Hi Karen: Electronic gradebooks are great for instructors that have access to them. What they limit is the personal touch. To some degree, perhaps that is the point, the ability to post grades seamlessly for the student to examine at their convenience. But progress in a course can be improved with frequent and personal discussion with a student. Offering advice, suggestions for improvement allows 1-on-1 feed back and improves the communication with students. Although comments can be made electronically, the personal touch helps convey care and interest in seeing the student achieve their best. A combination of both may be the best approach. In many courses, trust and respect for the teachers abilities to teach students is greatly improved when personal assistance is shared in abundance. Regards, Barry