The grading program I have been using for over ten years, Grade Machine, has been purchased by an educational conglomerate (Pearson), who will discontinue support for it effective August 31, 2008. Does this mean they will take down all the support pages from their web site, or just stop asking questions? It’s hard to know. I’ll post more here if/when I find out.
They have posted a “License editor” that allows users to generate the registration key required to re-install the program (you need the serial number from your purchase). The nice thing about this is that if you have your own copy (I do, since my new school doesn’t use GM), you can change the name that appears on the top of reports. Just enter your serial number, the name you want, and then re-register the program (use menu: Edit then Register). I just used this to add the name of my school to my name (I had not included my school name when I purchased it just in case I change schools later).
I have backed up a copy of the License editor you can download download from here. This is an important piece of software if you or your school opts to keep using Grade Machine and ever want to change the name on reports.
I have worked with several other grade programs over the years, and found Grade Machine to be one of the best (they all have their problems, but GM seems to have the least).
So, are you a Grade Machine user? Do you want to keep using it even after Pearson stops support? If so, add a comment to this post. If enough people post saying they want to keep using it, I’ll try to set up a place on the web where we can do pee-to-peer support when problems arise.
Updated August 2010: Here’s a great web site with plenty of resources for Grade Machine users: http://web.jccc.net/academic/staffdev/misty_city/software.htm, including download-able software and manuals.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I used the program a decade or so ago (for Mac) and I really liked it. Did Pearson give a reason for killing off support? I don’t know why someone who has successfully used the program for a while would suddenly need support, but an informal forum for powerusers to assist new people sounds good.
I’m not sure why Pearson is killing it. My guess is that they have competing software they want to sell instead (my school is moving to Power School next year–sold by Pearson). What’s odd is that they are not linking to their competing software from the Grade Machine site.
Looks like Pearson bought another grading program last year: http://hocomd.wordpress.com/2006/08/17/school-grading-software-iv/
I love, love, love Grade Machine, but when I changed schools, I no longer was able to use it. I would love to buy a copy for my own use. I am devastated that I can’t seem to do that. I hate how non-user-friendly all of the other programs out there are. For one, I hate how I have to click ADD ASSIGNMENT every time I want to add something to the assignment list on most programs. It was super nice to just be able to tab or return down the line and add assignments or students with out having to go up and click on a button before each action. Also, I don’t really need “support”– I never have used it. I know how the program works. So, discontinuing the support part doesn’t bother me. I just want the software. Anyone know where that can still be bought? Thanks.
Tonia, email me at lee at trampleasure dot net and I may be able to help you.
Lee, you saved my butt by posting the GM License Editor. I’ve been using GM since 1993 (my original serial number had just 4 digits) and had upgraded in 2007 when I changed to OS X, but my iBook just died and I’ve had to switch to a PC. Fortunately, I’d loaded GM onto my PC at school two years ago and left the installer on that machine so I could install to my new PC laptop. Only problem: no activation code. Thanks again for posting the License Editor, it’s allowed me to continue to use the BEST grade software ever written! Happy to know that this old Modeler has some company out there.
Jeff, glad to be of help. It seems that the License editor will help keep Grade Machine alive for years to come. I’m glad that Misty City posted it when they sold out to Pearson.
Hi Lee,
I have Grade Machine 6.9.3, I also love the program and have been using it for over a decade. Unfortunately I dropped my IBook last week and while it works it is still banged up enough that I decided to upgrade to a new MacBook and the new Snow Leopard software. When I updated to 6.9.3 around 3 years ago I downloaded off the internet, no CDs were provided. Is there anyplace I can download 6.9.3 or even better 6.9.4. The MIsty City site is no longer available and the Pearson site was no help. Thanks Angie
Angie, you can find a Mac download (6.9.1) here: http://www.tucows.com/preview/208414. (I’ve looked around a bit and can’t find 6.9.3/4 anywhere for download) I have a newer version, but it’s for Windows. Now all you need is your license number and the license editor you can download from my site. Let me know if you have any problems.
My MacBook died last week, so I was looking for a way to get Grade Machine onto my new netbook. I’m still in the process, but thank you for your information!
Hi Lee–
I have been using Grade Machine for many years and love it. However, my school is switching out all our computers to an updated model. My question is, will I be able to reload Grade Machine on my new computer? I have my serial # and verification code from Misty City. Should I download your license editor on my current computer or wait for the new computer to be installed? I’m nervous about losing this semester’s grades. Any help from you would be greatly appreciated!
Eileen, if you have the serial number and verification code, that is all you will need, unless you want to change the name the software is registered to (and appears on header of reports). The License editor available from above takes your serial number and whatever registered name you enter and provides you with the correct verification code. For example, if you change schools or you registered as Eileen Smith but want to change to Ms. Smith, then you would use the License editor to provide you with the new verification code.
You should be able to install the software on a new computer, but the newer operating systems may or may not run the program. In general, operating systems (e.g. Windows XP, Mac OSX) are designed to run older programs, but every few generations they change in such a way that some older programs will no longer work. Since GradeMachine is no longer supported, it would be up to you to test the program on your new operating system. I’m going to start a new thread on my blog for people to post which operating systems they have successfully installed GradeMachine on, and which have failed. I’ll post the link here soon.
Lee
Here’s the link to my post on Operating System checks: http://trampleasure.net/lee/index.php/402
Lee – How can I purchase a copy of Grade Machine for use on my hp? I love the program and used it on my Mac, but I’ve switched to a PC. Can you help me? ME
Mary, Grade Machine is no longer available for purchase. There are a few places you can download the installer, and since you have a Mac license, you should be able to use that with the Windows installer. Email me if you have any problems finding a downloadable version (search Grade Machine download).
Lee, Our district is upgrading to Windows 7 this summer. Any idea if Grade Machine version 6.9.5, build 1318 will run under it?
Kyle reports problems installing in Windows 7 (http://trampleasure.net/lee/index.php/402). My school is installing Windows 7 this summer, so I’ll let you know if I have any luck installing Grade Machine.
Does anyone know how to email multi-class reports to students using Outlook Express 2007? I set up the email addresses but when I press the email button under multi-class reports nothing happens. It has something to do with MAPI.
I used GM with my 286. I still have that. I bet it would run on Win 7. My version 6.5 won’t. I hate Bill. I hate Pearson, as well. They all suck.