Log in / Register
You are not logged in.
|
Filed under:
The days of students queuing up outside the exam hall could be numbered following the invention of new technology which could mean exams can be taken anywhere, without the need for a ‘real’ invigilator.
As reported by the BBC, the new technology which has been developed by American firm Software Secure Inc, features anti-cheating software and operates through a stand-alone device which is plugged into a student's computer. The technology takes a fingerprint of the student to verify they are who they say they are before access to the exam is allowed.
Once the exam is underway, a webcam and microphone are switched on to detect changes in motion, such as someone entering the room or sound, such as a phone conversation. The device also ‘locks down’ the computer so that the student cannot search the internet for answers or access their own files for notes.
The University of Wales Institute in Cardiff is one of the institutions evaluating the software to see if it could be viable for some of their students. Mark Pelling, Senior Learning Development Officer at the university, said the software could be a very effective way of invigilating exams.
He says:
‘I can't see it changing the face of exams completely - there are still situations where you want to have people in a hall - but in some situations it could be valuable, it adds an extra facility for the disabled for example.
Nothing is 100% secure, even traditional examinations aren't, but it does add an extra dimension.’
The National Union of Students gave the device a cautious welcome. NUS President-elect Aaron Porter said:
‘This does seem like it could be one solution to problems faced by those who might have difficulty reaching a university campus for their exams, such as disabled students or long-distance learners but it must not be used as an excuse to further cut costs or corners by reducing the amount of contact time students have with staff.
No technology is completely infallible and it is crucial to ensure the fairness and integrity of assessment is maintained for all students.’
Software Secure said:
‘Securexam Remote Proctor enables schools, corporate training, and testing organisations to administer computer-based tests anywhere, anytime, while still maintaining the same exam room integrity as that found in a proctored testing centre.’
What are your thoughts on this story? Would you trust this technology to ensure an exam takes place under the correct conditions? Or do you believe that an invention such as this could not replace the traditional examination set up? Perhaps, as mentioned in the article, the main benefits lie with those who find it more difficult to access an exam centre? We’re keen to hear your thoughts, Log in or register for free to share your thoughts and opinions with the rest of the bee-it community.
|
Copyright © 2012 bee-it.co.uk by BEE Digital Ltd. Company No. 07008163.
All Rights Reserved.