
	  reporting of current running averages.  Marks can be weighted in
	  different ways for different class groups.  These weight factors
	  are automatically saved for reference purposes and may be edited
	  at any tine if necessary.  Printouts can be obtained either
	  sorted by name or by student identifier (for posting of current
	  marks/grades without loss of confidentiality).  Averages may be
	  shown as letter grades (with the mark-->letter relationship user
	  defined) as well as by percent.

	  VAX GRADESPACK - requires only a username on the Vax Computer
			 - purchase cost $250.

	  DOS GRADESPACK is Shareware: contribution asked of $10 (+$2 if 
	  mailed).  Site license for up to 25 stn. network costs $50.
	     - requires MS-DOS computer with at least 256K memory
	     - a printer is not necessary but desirable for reports

	  VAX-GRADESPACK and DOS-GRADESPACK purchase price is a license 
	  for use, including registering for notice of updates.  
	  
	  Distribution contact is: 
	      Terry Mason              Niagara College office:  S210F
	      21 Lochinvar Dr.         office (905) 735-2211  Ext. 7598
	      St. Catharines, Ont.     home   (905) 682-3576
	      L2T 2B5                  Internet: TMASON@lundy.niagarac.on.ca

				   GRADESPACK 96                    Page 2
				      OVERVIEW
				   -------------

	  GRADESPACK, available on Niagara College's VAX computer or on
	  MS-DOS diskette is an assessment management program that allows
	  tracking of an individual student's progress throughout a course. 
	  Continuous assessment reporting allows students to monitor their
	  progress.  Simply enter each student's mark after an assessment. 
	  Then select from a variety of reports.


	  SOME GENERAL RULES
	  ------------------

	  > Most options allow exiting by selecting a 0 (that is a zero).

	  > If the <Enter> key is pressed without any data entry, the
	    number will be assumed to be a 0 (a zero).

	  > Printouts are sent to a file and will be printed on program
	    exit.  Microcomputers without printers can print the file
	    GRADES.RPT at a later time.


	  USING THE GRADESPACK PROGRAM
	  ----------------------------

	  The two categories of operations available in this program are
	  data entry and report creation:

	  DATA ENTRY OPTIONS
	  ------------------

	  - Create a class list of IDs and names by either typing in all
	    student names and identification numbers or by transferring an
	    existing list from the College Information Services or a
	    Micro/VAX file previously used.

	  - Enter/change marks for assessment.

	  - Drop or add students from a class list or change identifying
	    information.



	  REPORT CREATION OPTIONS
	  -----------------------

	  - Print class names and/or IDs in a variety of formats.

	  - Print summaries of student assessments and graded averages.


	  The balance of this manual describes the options available in
	  the Gradespack program in detail.

				   GRADESPACK 96                     Page 3
				       DETAILS
				   -------------

	  OPTION 1 - CREATE\UPDATE\TRANSFER CLASS(ES)
	  ===========================================

	  SUBOPTION 1-1 - CREATE NEW CLASS LIST
	  -------------------------------------

	  - The first step is to name the class group.  Enter up to eight
	    (8) characters for the name followed by <Enter>.

	  - Next enter a two (2) character section number, then <Enter>. 
	    Note: duplication of a class/section name will force re-entry.

	  - Next enter the instructor's name (up to 17 characters) or <Enter>
	    by itself to accept the default name as stated in brackets.

	  - Next enter the term label (up to 3 characters) or <Enter>
	    by itself to accept the default term as stated in brackets.

	  - Now choose whether to enter student IDs.  They may be standard
	    student codes or a secret code that only that student will
	    recognize if it is posted on a bulletin board.  IDs can be 
	    added later in the term if you do not know them at this point.  
	    Use Y for Yes (entering now) or N for No (not at this time).

	  - Names in the class group need NOT be entered in sorted order. 
	    The Gradespack program will do the sorting for you.  Enter each
	    student's ID (if Y was selected), first name (or initial) and
	    then last name.  Use a single space to separate each item.  For
	    names that are compound (eg. Van den Heuval), either run the name
	    together (eg. Vandenheuval) or hyphenate it where appropriate. 
	    Press the <Enter> key to complete the entering of a name.

