Tim Metzler e2xgrader: An Add on for Improved Grading and Teaching with Jupyter Notebooks at Scale

Improve grading and teaching at scale with e2xgrader, a Jupyter Notebooks add-on offering diagram, free text, and auto-graded code cells, with customizable autograders and feedback options for students.

Key takeaways
  • e2xgrader is an add-on for improved grading and teaching with Jupyter Notebooks at scale, developed for a small university of applied sciences.
  • The add-on provides new cell types, such as diagram cells, free text cells, and auto-graded code cells.
  • It also introduces a grading component, allowing for manual and auto-grading, with feedback for students.
  • Customizable autograders can be implemented using a single class with one method.
  • The add-on allows for the creation of reusable small tasks, with identified semantics, and pool functionality.
  • Students can submit assignments and receive feedback, with the option for multiple submissions and automated grading.
  • Diagram cells enable students to create diagrams, which are then inserted into the assignment and can be auto-graded.
  • Free text cells allow students to submit written answers, which can be auto-graded using natural language processing.
  • Auto-graded code cells enable students to submit code, which can be auto-graded using autograders.
  • The add-on provides a streamlined grading process, with UI components for grading and feedback.
  • It also integrates with existing LMS systems, such as Elias, and supports multiple submission download.
  • e2xgrader is open-source and can be used with nbgrader, which is a very great tool for grading and automatic grading.