Utilizing a workflow engine to manage semi-automatic correction processes across domains

Workflows are a common model for the description how business processes are done. This paper discusses an approach how workflow engines, which were constructed for handling business processes, can be used to model, develop and handle processes for (semi-)automatic commenting and grading of assignment submissions. Solutions to open-ended questions cannot be corrected automatically in general, but several systems allow a semi-automatic pre-correction for assignments in a specific domain. These systems are mostly re-implementing standard functionality to add a single feature in a completely newly developed system. An approach for modularization of correction process is presented to increase the reusability of functionality. A prototype demonstrates how this approach can be realized by the use of a workflow engine.