# What is AI marking?

> AI marking uses AI to suggest marks for answers, essays and scanned scripts against a rubric. Here's how it works, where it helps, and why people should release marks.

Learn · Glossary

AI marking (or AI grading) is the use of AI to read students' answers, typed or handwritten, and suggest a mark against a rubric or mark scheme, usually with a reason, for a teacher to review.

- Page: https://sparkmentis.ai/learn/what-is-ai-marking

## How it works

- **A mark scheme.** The teacher's rubric or answer key sets what earns marks.
- **Reading the answer.** Typed answers are read directly; handwritten scripts are scanned first.
- **A suggested mark.** The AI proposes a mark and explains which criteria were met.
- **A person decides.** The teacher confirms or changes it, and releases it.

## Is it fair?

It's as fair as its mark scheme and its review. Good AI marking gives reasons, so a teacher can check them quickly, and never releases marks on its own. Used that way, it gives teachers time back and makes marking more consistent.

## Questions

**Can AI mark handwriting?**

Yes, from scans, with a teacher reviewing.

**Should AI release marks by itself?**

No. AI suggests; people release.

## Related

- [SparK-12: AI marking](https://app.sparkmentis.ai/features/ai-marking): Suggested marks with reasons, released by people
- [What is a rubric?](https://sparkmentis.ai/learn/what-is-a-rubric.md): Glossary
- [SparkMentis vs Gradescope](https://app.sparkmentis.ai/compare/sparkmentis-vs-gradescope): On app.sparkmentis.ai
- [Practical skills assessment](https://sparkmentis.ai/features/practical-skills-assessment.md): Spark-VT

## Book a demo

Email info@sparkmentis.ai (subject "SparkMentis demo request") with your organization, your role and the products you're interested in.