To think a change to exams format is needed?

[milafawny]

I have two children about to sit GCSE exams and have been working on revision etc with them.

From doing this, i feel like a change is needed, to some exams. With how life is now, i really believe that GCSE English exams, where they have to write an essay based answer, should be done on a computer. This allows them to go back and self edit, if they think of something to add when proof reading they can. They can cut something entirely and paste it else where. They could use a software without grammar and spelling for the students if that is an area still considered by exam boards for grading purposes. But on the whole i think exams should reflect modern methods of writing.

Im a big fan of handwritten notes, through uni (in recent years as i went back as an adult) all my lecture notes and revision notes were handwritten. Im a strong believer that taking to the time to handwrite something helps understanding and retaining information. But for essays, surely, via a computer is the way everyone does it?

I dont know how it could work logistically, or even funding wise in schools. But do people agree that for certain subjects that require essay style answers, handwritten is not the most effective method any more?

I totally agree. My DD is allowed to use a PC in her exams due to a disability and she says that it is much easier for every point you made in your first paragraph.

It is both funding and logistically a nightmare. You would firstly need upwards of 300 computers for some schools set up in exam conditions (so spacing) and be connected to charge. Then think of the noise that would generate. And the software needed

plus handwriting is a skill and writing it out should earn thinking and planning first

now should GCSEs have a coursework component that allows that - yes I would say 25-30%