	  Press <Enter> on a blank line to finish entry of the class group.

	  - The names will then be listed for review and possible
	    correction.  Type the entry number of the name to be corrected
	    or a 0 (that is a zero) to represent no correction required.

	  - Finally, answer Y or N to decide whether to have the list in a
	    sorted (by last name) order.  The list will be recorded and the
	    class name saved in a directory for later reference.


	  SUBOPTION 1-2 - CREATE\UPDATE LIST WITH REGISTRAR'S INFO
	  --------------------------------------------------------

	  - allows transfer of student identification numbers, names, and
	    program names from Registrar's lists into Gradespack files.

	  - repeated selection of this suboption compares the current
	    class list to the Registrar's list and allows adding/deleting
	    students at the teacher's choice.  If assessments have already
	    been entered, new students will be given a permitted absence (-1)
	    and possible deletions will have their assessed marks displayed.

				   GRADESPACK 96                     Page 4
				       DETAILS
				   -------------

	  SUBOPTION 1-3 - COMPARE LIST WITH REGISTRAR'S INFO
	  --------------------------------------------------

	  - allows creation of a report of differences with the Registrar's
	    list so that students missing from the Registrar's list may be
	    informed.  The Registrar should be informed of names appearing 
	    on his list who are not in the teacher's class.


	  SUBOPTION 1-4 - ARCHIVE CLASSES AND CLEAR DIRECTORY
	  ---------------------------------------------------

	  - packages or blocks entire class list for archival storage in
	    the same ASCII format as transfer files (see next suboption)
	    with a filename similar to BLOCK.95F (BLOCK.OLD if pre-Sept 95). 
	    This clears the directory in preparation for a new term.  This
	    file may be downloaded.  Note: this option occurs automatically 
	    if any prior term files exist when selecting suboption 1-2.


	  SUBOPTION 1-5 - PACKAGE CLASS LIST(S)
	  -------------------------------------

	  - packages or blocks class lists for transfer between computers.
	    All data (including marks and test weightings) in user selected
	    'Gradespack' files will be taken and organized into ASCII format
	    in a file normally named BLOCK.TRS.  This file may be downloaded.

	  N.B.  You must use 'Kermit' or similar computer software for
	  any data transfer between PC's or PC's and the VAX.


	  SUBOPTION 1-6 - UNPACKAGE or DEARCHIVE CLASS LISTS
	  --------------------------------------------------

	  - unpackages (unblocks) class lists after data transfer.  
	    This option converts data from the BLOCK.xxx file that had been 
	    archived (suboption 1.4) or packaged (suboption 1.5) and changes 
	    it into a format that the 'Gradespack' program uses.


	  SUBOPTION 1-7 - HELP FILE FOR TRANSFERS BETWEEN MICRO AND VAX
	  -------------------------------------------------------------

	  - gives a full screen of helpful information on transferring 
	    files between two computers.
                    
				  GRADESPACK 96                     Page 5
				      DETAILS
				   -------------

	  SUBOPTION 1-8 - CREATE\UPDATE WITH MODIFIED SRR003.DAT
	  ------------------------------------------------------

	  - allows the user to load the Registrar's student file into
	    Gradespack after editing.  This option is rarely needed by most
	    users.  Before using this option, you must understand use of 
	    the editor on the VAX and the structure of the SRR003.DAT file.


	  SUBOPTION 1-9 - SET\SWITCH CURRENT DIRECTORY SCHOOL TERM
	  --------------------------------------------------------

	  - allows selecting the currently active school term.  This option
	    lets an instructor retain a previous term (for updating
	    incompletes and change of grades). The currently active
	    (not archived) groups are displayed and the user is prompted for 
	    an appropriate entry.
                    
