Thanks to a tip from someone over at the Blogora, I've started testing out a new tool called Annotate (check out their website for a 30 day trial). Annotate is an add-in for Microsoft Word 2007 (a version for Word 2003 is forthcoming) that gives you many more options for commenting on student work. There are a lot of stock comments for things like comma splices or transitions. This seems like it would be great for those of us who find ourselves repeating comments on numerous student papers.

I'm still playing with it to see if it's something I might want to keep using, but here's a blurb from the website:

11trees.com is proud to announce the release of Annotate for Word 2007©, a powerful add-in for Word that brings one-click commenting to Microsoft Word 2007.

Millions of teachers and students use Microsoft Word 2007 to create and edit documents, and the program includes sophisticated editing tools like Track Changes and Comments.

But Word's basic tools fall short in some areas, and can be greatly enhanced to help make teachers more effective and efficient - both at creating better feedback and saving paper.

After a summer-long beta test, and feedback from tech-savvy teachers across the USA, we are releasing an installable version of Annotate for Word 2007.

Annotate for Word 2007 includes over 60 pre-written comments in Argument, Evidence, Organization, Writing Style, and Grammar/Mechanics. Detailed comments on MLA and APA citation styles are included.

The version available now is designed for Microsoft Windows XP/Vista and Word 2007. Microsoft Word 2003 versions will follow - please use the Contact Us form if you are particularly interested in versions for these platforms.

The software comes with a 30 day free trial, and can be easily installed like any other program. Individual instructors can purchase Annotate for $45.