Board of Studies looking at computers in exams

Thanks to Annabel for the Tweet. Heres what a recent article in the Age said.

The NSW Board of Studies is exploring the possibility of using computers in public examinations. The general manager of the Office of the Board of Studies, John Bennett, said the board could not afford to ignore the proliferation of technology when planning the future of external exams and anticipates computers will be used for some parts of selected exams within the next five years.

“Today’s students have never known a world without personal computers or the internet,” he said in a recent board publication. “Now we are looking at the possibility of using computers more widely in public examinations.

“Of course, issues such as access to the technology, equity, security and other implications for students and schools need to be thoroughly explored first.”

So if they are thinking about it – perhaps we should too! – As the CSSA trials loom, and a few weeks later the internal trails, then I’m thinking about using some audio tool to ‘mark’ the students papers. As some 3 weeks is lost to these exams, were are realistically looking at less than a month of teaching/coaching. In order to try and maximize the time, were using a Ning as the back bone of their note making and revision – its the best way for me to offer a value-add.

So perhaps in the not too distant future, digital literacy in an examination will be upon us. I hope so. Perhaps we can start using digital-assessment too (oh wait, Ive been doing that).

Certainly nice to hear the BOS making such mutterings – the wind of change perhaps?