EdTech Buzz: Grammarly is Changing the Writing Game at UIC!

Grammarly helps with spelling and grammar

Ready to take your writing to the next level? Well, UIC’s campus-wide Grammarly pilot is here to help! Launched in March 2024, this writing assistant has been making waves, and we’ve got the scoop on how it’s going so far. From April 25 to May 30, 2024, 296 users chimed in on their experience — and spoiler alert: it’s looking good.

What Did We Find?

Here’s the inside look at what users are loving:

  • Easy to Use: 93.9% of users said installation was a breeze. Seriously, almost everyone had it up and running in no time.
  • Bye-Bye Errors: 92.9% of you noticed fewer writing errors with Grammarly on your side. Whether it’s catching those pesky typos or more complex mistakes, it’s proving to be a helpful second set of eyes.
  • Clear Communication: 92.6% of users are finding their thoughts come across clearer. Grammarly helps trim the fluff and makes your writing shine.
  • Boosted Confidence: Writing with Grammarly = more confidence. A whopping 92.9% of users said they felt more sure about what they’re sending out.

Favorite Features:

  • Grammar & Spell Check: 30.7% love this feature (because who doesn’t want their grammar to be on point?).
  • Clarity & Conciseness: 26.2% are fans of Grammarly’s knack for making things short and sweet.
  • Tone Detector: 11.8% use this tool to make sure their message hits the right notes.
  • Plagiarism Detection: 10.4% appreciate the peace of mind when checking for originality.

Who’s Using It?

  • 39.9% of users are students
  • 39.2% are staff
  • 20.9% are instructors

Should You Use It for Assignments?

Many instructors think so! In fact, 65.2% of them recommend it to students for academic assignments.

The Verdict So Far:

Overall, Grammarly scored an impressive 4.44 out of 5, with 88.2% of users giving it top marks. It’s not just about catching errors—users say it’s helping with clarity, reducing writing stress, and boosting overall writing quality. Some even mentioned feeling less anxious when tackling those big papers!

But There’s More…

While the tool is mostly loved, some faculty are a bit concerned about its impact on students’ original writing. It’s a conversation worth having, but for now, Grammarly seems to be a solid writing ally for many at UIC. Plus UIC just enabled Grammarly’s translation feature!

Final Takeaway?

Grammarly is proving to be a game-changer for students, staff, and instructors alike. Whether you’re polishing an essay or sending out a professional email, this tool is helping UIC write better, one sentence at a time.

Stay tuned for more updates and questionnaires as the pilot continues!

Feeling Left Out?

Did you miss out on the first announcement when Grammarly was introduced to the campus? Have no fear, sign up here: it.uic.edu/grammarly.