Now, appear for exams from comfort of home

Now, appear for exams from comfort of home

June 10, 2010

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New software ensures that students stay honest while taking examinations and keeps them under surveillance

Securexam can transform any computer into a test-taking terminal without the need for web access during exams

London:

British students might soon have the chance to take college exams in their own bedrooms at any time of the day or night-without being able to cheat.

Securexam, as the software is known, can transform any personal or lab computer into a test-taking terminal-without the need for internet access during exams.

US firm Software Secure, that developed the programme, says it is designed to make sure students stay honest while taking the exam by keeping them under surveillance and cutting off access to cribbing material.

The software firstly locks down the use of all files and the internet, other than those specifically needed for the exam.

It then asks for a fingerprint test to ensure the candidate is the correct person and uses audio and video recording to ensure that the student is under exam conditions during the whole period.

The firm says on its website that it "brings the exam room into the computer age, making exam time less stressful for students, faculty and administrators."

An accompanying software, Software Secure Classmate, allows faculty to monitor student computer screens while they take the exams to ensure they are focused on the task at hand and not checking their Facebook account... or cheating.

At least one college in Britain, the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, is experimenting with the system and others may follow suit Several universities in the US already have the system in place.

The National Union of Students gave the idea a cautions welcome. "It would be one solution to problems faced by those who might have difficulty reaching a university campus for exams," said a spokesman.

"However 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." The company says it was designed for students with full-time jobs, or who have children and don't have the flexibility to find an invigilator.

And while students may be hesitant to move away from the time-honoured college model, cost concerns could prove a major motivator. The College-Board's College-Leave Examination Program (CLEP) has been available at nearly 3,000 colleges across North America..

It cost a flat fee of $72 to take one exam - an appealing option when compared to the thousands it can cost for a standards semester-long course. There's no additional cost for these online exams and colleges often give full credit for a passing grade.