I just bought this new toy at the teacher supply store while I was shopping for my gigantic, oversized gradebook.

It is SO cool!

It is called the EZ Grader. Granted, it doesn't have any wires or cables or cool graphics. It's not a Version 1.3 or 2.0 or anything-point-anything. Tragically, it doesn't even have a spokesmodel.

It simply helps you calculate grade percentages based on the number of questions wrong out of a given total. You slide a card back and forth in its cover until you get to the appropriate number of possible points for your test or quiz, and blammo, you've got all your possible grades laid out in front of you.

It's even simpler than the Hello Kitty calculator I've been using for the past couple of years since I found it abandoned in a desk during exam week.

Sometimes, the best technology is the simplest technology.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to make a little pocket for my new friend inside the cover of my gigantic, oversized gradebook.