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. Here's another great source of GM tips: http://teachers.sduhsd.k12.ca.us/tpptl/new_home/pdfs.htm.
{ 41 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, would you help me? I downloaded GM License Editor, I extracted the files but I can’t open it to use it. Is there anything else I need to do? Thank you in advance. Juve
Juve, what operating system do you have? The License Editor works in Windows up through XP, but doesn’t seem to work in Windows 7 (and I don’t think it works on Macs, but not sure with Macs that can run Windows programs).
If you can’t get it to run, email me at lee @ trampleasure dot net, including your license number and the title you want to appear on reports (your school, your name, etc.).
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.
Lee,
I have been using Grade Machine for years and I’m not ready to give it up. Unfortunately my school has moved to a web-based grade book called eSchoolData (http://web.eschooldata.com) and I have no choice but to put my grades there. What I’d like to know is this: is there a way to take info from eSchoolData and import it into Grade Machine (or vice versa – although I don’t think that way is possible)? I really don’t want to enter my grades into two programs manually.
Thanks,
David
David,
Good question, I hadn’t thought about moving data between two programs before. The short answer is that yes, you can move data between two programs. Grade Machine has “import” and “export” filters (found from the File menu). Unfortunately, since Grade Machine is now “old,” some of the newer grade programs don’t appear in the filter list. I checked and did not see eSchoolData. You may be able to find an intermediary format that both programs can read (i.e. export from GM to [some grade program] then import into eSchoolData in [some grade program]).
If you look at the filters in GM, then at eSchoolData, you may find one in common. If not, GM does allow you to create custom filters: I’d look for the most generic filter in eSchoolData (CSV or text would be great), then build a filter in GM to import in that format. I’ve tried this once, and didn’t have much luck, but ran into a problem. I’ll work on a CSV (comma separated values) import filter for assignments and post it here if I figure it out (one of the nice things about GM is that, like styles, once you create a filter you can share it with others since it’s stored as an individual file). If anyone else creates a useful filter, let me know and I’ll post it here.
Greetings All,
Just to give everyone a chuckle, I still have the original floppy disk for my first version of Grade Machine for Mac. It was version 4.0.4 and had a copyright of 1990. I purchased and used all the upgrades for Mac through, I think, 6.9.? (the version that ran on OS X). I retired in June, 2008 — and used GM right up to the end of my career. The parents loved the emailed progress reports, I loved the ease of use. I hope you all have a wonderful year.
HELP….our tech guy updated my computer, but did not back up all my files. I dont have grade machine anymore, but I do have the serial number files and all my classes over the years. But I am not able to get into it. Can someone email me a copy of the install? Please Help!
Found a site to download it from:
http://web.jccc.net/academic/staffdev/misty_city/software.htm
Just a quick note to let folks see how much Grade Machine is still used: I get about 140 hits per month on this page, and about 100 are from results to online searches for “Grade Machine,” “Grade Machine download,” etc.
Lee, would you help me? I was using GM successfully 21 years ago, then Webgrader and then Powerschool. Now that I am in a different school and I need GM I downloaded from your link , I extracted the files but I click on the icon to open it and it does not open, I don’t have a serial number anymore and no verification code. What do you think? I will appreciate any help and thank you in advance. Juve.
Hi Lee,
Quick question…I have been using Grade machine for years and I absolutely love it. It is the best grading program out there. But right now I seem to have a problem….. my computer at school blew up last year, due to an electrician not knowing what he was doing. Grade Machine was on that school computer. Meanwhile, my only copy of the program, serial numbers and all that, were in my teacher bag that was stolen out of my vehicle while I was having radiation treatments. Now I have a new computer at school, and no way to download the info I need. I have the complete program on my personal laptop, but I am unsure if I can down load the information from my laptop onto a CD and transfer the information to my computer at school. Thank you for your help.
Deb, I sent you an email with information on how to download and install GM. Let me know if you didn’t get it.
I have used grademachine for many years. I have LOVED using Grade Machine. It was the easiest, least complicated grade program I have found. This year I bought a new computer and the old Grade Machine will not run. I have tried for the past few years to find one to replace it but there are none as good in my opinion.
hi,
i just wanted to say thanks for providing links to download grade machine. i replaced my computer not too long ago and was unable to back up this program. needless to say, most links to download this software lead nowhere, but i was able to download and install it from the links you provided.
i do have one question. i would like to change the license number of the version i downloaded to my own license number, but i don’t have a “verification code”; i just have my old serial number.
any thoughts on how to get a “verification code” or what that might mean/entail.
thanks so much again.
kindly,
joseph sheehan
Joseph, simply download the License editor (linked in the post above), then enter the name you want to appear on your reports and your license number–the License editor will generate the activation code for you
thanks so much. happy grading!!!
Hi,
Just thought I would add my experience about GM….my school built me a new lab but with it came a laptop and Windows 7 (64 bit)………my version of GM wouldn’t load in the 64 bit environment. Being stubborn and hating the online grade books our district provides I went looking for a solution…..MS has a virtual XP emulator that does allow me to use GM on the Win 7 (64) system. I wouldn’t say its as easy as it was before…..but at least I’ve put off using the lousy online programs for the foreseeable future.
i was forced to get a new computer, I saved my grade machine file to a jump drive, but there is an error that says it cannot display a grid. basically, i cannot use the program with my new computer…it runs windows 7. where can i download the program again. i bought it years ago….
Been using GM since the first version came out many, many years ago. There is nothing out there for the MAC that is better……………..retired still using it at the Jr. College. Question: is there a patch or some other way to make it compatible with Lion operating system. Thanks for the GM forum, gene
I have used Grade machine for a number of years. Is there a program that can import all my past Mac files, especially my role books and written comments about student work? I upgraded to Lion OS, which no longer supports Power PC software programs. I tried to use Gradekeeper for this purpose but to no avail.
Thanks!
Sorry Gene and taft, I don’t have knowledge about Lion OS. Maybe someone else will post a solution for you.
Unfortunately, at some point I’m sure our beloved GradeMachine will stop working on the current OS; this may be that point for Mac
Hi, all..
I just found my original Grade Machine for Windows discs – 2 versions -6.5 and 6.8 – both for Windows machines. I’m retired – and have no use for them, so if anyone is interested in resurrecting their Grade Machine files and can do so with the license info, above, please feel free to contact me.
KSarsfie@nycap.rr.com
Best,
Kevin Sarsfield
I have used Grade Machine since 1996 and would not consider using any other product.
Our school district keeps coming up with #rap for programs that don’t work very well and I just keep plugging along with Grade Machine.
Like you, I have my own copy and use it in lieu of the district provided program.
Pearson discontinued it so they could go to a web based program and charge you a yearly license fee. I hope they are using it on the district program, if they are I will certainly push our district to consider using it.
I have used Grade Machine since 1991 and I love it! I use it as a back up program to our district’s online grade program. When theirs goes down or crashes, I don’t need to cry! I still have my grades!! I am worried about it only working on a 32 bit computer. My new laptop was a 64 bit and I changed it back to 32 bit, just so I could still run my Grade Machine program!