University Considers Exams on Computers Because of Bad Handwriting

Category: Education/Family

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. illegible / ɪˈlɛdʒ ə bəl / (adj) – difficult to read
    Example:

    My classmate’s handwriting is illegible.


  2. demanding / dɪˈmæn dɪŋ / (adj) – requiring much time or effort
    Example:

    My physics course is such a demanding class.


  3. as opposed to (something) / æz əˈpoʊzd tu / (idiom) – instead of or compared to something
    Example:

    It is easier to type using a laptop as opposed to using a smartphone.


  4. script / skrɪpt / (n) – letters or characters written by hand, usually those written connected to each other
    Example:

    She learned writing in script when she was in middle school.


  5. transcribing / trænˈskraɪb ɪŋ / (n) – the act of writing down words as they are being spoken
    Example:

    Transcribing is an easy job if you type fast.


Article

Read the text below.

Cambridge University plans to allow computer use during exams because of some students’ illegible handwriting.


Traditionally, students write notes by hand for several hours a day. Now, however, more and more students are relying on gadgets to take down notes. As such, it has become difficult for them to write by hand during examinations.


A lecturer claimed that written exams are demanding for both students and checkers. Having to write essays by hand adds mental challenge to the student as opposed to simply typing them. Checkers have also found it difficult to read script, and some even request students to come to school during the holidays in order to read their answers aloud.


In response to students’ worsening handwriting, the university tried allowing students to use computers in their exams.


The initiative came as Harvard professor Eric Mazur, pioneer of an innovative way of classroom teaching, shared that he encourages his students to bring laptops and smartphones to exams. He also allows students to look up any information they need during tests. This way, he could give exams that can test students’ creative and analytical skills, not their ability to recall.


In addition to Cambridge and Harvard, the idea of using computers in class has also been explored by other schools. Previously, the Elon Law School in the United States conducted a study on how students used their computers during class.


Results showed that students used laptops to take down notes in various ways, like transcribing and paraphrasing. Some students said that their note-taking skills improved when using computers. However, some students also admitted that they used their gadgets for non-school-related activities like checking Facebook, reading news, and sending e-mails during class.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• If you were a Cambridge student, would you support computer use during exams? Why or why not?
• If you were a teacher, how would you ensure that students will not cheat while using their computers during an exam? Discuss.

Discussion B

• Do you think that educators should still give importance to writing by hand? Why or why not?
• What traditional classroom practices or materials do you want to discontinue or change? Discuss.