With the advent of the first series of remote exams taking place this summer, as highlighted in The Times ‘Meet the teens sitting the first online GCSE exams’ article, this blog continues the discussion about the opportunities and potential of online exams for students across the world.
In recent years, the mental health crisis in schools has become a pressing issue, with many students citing the pressure of exams as a major contributing factor. However, there is newfound hope on the horizon as a cohort of schoolchildren, at an online school, have taken their GCSE exams online, thanks to the opportunity introduced by one of the country's biggest exam boards. Despite calls from teachers, leaders and many esteemed members of the education sector to reform the education system, such that certificate exams would no longer be the be-all-and-end-all, there is no sign of high-stakes exams, at least at GCSE level, being phased out any time soon. The development of remote examinations, is the next best step, holding significant opportunities for all students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and mental health challenges.
As it stands, the majority of students in the UK sit their examinations in their school settings, set up row after row after row. This set-up would manifest anxiety in most of us and it can be debilitating for some, limiting the ability to participate in exams altogether. All students who are electively home-educated or learn with one of the increasing number of online schools have, until now, sat their exams with private exam centres. For the first time, this summer, a small cohort of young people sat their GCSEs in a fully-proctored online setting, overseen by a live invigilator and three cameras, in the comfort of their own homes. The advent of students sitting their high-stakes exams is the first step towards a more accessible future for young people globally.
Let’s explore the opportunities remote exams offer. Undoubtedly, one of the key triumphs is inclusivity. By offering the option to sit exams online, students with SEND, mental health challenges, or who live in remote locations, for example, can now participate on a more equal footing with their peers. The flexibility of online exams allows students to create an environment that suits their individual needs, alleviating potential anxiety triggers that may arise in a traditional exam setting. We know that traditional school settings are not suitable for every young person, so the ability to sit exams remotely will empower students to showcase their true potential and allows them to be better evaluated based on their knowledge and abilities.
Reducing stress is another significant benefit of online exams. The familiar and comfortable environment of students' own homes or a familiar educational setting can help alleviate the pressure associated with traditional exams. Students can focus solely on their performance without the added stress of unfamiliar surroundings or the fear of judgment from their peers. This reduction in stress can lead to improved mental wellbeing and allow students to demonstrate their true abilities.
While not the case with all elements of high-stakes certificate exams, such as GCSEs, online assessment offers a unique opportunity for improved progress tracking and feedback. With digital assessments, students can receive immediate feedback on their performance, enabling them to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments. This real-time feedback fosters a continuous learning process, allowing students to grow and develop their skills. Moreover, digital assessments also allows for adaptive testing and the creation of personalised learning pathways, which tailors and differentiates learning to the needs of the student. Educators can analyse individual performance data to provide targeted support, ensuring that students receive the guidance they need to succeed. While instant feedback is not a current feature high-stakes exams, it is bound ot to be in the future.
The introduction of online GCSE exams marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive educational environment. Students with SEND and mental health challenges, in particular, will have a better opportunity to showcase their abilities and excel in a supportive and accommodating setting. Students who travel the world with their families or who cannot access a local exam centre, without travelling at great expense, may now be able to achieve qualifications without stepping into an exam hall. It is early days for remote high-stakes exams; however, the advantages are many: inclusivity, flexibility, enhanced accessibility, individualised support from invigilators, reduced stress, and better implementation of accommodations for special requirements. It might not be today, tomorrow or this year, but the days of filtering into the exam hall may eventually be a thing of the past.
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