				  GRADESPACK 96                     Page 6
				      DETAILS
				   -------------

	  OPTION 2 - ENTERING ASSESSMENT MARKS
	  ====================================

	  This option allows adding an assessment mark for a class group.

	  - if there are no class groups, this option cannot be selected.
	  - if there is only one class it will automatically be selected. 
	  - if there is more than one class, a directory is displayed. 
	    Select the correct group by letter and then press <Enter>.
	    Selecting 'A' will return to the main menu.  

	  - enter the maximum mark allowed for this assessment (up to 999). 
	  
	  - next indicate the type of assessment with a 3 or 4 letter code
	    (eg.  T #1 for Test number 1). Enter a <Enter> by itself if this
	    indicator is not necessary.

	  - each name will be displayed in turn and the corresponding mark
	    can be entered. Entering a negative (-1) mark omits this mark
	    from the student's average (for example, for a permitted absence
	    due to medical reasons).
 
	  - an <Enter> by itself will not work; a mark must be entered.
	    Any attempt to give a student a mark greater than the maximum
	    will require separate confirmation accepting the greater mark.

	  - when all students have received a mark, the program will prompt
	    to see if another set of marks is to be entered.  This is a
	    convenience for those who may not have ready access to the
	    computer (and hence save their sets of marks to be entered in
	    batches).  If possible, enter a class set of marks as soon as the
	    assessment is completed so that you can generate a timely report
	    and have a current status indicator for each student.


	  OPTION 3 - CHANGING ASSESSMENT MARKS
	  ====================================

	  On occasion there may be a need to rescore a student's paper or
	  allow credit for an answer that originally was not acceptable. 
	  Perhaps, for example, a student who misses a test is allowed to
	  write a makeup. First, select the class group from the directory. 
	  Next, select the entry number next to the complete list of
	  student names.  On the next screen, select the test number that
	  is to be changed, and modify the mark.  After all changes are
	  made, select 0 to quit.

	  This option also allows changing the maximum (-1 choice) or 
	  name (-2 choice) of a mark. 

				   GRADESPACK 96                     Page 7
				       DETAILS
				   -------------

	  OPTION 4 - GENERAL REPORTS
	  ==========================

	  Each suboption allows choosing of all class groups at once or
	  choice of individual groups.  Reports can also be prepared by
	  program (for amalgamated sections) for later distribution to
	  appropriate coordinators.  Reports made using these options
	  will be printed only upon exiting Gradespack.  Selection can be
	  made to print or display the report at that time.  Selecting the
	  print option should only be done if there is a printer attached
	  to the microcomputer. On the VAX, printing requires selection of
	  an appropriate printer from several options.


	  SUBOPTION 4-1 prepares a grid to keep attendance on.

	  SUBOPTION 4-2 prepares a sorted list of student names and lines
	  to sign their name on or to make comments on.

	  SUBOPTION 4-3 prepares a Freedom of Information waiver for
	  documentation purposes (perhaps public posting of grades).

	  SUBOPTION 4-4 prepares a list of names (with/without IDs) and
	  programs that the students are assigned to.

	  SUBOPTION 4-5 prepares a class list by name and/or IDs and
	  prints a single mark with or without indication of % (Percent)
	  of the total possible for that mark.

	  SUBOPTION 4-6 prepares a class list by name and/or IDs of all
	  marks given without calculating an average.  Selections can be
	  made to indicate the % (percent) that each raw score is of each
	  total possible mark.

	  SUBOPTION 4-7 prepares the Registrar's Grades Collection Form
	  with calculated final grades entered.

	  SUBOPTION 4-8 prepares a mid-term assessment report that
	  indicates all students who fail to achieve a teacher selected
	  standard.

	  SUBOPTION 4-9 allows teacher selection of various report
	  options.  Refer to the top of page 9 for a description of
	  the available options.

				   GRADESPACK 96                     Page 8
				       DETAILS
				   -------------

	  OPTION 5 - GRADES REPORTS
	  =========================


	  SUBOPTION 5-1 adds up all marks obtained and divides by the
	  total possible.  This gives weighting according to mark maximums.


