AN AUTOMATED GRADING SYSTEM IN THE ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS' LEARNING IN THE DIVISION OF QUEZON CITY

This study determined the usefulness and ease of use of the ZipGrade application as an automated grading system in the assessment of students' learning in the Division of Quezon City. A descriptive-survey research design was employed involving 92 junior high school teachers from selected public secondary schools who utilized the ZipGrade application during School Year 2024-2025. Data were gathered through a validated researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using percentage, mean, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Findings revealed that respondents assessed the ZipGrade application as very useful in checking test papers (4.83), keeping and monitoring student records (4.74), providing accurate data (4.78), and giving immediate feedback (4.57). Likewise, the application was assessed as very easy to use in checking test papers (4.91), monitoring student records (4.81), providing accurate data (4.67), and giving immediate feedback (4.66). Significant differences in usefulness were found only when respondents were grouped according to frequency of use (p = 0.006), while no significant differences were observed in ease of use across respondent profiles. The study concludes that the ZipGrade application is an effective and user-friendly automated grading system that enhances assessment efficiency, accuracy, learner monitoring, and feedback delivery. Continued utilization and institutional support are recommended to maximize its benefits in educational assessment.