Swaarasya
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 |  Subject: ~~Invigilation technology allows exams be taken anywhere~~  Wed Jun 16, 2010 4:11 am | |
|  Forget the dread of queuing up outside the exam
hall with everyone else bragging about how much - or how little -
revision they've done. How about taking exams in the comfort of your own room?
New technology, boasting anti-cheating software, could soon
make this a possibility.
Developed by American firm Software Secure Inc, the programme
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.
A webcam and microphone are also 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" so that the student cannot search
the internet for answers or access their own files for notes.
'Extra dimension' 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.
"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."
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