VCE exams to be done on computer?

[Jayward]

I was just wondering when this will be put into place, and whether 2013ers will have to be concerned about this or not. thanks

[michak]

It said in yesterdays herald sun that there will be 4 school this year taking on of the methods eams on a computer.

[Professor Polonsky]

VCAA Source

Notice to Schools 21/2013 – 20 February 2013
Mathematical Methods (CAS) Computer-based Examination Trial

Schools are advised that in 2013 a small number of schools are engaged in a trial of a Computer-based Examination in Mathematical Methods (CAS).

[thushan]

It said in yesterdays herald sun that there will be 4 school this year taking on of the methods eams on a computer.

It'd be mighty hard to do maths entirely on the computer. Yuck.

[MJRomeo81]

Never liked the idea of using computers to complete exams.

I've sat some real time programming exams in uni and the sound of everyone typing frantically was so annoying. Then you have all of the other random scenarios - computers breaking down midway through a test, preventing cheating, etc.

[Professor Polonsky]

It'd be mighty hard to do maths entirely on the computer. Yuck.

Yeah, I have no idea how they're going to implement it.

[Mr Keshy]

It sort of makes sense for multiple choice exams right?

[enwiabe]

Never liked the idea of using computers to complete exams.

I've sat some real time programming exams in uni and the sound of everyone typing frantically was so annoying. Then you have all of the other random scenarios - computers breaking down midway through a test, preventing cheating, etc.

Cloud computing can save your exam sessions so that hardware breakages means all is not lost

[Mr Keshy]

Cloud computing can save your exam sessions so that hardware breakages means all is not lost

What if for example, you have a look at the latter questions in the exam, which may be harder or something you don't understand. Then the computer crashes, in which case you might have an opportunity to find the answer somehow.. (extra thinking time or something). Problems aren't limited to that either. Still an unfair advantage.

Even if you find a solution, it still remains a solution to a problem that should not exist. Personally I don't think we're at the stage where we can substitute pen and paper for computers or tablets yet. (not for the mass market at least)

[aaackk]

this is stupid, what was wrong with pen and paper exams anyway

[Mr Keshy]

this is stupid, what was wrong with pen and paper exams anyway

I can understand in terms of the environment.. It is a lot of paper that's being used, just to tick a few boxes alone.

[aaackk]

pretty sure recycling is a thing

[pyro-53]

I don't like the idea of staring intense at a computer for 2 hours to complete an exam

But there're probably some advantage to answer questions such as drawing diagrams. Because they'll definitely be neat.

[pi]

What if for example, you have a look at the latter questions in the exam, which may be harder or something you don't understand. Then the computer crashes, in which case you might have an opportunity to find the answer somehow.. (extra thinking time or something). Problems aren't limited to that either. Still an unfair advantage.

What if you've done the same in a written exam and a fire alarm goes off?

Don't buy that point imo.

[Mr Keshy]

What if you've done the same in a written exam and a fire alarm goes off?

Don't buy that point imo.

Fair enough, but how would doing tests on computers change that situation.

I think I'm trying to say that it's (crashes) a problem that shouldn't exist.

pretty sure recycling is a thing

Recycling still costs money