The UK's largest exam board, Pearson, has announced a transformative strategy aimed at significantly increasing the availability of digital examinations for GCSE and A-Level subjects by 2030. This initiative focuses on introducing on-screen versions of assessments in response to rising demand from students for more flexible evaluation formats.
Starting in 2027, Pearson plans to roll out digital versions of its most popular Edexcel GCSE subjects, History and Business Studies. Sharon Hague, managing director of Pearson, discussed this shift, stating to The i Paper that her expectations hinge on a movement towards “increasingly digital” exams in the UK, primarily “driven by the students themselves.” She emphasised that if there is sufficient demand, a majority of GCSEs and A-Levels may soon be available in a digital format.
The exam board has already begun this transition; Edexcel GCSEs in English Language and English Literature are set to be offered on-screen starting next year, following approval from Ofqual, the UK’s qualifications regulator. Additionally, the Edexcel GCSE in Computer Science has been available digitally since 2022, showcasing an early commitment to this technological integration.
Data from Pearson reveals a notable increase in the popularity of examinations taken onscreen. In 2022, a total of 7,012 exam papers were completed digitally in the UK, primarily within the context of GCSE Computer Science, alongside approximately 1,000 for IGCSE English Language. This figure has since doubled, rising to 14,070 onscreen exams in 2023, with around 9,000 entries for GCSE Computer Science. The number of typed exam responses has also surged; from less than 10,000 in 2019, this figure is projected to exceed 84,890 by 2024.
The distinction between typed exams and fully digital tests is critical. While typed exams involve candidates inputting answers to traditional paper exams on computers, on-screen exams are designed specifically for digital assessment, utilising bespoke software to enhance the testing experience.
Pearson has articulated that implementing digital exams could also support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as tailored assessment options could be included, encompassing features like colour filters and alternative paper sizes.
However, the move toward digital assessment has not been without controversy. Academics at Oxford University have expressed concerns regarding the potential for cheating, specifically through the use of advanced artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, which might enable students to generate answers. One Oxford lecturer has indicated that the situation regarding AI technologies has changed, suggesting that what was once considered acceptable during the lockdown period, when computer-based assessment was implemented, may no longer suffice due to these advancements.
As Pearson progresses with its plans, the conversation surrounding the balance between innovation in assessment methods and the integrity of evaluation practices continues to evolve, reflecting broader trends in education and technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services