Illinois Compass: Different Column Types

Illinois Compass provides six different column types. These column types have different parameters for grading.

Alphanumeric columns

Alphanumeric columns are used to enter a mixed string of letters and numbers.

To create an Alphanumeric column:

1. Under "Column label," give the column a Name.
2. Keep "Grade-related column" checked if you want the column to appear on the Grades tab.
3. Keep "Released to Student" checked if you want to release this column to students.
4. Click on Save.

   

Calculated columns

Calculated columns allow you to specify a formula (that can include other numeric columns) to come up with a numeric value, e.g., to calculate a grade. Please see our tutorial Calculating Grades for more on this subject.

Letter grade columns

Letter grades are used to display a letter grade in the grade book. These can be based on a numeric or calculated column to display the letter grade equivalent of a numeric value.

To base a Letter Grade on a numeric column:

1. Under "Column label" give the column a Name.
2. Keep "Grade-related column" checked if you want the column to appear on the Grades tab.
3. Keep "Released to Student" checked if you want to release this column to students.
4. From the dropdown menu, choose the column that you would like the grade based on.
5. Click on Save.

If you wish to have letter grades assigned to a certain range of point values other than the default values, click on the gray arrow next to the column name from the Grade Book screen, and select Edit Column Letter Grade Scheme.

In the text boxes under "Grade" and "Range" you can change the letter grade and point values for your scheme. You can also add new grade lines by clicking the Add Grade button.

When you are finished creating your grading scheme, click Save.

Numeric columns

Numeric columns can only display numeric data. These columns are also used by calculated columns to generate a grade. Instructors can also set the point value for each numeric column.

To create a Numeric column:

1. Under "Column label," give the column a Name.
2. Under "Maximum value" enter a Point value.
3. Keep "Grade-related column" checked if you want the column to appear on the Grades tab.
4. Keep "Released to Student" checked if you want to release this column to students.
5. Click on Save.

Selection list columns

Selection list creates a dropdown menu in the grade dialog box. This can be used for casually graded material (e.g. excellent, good, fair, bad), or to assign sortable information to a student (e.g. freshman, sophomore, junior, senior).

To enter values into a Selection List:

1. Under "Column label," give the column a Name.
2. Keep "Grade-related column" checked if you want the column to appear on the Grades tab.
3. Keep "Released to Student" checked if you want to release this column to students.
4. Click Save.

To edit the Selection List, click on the gray arrow next to the column name from the Grade Book screen, and click on Edit Column Select List.

In the Edit Selection List screen, add an item in the text box, and then select Add Item. Repeat this step for each item that you want to add and click Save.

Text columns

Text columns allow instructors to enter a comment box for each member of the course.

To create a Text column:

1. Under "Column label," give the column a Name.
2. Keep "Grade-related column" checked if you want the column to appear on the Grades tab.
3. Keep "Released to Student" checked if you want to release this column to students.
4. Click Save.