Digital Exams On The Rise

Laptop computers undeniably play an enormous role in a student’s life today, both in and outside of school. But can they take their notebook computers into exams? Traditionally, exams have always been done on paper, but with sustainability among one of the prevalent issues today, universities have started to explore other methods of student assessment, with the most obvious proposal being digital exams. Depending on the course subject, writing exams on a laptop may increase efficiency or it may create unnecessary problems for both students and their professors. With academic assessment, however, there is significant divergence of opinion regarding the use of electronic examination. According to a study conducted by the University of Edinburgh, when “students were asked about their preferences and approaches to writing essays, both for assignments and in examinations, 86% said they would prefer to type it” (Mogey 8). In contrast, Steven House, a biology professor at Seton Hall University, notes: “students can call up their notes--in effect, it becomes an open-book exam" (Leibowitz). Mark J. Schenker, associate dean of academic affairs at Yale College, argues against both of these elucidations, and claims that “the issue is not one of possible cheating--which is governed by an honor code--but of equity” (Leibowitz). Schenker questions the implications of digital exams, beyond the time-saving aspects, and whether some students would gain an unfair advantage. Even if certain measures can be taken to prevent cheating during these online exams, unexpected computer crashes and computer anxiety may be difficult to deal with. While there is growing interest towards the idea of utilizing digital exams in university, the effect on student p...

... middle of paper ...

...ce Education Report 11.8 (2007): 4-7. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 10 Feb. 2011.

Leibowitz, Wendy R. "Colleges Start to Ask Whether Students Should Use Laptops in Tests." Chronicle of Higher Education 46.17 (1999): A49. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 5 Feb. 2011.

Schult, Carolyn A., and John L. McIntosh. "Employing Computer-Administered Exams in General Psychology: Student Anxiety and Expectations." Teaching of Psychology 31.3 (2004): 209-211. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 7 Feb. 2011.

Scobling, Josie, and Candy Scobling. "Bring on digital exams." Times Educational Supplement 4564 (2004): 74. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 5 Feb. 2011.

Stowell, Jeffrey R., and Dan Bennett. “Effects of online testing on student exam performance and test anxiety.” J. Educational Computing Research, Vol. 42(2): 161-171, 2010. Web. 10 Feb. 2011.