Results day replaced by an app, invigilators replaced by cameras

[noblegiraffe]

Two news stories caught my eye recently.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2e2z1y1pko

Instead of going into schools to collect results from teachers, students will be able to check their results on an app at home in order to reduce the admin burden on schools.

And

https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/use-ai-cameras-for-digital-invigilation-gcse-a-level-exams-says-aqa-chief

Invigilators should be replaced by cameras monitored by AI to spot signs of cheating.

Both of these seem to miss the point.

1. Results day in schools isn't simply about handing out results. It's about offering support to students who didn't get the results they hoped for/need and about celebrating with students who did.

2. Human invigilators aren't just there to monitor for signs of cheating. Apart from the admin side of handing out and collecting in papers and equipment, organising entry and exit, they also deal with behavioural issues (a camera might spot a kid talking but it won't tell them to stop), handle pupils who are distressed/become ill, or simply accompany them to the toilet.

Depressing that the human interaction side is deemed so unimportant.

The app is not a bad idea, the students could choose to come in if they wanted. Personally I love going in on results day to see my students, especially as lots of them move on after GCSE and obviously all leave after A Levels. I've spent years with some of them so it's great to see all their hard work paying off

Currently the default is they come in and they can opt out if they want.

I think if that switched, something would definitely be lost.

In my country results were mailed out way back when I was at school and are now digital so I can't picture why you'd need another method. If they weren't as expected family and friends would support and you could follow up with the school after as needed.

Thanks for invigilating!

My DS is in a room alone for his exams. Just him.and an the invigilator (same one for all his exams). So far this is working brilliantly in many supportive little ways It wouldn't work with AI.

She does her crosswords - he does the GCSE's.

Because you might change A level options, so need to chat to your head of year ... you might need help getting into different universities, need advice about re-marks etc etc all of which have time scales/deadlines. Also, the availability of teachers isn't for the rest of the school holidays, it might only be that one results day!