Students could be getting more out of their note-taking than just higher test scores. GradeGuru.com, a new Web site created by the education company McGraw-Hill, allows students across the country to upload and share their class notes and get paid for them.
“It rewards you for going to class,” sophomore EJ Ekhatosaid. “I think the site is a great idea because it spreads class notes around and makes them more available to everyone.”
After students upload their notes, GradeGuru uses a formula based on the thoroughness and relevance of the notes to determine how many points the student receives.
Points are also awarded each time another person rates or views the notes. Every 100 points equals one dollar, which can be redeemed in cash, charitable donations or gift cards from one of GradeGuru’s reward partners, such as CampusFood.com and Starbucks. According to its Web site, GradeGuru has paid more than $45,000 to students so far.
Junior Benjamin Nangeroni, a brand manager for the company, stated in an e-mail message that students earn an average of $50 per course each semester.
“It depends on the quality of notes and number of views and ratings,” Nangeroni said. “But there is no limit to how much you can make on one set of notes.”
He said students are also awarded badges, which are displayed next to their profile, based on the amount of points they earn.
“Our goal is to provide visibility and recognition to the top students in our community,” Nangeroni said.
The notes are free for anyone to view and download. Students can search for notes by school, course or topic, or request specific notes that are not currently available on the Web site.
Several updates are planned for the Web site, including Facebook connectivity and specific university pages which will allow students to go directly to their courses and view other students who have joined, Nangeroni said.
Brand manager Sarah Maiocco, a senior at the university, said the GradeGuru Privilege Program, which will be launched next semester, will allow contributing students to find internships and full-time jobs from prospective employers.
Junior Alexa Smith said she has had no complaints with the Web site so far.
“It’s actual work done by students from our school for the specific classes we are taking,” Smith said. “I figured I already did the work for myself, so why not share it.”
Ekhato, who has collected approximately 600 points in his first week, said he recommends the Web site to both students searching for academic help and those who need extra money.
“The prospect of making money has improved my note taking,” he said. “I am seeing a steady rise in my grades because of it.”
English professor James Dean said he is skeptical about the Web site helping struggling students.
“GradeGuru.com is one more way for students to procrastinate and not really to learn the material by making it their own,” Dean said. “Learning academic material is labor intensive, and shortcuts probably won’t work.”
Nangeroni said all parties will likely gain something from the site.
“There is a lot of untapped earning potential in the site, and everyone will benefit from the uploads,” he said.
Follow us on Twitter
Subscribe to our feed
Contact us through email
Be the first to comment on this article!