STUDENTS today may be more computer-savvy than ever before, but they still find on-screen exams more difficult to complete than traditional paper-and-pencil tests.
Research backed by an exam board shows that 10 to 11-year-olds who answered a series of maths questions using both methods scored lower in computer-based tests, The Times Educational Supplement (Sept 17) reports.
Martin Johnson and Sylvia Green, of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, found that most problems occurred when children transferred question information from the screen to their working-out sheet.
“If the child thinks the calculation is easy enough they will do it mentally from the screen,” the authors say. “If the question is already on paper it is more natural and takes less effort for the child to use written methods to support their thinking.” This is also more consistent with their prior classroom experience.
Boys were especially likely to attempt questions they were unsure of when taking the on-screen test. This, the authors say, may be because they are applying the “have a go and start again” philosophy of computer games.
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Although supporters of computer-based examinations believe they will increase student engagement, save cash and cut teachers’ workload, the Department for Education and Skills has been cautious about reform.
www.ucles-red.cam.ac.uk/conferencepapers.htm