	  SUBOPTION 5-2 makes each mark into a percent, then averages. 
	  Each mark has the same weight.


	  SUBOPTION 5-3 assigns each mark a selected weight which the program
	  averages (totalling 100%) into a final grades.  Weightings may   
	  be saved for future use.  Weighted marks may be flagged with
	  a minus (-) sign and counted as bonus marks.


	  SUBOPTION 5-4 assigns weighted marks as in 5-3, but accumulated marks
	  are counted as a percent of estimated final total and are NOT
	  averaged to 100%.  Permitted absences are treated as a ZERO.
	  Change sub-option 6 REPORT SETTINGS item H to Y(es) to print
	  amount that each mark counts towards accumulated score.


	  SUBOPTION 5-5 allows setting a new grade --> letter
	  relationship.  The grade entered is the lowest acceptable value
	  (after rounding) for the specific letter.  To omit a letter
	  grade, set it to 99.


	  SUBOPTION 5-6 allows teacher selection of various report
	  options.  Refer to the top of page 9 for a description of
	  the available options.


	  Individually selected class groups will be displayed on the
	  screen for review first, but selecting the option of all groups
	  for preparation at once will not. Using each of the above options,
	  and the report settings as listed below, you may obtain a printout
	  by name, or by ID, or select printing the statistics of numbers of
	  students in each grade category (ie. number of A's at the bottom 
	  of a report.  Options also allow choice of wide or narrow paper, 
	  % (percent) of total for each mark displayed, whether an assessment
	  of -1 gives an excused or incomplete grade and whether the report
	  should indicate pass, fail or incomplete as the only final grade.

				   GRADESPACK 96                     Page 9
				       DETAILS
				   -------------

									   
	  REPORT SETTING MENU OPTIONS
	  ===========================
	  A .. QUIT OPTION - DISPLAY\CHANGE REPORT SETTINGS         
	  B .. PRINT REPORT BY NAMES                                
	  C .. SORT BY ID NUMBERS THEN PRINT REPORT                 
	  D .. STATISTICS ON NAME REPORT (ie. # of A's, B's, C's)   
	  E .. STATISTICS ON ID REPORT   (ie. # of D's, and  F's)   
	  F .. WIDE PAPER WIDTH REPORT - 132 COLUMNS INSTEAD OF 80  
	  G .. PRINT RAW SCORE MARK AS % OF MARK TOTAL
	  H .. PRINT RAW SCORE MARK AS ACCUMULATION AMT (WEIGHTED)  
	  I .. ANY -1 ASSESSMENT GIVES FINAL GRADE TOTAL AS 'INC'   
	  J .. PRINT REPORT OF NUMBER OF PASS\FAIL\INCOMPLETE MARKS 
	  K .. USE ALTERNATE (GRADE - LETTER) MARKING (SET IN 5-4)  
	  L .. TEMPORARILY ASSUME ANY -1 IS A ZERO (END-OF-TERM)    
	  M .. SEPARATE EACH STUDENT'S MARKS ON REPORT WITH A LINE  
	  N .. PRINT SEPARATE REPORT SUMMARY FOR EACH STUDENT       
	  O .. SUPPRESS DISPLAY OF 'HELP' WINDOW: Y-YES, N-NO       
	  P .. OMIT LOWEST MARK(S) FROM GRADE AVERAGE CALCULATION
	  Q .. SEPARATE LONG REPORTS WITH PAGE HEADER ON EACH PAGE
	  
	  
	  
	  OPTION 6 - ADDING\CHANGING STUDENT INFO
	  =======================================

	  This option is frequently used near the start of term when
	  classes are in a state of flux.

	  SUBOPTION 6-1 allows adding students manually.

	  SUBOPTION 6-2 allows correction of name misspellings or the
	  complete change of names or IDs.

	  SUBOPTION 6-3 allows sorting previously unsorted class lists.  


	  OPTION 7 - DELETING STUDENTS\MARKS\CLASSES
	  ==========================================

	  SUBOPTION 7-1 allows deletion of one, some, or all students 
	  in a single class group.

