Idea

Taking exams using laptops

by Deleted User 08 May 2017, 09:44

Category: Academic Support

Voting closed

Likes
15 Dislikes
Man with a laptop 1133 54

Let's face it. We are more used to typing coursework than writing it out. All year we type more than we write (on average). The technology is available where you can have jammers present in exam halls to block internet access from laptops. In fact the laptops should be supplied by the University. The University may disable internet access by means of software, or even completely disable drivers, or for that matter remove the wireless cards. Taking exams on laptops should at least be an option in this day and age. It will not only help students to write answers faster, but the answers will also be neat as one will not need to cross out lines of information if there is a mistake. What's your say on this?

Comments

  • Default avatar
    JONATHAN BANHAM   wrote, 10-05-2017 - 12:04

    How will you ensure that plagiarism, researching and communication with others will be stopped? Even if the internet is disabled what is stopping them using a SD card? Who is going to provide the laptops?

  • Default avatar
    Deleted User   wrote, 11-05-2017 - 01:01

    Also a generalisation that everyone can type faster than they can write. If something goes wrong with the software suddenly during an exam (it has happened with current computer-based exams) it either gives those individuals an unfair disadvantage/advantage.

  • Default avatar
    Deleted User   wrote, 12-05-2017 - 08:12

    I will try to answer some of the questions raised. Firstly, the computer/laptop will need to be provided by the university. This has been previously mentioned. The concern regarding usb drives and sd cards is a valid one. The first obvious way of preventing the use of sd cards will be to disable drivers for the card reader. However, this method is not going to work for usb drives, especially the small ones. Please do understand that taking exams with laptops/computers does not mean there will be no invigilation. Furthermore, the campaign clearly states that it should at least be offered as an option to an individual who wants to take an exam using a laptop and NOT as a general manner of taking exams. Moving on, I must admit that 'everyone can type faster than they can write' was perhaps a generalisation. There are people who can write extremely fast and no doubt their writing speeds are better. Again, let me point out that it should at least be an option and NOT mandatory for all. Yes things can go wrong with softwares; however, things can also go wrong with us! What I mean to say is that fear of the software malfunctioning should not (at least I argue) stop an institution from offering this as an option to individuals. Thank you

  • Default avatar