Norway is currently experimenting with a laptop examination trial, the success of which could result in all of Norway shifting to this new method of completing exams.

When a seconday-student turns 16 in Norway, they are provided with a laptop to help aid them in their schoolwork. The laptops are automatically preloaded with software a student would need (such as word processors), and sometimes the configuration is specialized, as is the case with media or design students who automatically have their laptop rigged with Adobe Photoshop.

Norway is looking to push this initiative further – to a point where even exams will be “written” on the very same laptop they use for everyday schoolwork.

The trial run, which currently involves every student between the ages of 16 and 19 in Nord-Trondelag county in Norway, is said to comprise of around 6,000 students nationwide.

Photo by: jackhynes

The proposed move to laptop-only exams is said to provide students with a environment in with equipment they are used to working with, says Bjorg Helland, project manager of digital literacy at Nord-Trondelag county council, Norway.

“This is used both during their final exams before going to college or university but also during tests when the teacher wants to have a test with the class”

The examination process is possible thanks to a signature piece of software that runs during test or exam conditions. The software also has another trick up its sleeve – keylogging. Each time a student performs a significant action, a screenshot is taken and keystrokes are recorded. This means that cheaters are going to get caught – but it doesn’t stop there. The software also helps deter would-be offenders, and also allows suspected offenders to clear their name:

“Students are irritated by the fact that some students cheat on the tests. This way they can make sure it is fair for everybody,”

said Ms. Helland,

“It’s not just that they can be caught cheating it – can also get them off the hook. They can prove that the work is actually their own.”

There are also more advantages to doing things electronically. Electronic papers can be marked more easily, since they can be emailed instead of mailed to markers. Less paper is used in the examination process too, as question papers are downloaded (in conjunction with the special software, preventing a student from tinkering with the code) at the start of a test or exam.

Early success of the trials as prompted a nationwide-trial from September onwards, and willing schools can now apply for computer-based exams.

[Source: BBC News]