	  SUBOPTION 7-2 allows deletion of a single mark for everyone
	  in one class.

	  SUBOPTION 7-3 allows deletion of all marks but leaves names 
	  (for a group that will repeat in following term).

	  SUBOPTION 7-4 allows deletion of one, some or all class groups
	  (clean up at the end of the year).

				   GRADESPACK 96                    Page 10
				       DETAILS
				   -------------


	  OPTION 8 - ADDING\CHANGING STUDENT IDS
	  ======================================

	  SUBOPTION 8-1 allows adding student IDs at any time.

	  SUBOPTION 8-2 allows changing an ID for one student

	  SUBOPTION 8-3 allows changing IDs for all students 
	  in a class group.

	  SUBOPTION 8-4 allows modifying the IDs of all students
	  in a class group.  

	  SUBOPTION 8-5 allows adding a suffix to the IDs of all 
	  students in a class group.  

	  SUBOPTION 8-6 allows deleting of a suffix from the IDs
	  of all students in a class group.  


	  Suboptions 8-4 through 8-6 are useful for establishing 
	  selection criteria required by the merge-sort option
	  (9-5) for regrouping lab/seminar sessions.
	  
	  
	  OPTION 9 - RENAME\COPY CLASS GROUPS
	  ===================================
	  
	  SUBOPTION 9-1 allows renaming a class group to a more
	  appropriate name.

	  SUBOPTION 9-2 allows copying a group to a new name and keeping
	  the old group (eg. same group in 2 courses)

	  SUBOPTION 9-3 allows resequencing of marks in relationship to
	  other marks for that class.

	  SUBOPTION 9-4 allows deletion of one, some or all class groups
	  (clean up at the end of the year).

	  SUBOPTION 9-5 allows selection of a merge-sort utility for
	  teachers with special needs for regrouping class group into 
	  different structured lab or seminar groups based on specialized
	  criteria (independent of Registrar's lists).
 
	  NOTE:  Suboption 9-5 exists only in the VAX version.
		 Microcomputer users can select merge-sort from the
		 main NLS menu or by typing GM at the DOS prompt.

	  SUBOPTION 9-6 allows setting the default instructor name to a
	  new one.  A teacher may choose to become more (or less) formal
	  over a period of time (eg. Frankie Stein instead of Frank N. Stein).

	  SUBOPTION 9-7 allows setting or switching the current term.

	  Each of these options has a safety catch point to confirm choice.


				   GRADESPACK 96                    Page 11
				       DETAILS
				   -------------

	  
	  The authors of GRADESPACK strongly believe in an evolving product
	  and welcome ideas from all users.  Please forward your suggestions 
	  to Terry Mason for possible inclusion in the next version of
	  Gradespack.


	  NIAGARA LEARNING SYSTEMS is a colloquium of academic
	  professionals with a mandate to provide software solutions 
	  to classroom and administrative problems.  Currently,
	  these packages are available:

	  GRADESPACK -- a gradeskeeping program with over 20 years
	  of user feedback as to features needed or wanted.

	  LEARN -- a Computer Assisted Instruction (C.A.I.) program to
	  guide the user through a modular learning curriculum.

	  P.I.M.S. -- a Personal Info Manager to keep track of records 
	  that must be sorted/printed/updated and a mailing label generator. 
	  This program is a menu driven replacement for dBase and Q&A.

	  TESTBANK -- a standardized test generator - one program fits all
	  publishers' testbanks and can amalgamate banks, randomize versions
	  of tests, and give online review/selection of test items.

	  Lab Grading System -- a visual entry/flexible report generator
	  for courses that require subject competency evaluations. It is
	  particularly useful in the Health Science field.

	  Please contact T. Mason (Internet: TMASON@lundy.niagarac.on.ca)
	  or J. Russell (Internet: JRUSSELL@lundy.niagarac.on.ca) for more 
	  information on any of the above exciting applications.
