About Markers Helper
Created with love, built for educators, designed for privacy.
Our Story
It Started with Love
Markers Helper wasn't born in a boardroom or startup accelerator. It began at our kitchen table, watching my wife Leah struggle with an outdated, privacy-invasive grading system that made her job harder, not easier.
Leah works as a grader for online universities, providing feedback on student assignments and ensuring academic quality. She's passionate about helping students succeed, but the tools she was required to use were failing both her and her students.
The Problems We Witnessed
- • Hours spent on manual calculations
- • Inconsistent grading across assignments
- • Student data stored on unknown servers
- • Complex systems that hindered, not helped
- • Weekend-consuming grading marathons
- • Privacy concerns about student information
- • Lack of meaningful feedback tools
- • Frustration that affected work-life balance
The Solution Emerged
"There has to be a better way," Leah said one Sunday evening after spending her entire weekend grading. "These are real students with real stories in their work. Their data deserves better protection, and I deserve tools that actually help me do my job well."
That conversation changed everything. As a software developer with a passion for creating tools that extend human capabilities, I knew I could build something better.
About Digital Extensions
digital-extensions.comMarkers Helper is proudly created by Digital Extensions, a company founded on the principle of "creating software for helping humans extend their capabilities."
Our Mission
We believe technology should amplify human potential, not replace human judgment. Our software tools are designed to handle the tedious, repetitive tasks so you can focus on what matters most: the uniquely human elements of your work.
Our Values
- • Privacy First: Your data belongs to you
- • Human-Centered: Technology serves people
- • Simplicity: Powerful doesn't mean complicated
- • Transparency: Honest communication always
Meet the Team
Kent Merrell
Founder & Creator
Kent is the visionary behind Digital Extensions and the creator of Markers Helper. With over 15 years of software development experience, he's passionate about building tools that respect user privacy while genuinely improving people's lives. His mission to help humans extend their capabilities drives every product decision.
When he's not coding, Kent enjoys hiking, reading about educational technology, and most importantly, spending time with Leah discussing how to make grading more humane and efficient.
Josh Merrell
Developer & UX Designer
Josh brings fresh perspectives to Markers Helper's development, focusing on user experience and interface design. His background in both technology and education helps bridge the gap between what's technically possible and what educators actually need.
Josh is particularly passionate about making complex tools feel simple and intuitive. He believes that powerful software should feel effortless to use, allowing educators to focus on teaching rather than learning new systems.
Leah Merrell
Primary Subject Matter Expert & Inspiration
Leah is the heart and soul of Markers Helper. As a professional grader for online universities, she understands the daily challenges educators face. Her insights drive every feature decision, ensuring that Markers Helper solves real problems in real workflows.
Leah's experience with diverse student populations and various grading systems provides invaluable perspective on what makes grading tools truly effective. She's our constant reminder that behind every assignment is a student working to improve their life through education.
Why We Built Markers Helper
For Educators
- • Reclaim your evenings and weekends
- • Provide better, more consistent feedback
- • Focus on teaching, not administrative tasks
- • Maintain professional satisfaction and work-life balance
For Students
- • Faster, more detailed feedback
- • Consistent, fair grading standards
- • Complete privacy protection
- • Learning from engaged, less-stressed educators
Our Commitment to You
🔒 Privacy Always
Your data will never leave your device. We're not interested in collecting, analyzing, or monetizing student information. Privacy isn't a feature—it's our foundation.
👥 Educator-Driven Development
Every feature is designed with real educator input. We don't build in isolation—we listen to your feedback and continuously improve based on actual classroom needs.
🤝 Long-term Partnership
We're not venture capital-funded or chasing quick exits. We're building a sustainable business that will be here for your entire career, growing and improving alongside your needs.
💬 Transparent Communication
No marketing fluff, no hidden agendas. We communicate honestly about our products, our challenges, and our roadmap. You deserve to know what you're investing in.
Recognition & Press
Awards & Recognition
- • Privacy-First EdTech Innovation Award (2024)
- • Educator's Choice Award for Grading Tools (2024)
- • Best Local-First Software Solution (2023)
Featured In
- • Education Technology Magazine
- • Teaching & Learning Today
- • Privacy-First Computing Journal
Connect with Us
We'd love to hear from you. Share your story, ask questions, or just say hello.
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