Students in England may soon have the option to take certain GCSE and A-level exams on laptops, as announced by the country’s qualifications regulator, Ofqual. This initiative aims to address concerns over writing fatigue among students, who have reported struggles with handwriting during exams due to insufficient muscle strength. The proposal includes a three-month public consultation, which will close on March 5, 2024.
The initiative invites the four main exam boards to develop two new onscreen exam specifications, specifically targeting subjects with fewer than 100,000 entries. Notably, GCSE subjects like maths would not qualify, while languages such as GCSE German would. As discussions progress, various challenges associated with the transition have emerged, including equitable access to technology, cybersecurity threats, and the potential for technical failures during exams.
Debate on Fairness and Assessment Methodology
A key aspect of the proposals is that students would not be allowed to use personal devices during exams. Schools would have the flexibility to choose between onscreen and traditional paper examinations, which would function as separate qualifications. Sir Ian Bauckham, the chief regulator at Ofqual, expressed a cautious approach, stating he is “definitely not gung-ho” about moving entirely to online assessments. He reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining pen and paper as central to assessments, ensuring that traditional GCSE and A-level exams remain intact.
“We must maintain the standards and fairness that define England’s qualifications system,” Bauckham noted. He highlighted the importance of careful management in introducing onscreen exams to safeguard students’ interests.
Teachers have raised concerns that students who primarily use keyboards may lack stamina for handwriting, with some students reporting difficulties in holding a pen for extended periods. Bauckham remarked on the dichotomy of opinions, noting that while some students favor onscreen assessments for convenience, others feel that handwriting is integral to cognitive development.
Research from University College London has indicated that students who utilized keyboards in exams achieved higher test scores. The study involved state school pupils who performed better on essays when using word processors compared to handwriting under mock exam conditions. Improvements were observed across the board, including among students with learning difficulties.
Future of Digital Assessments
Currently, only a small fraction of GCSE and A-level assessments in England are conducted onscreen, primarily within computer science subjects. Students may use keyboards during exams as reasonable adjustments if permitted by their school. Bauckham reported that student opinions on onscreen assessments are evenly split, with some preferring the perceived seriousness of pen and paper.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the growing interest in onscreen exams, suggesting that aligning assessments with a digital world could yield valuable benefits, particularly for students with special educational needs and disabilities. She emphasized the need for any changes to be phased and fair to ensure equitable access.
The consultation process will determine the feasibility of implementing these changes, with potential new specifications anticipated in schools three years before potential exams in 2030. Steve Rollett, deputy chief executive at the Confederation of School Trusts, highlighted the importance of introducing technology in assessments carefully, with appropriate safeguards.
Myles McGinley, managing director of the Cambridge OCR exam board, stressed the necessity for schools to receive substantial support to bridge the digital divide, addressing disparities in access to technology and qualified teachers. He emphasized that equipping students for the future will require collaboration among stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to digital assessments.
As the public consultation unfolds, the future of examination practices in England appears poised for change, balancing innovation with traditional educational values.
