Fears of a digital divide in schools

Press Release:

An education expert and former government adviser has warned of a possible ‘digital divide’ developing in schools if exams become entirely computer based.

Dr Stephen Curran was reacting to an exam board’s decision to phase out the traditional exam paper.

It could lead to all papers being taken in front of a keyboard and screen rather than by children using a pen and paper.

Pearson, the country’s largest board, said its History and Business Studies’ GCSE exams will be taken on-screen from 2027 and more subjects and A Levels will follow.

The board’s managing director Sharon Hague said the policy was as a result of demands from pupils who would prefer to type.

But Dr Curran, who advised on the government’s 2014 curriculum changes, urged caution.

He said: “It is inevitable that we will see more exams taken on computers – not just GCSEs and A Levels, but SATs exams too.

“One of my fears is that we could see a digital divide – between those who can type well and those who can’t.”

“There will be those who simply don’t have a keyboard at home and it will put them at a disadvantage.”

“They might have phones and tablets, but they require very different typing skills than those used on a traditional keyboard.”

“Better off parents will be able to pay for touch-typing lessons meaning their children will be able to complete papers much faster.”

“At present, there is already a significant issue with literacy in the nation.”

“Many children are not very literate when they enter the secondary system and we do not want to add another problem by moving too quickly to computer-based exams.”

“I also have concerns about costs and security. Going to full-keyboard will mean schools having to invest heavily in new equipment – money that might be better spent elsewhere.”

“Screens and keyboards don’t come cheap, and they have a tendency to stop operating when you need them most.”

“At the moment, exam papers are sealed and only opened in the school hall. If they were delivered via the internet it could create a real problem with exam security.”

“There will also be the temptation to create exams and assessments that are just multiple-choice tick box affairs and where no real writing takes place.”

“Writing in full sentences is an important literary and intellectual skill.”

“I understand the desire to see computers and keyboards utilised for exams and can see the benefits, but we must ensure that there no digital divide opens between children.”

“I think a slower introduction would be better as the educational establishment needs to set out clear guidelines.”

“There is also the possibility that at some point in the future handwriting skills could be completely disappear. We may not realise what we have lost until it is gone.”

“Handwriting skills must be maintained; I believe that writing by hand aids learning and also helps the creative process – much more than typing does.”

“In my experience it connects the brain and the hand in a way that doesn’t happen on a keyboard, and I want children to continue to be able to master this skill.”

“It is inevitable that more exams will be taken on computers, but there must be no digital divide and handwriting skills must be maintained.”

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