Please note: This TEL handbook is currently work in progress and not the finished article.
This should be thought of as a “quick guide”. It is far from exhaustive in terms of all the possible assessment types but does deal with the most commonly used types at Aston.
If you are selecting a tool based upon the submission type/format this decision chart below should help.
If you are selecting a tool based on the feedback type/format that you would like to use the chart below should help.
| Feedback type | Turnitin | Blackboard |
| Single Overall Comment | YES | YES |
| Grading Forms | YES | NO |
| Inline/Annotated comments | YES | YES.
However, students cannot download an annotated version of the submission. |
| Digital Ink | NO | Download the submitted file and annotate using your chosen annotation software and hardware. Reattach file as feedback. |
| Rubrics | YES | YES |
| Audio | Record audio in Turnitin but limited to 3mins. Very easy & quick. | An audio file of any length can be attached as feedback. Requires you to record audio outside of Blackboard in “other” software and then export and upload to BB. |
| Video/screencasts | NO | A video file can be attached as feedback. Requires you to record video outside of Blackboard in “other” software and then export and upload to BB/Kaltura/Panopto |
| Ability to see student engagement with feedback | YES | NO |
| Feedback on none submitted assessment | Possible by submitting a feedback document “on behalf” of the student. | Via a manually created grade centre column. |