What It Is
Have you ever wished you could allow students to turn back time to a previous version of their essay during an exam? Maybe their initial thoughts were more coherent, or they over-edited and lost some valuable points. Meet the ‘Restore Answer’ feature in Cirrus! This handy tool allows students to revert to any previous version of their essay response, ensuring that their best work always shines through.
The Perks
Peace of mind
Writing under exam conditions can be stressful, and the fear of making mistakes can be paralysing. With the ‘Restore Answer’ feature, students can relax knowing that every change they make is saved. They can easily go back if they accidentally delete a crucial paragraph or decide they prefer an earlier version. This safety net encourages more thoughtful and creative writing.
Improved quality
Often, the first draft captures a more ‘raw, unfiltered’ version of a student’s ideas. However, in the process of refining and editing, some of that initial clarity can get lost. The ‘Restore Answer’ feature allows students to revisit those early drafts. They can restore a version that was more structured or had better flow, ensuring that their final submission combines the best elements of all their drafts.
Time-saver
Exam time is precious; rewriting an entire essay because a student went down the wrong path can be a huge setback. With the ‘Restore Answer’ feature, they can save time by quickly reverting to a previous version that works better. This means students spend less time fixing mistakes and more time polishing their essays to perfection.
Enhanced focus
Knowing they have the ability to restore previous versions allows students to write more freely and take creative risks. They can experiment with different arguments and structures without fearing losing their best work. This enhanced focus on content rather than process can lead to higher-quality essays and a more satisfying writing experience.
How It Works
Using the ‘Restore Answer’ feature in Cirrus is straightforward. Here’s a quick rundown of how it functions:
- Automatic saving: As students write and edit their essays, Cirrus automatically saves their entries every 3 seconds. This means every change, big or small, is recorded without them having to think about it.
- Access ‘Restore answer’ button: When students want to review their work, they simply click on the ‘Restore answer’ button below their essay.
- Browse versions: A list of all saved versions, complete with timestamps, will appear. Students can preview and compare these versions to see which one best suits their needs.
- Restore with one click: Once they’ve found the version they want to restore, all they have to do is click that version. Their essay will instantly revert to that version, and they can continue editing from there.
Cirrus Top Tip: Want to give students more flexibility? Let them use the notepad.
Using the Notepad alongside the ‘Restore Answer’ feature allows students to keep track of key points and ideas while experimenting with different versions of their essays. This combination ensures they can always revert to their best work while having a space to organise and refine their thoughts. It’s the perfect blend of flexibility and structure for optimal writing performance.
By incorporating the ‘Restore Answer’ feature in Cirrus, institutions can ensure that students have the tools they need to produce their best work under exam conditions. It’s like having a time machine for their writing, ensuring that their best ideas and structured responses are always just a click away. Happy writing!
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