Using Chromebooks for exams?

[pfaict]

Hello,

 

Has anyone successfully managed to use Chromebooks for GCSE school exams? We had hoped we could run up Google Docs in kiosk mode and run out a policy to disable the spell checker, however this does not seem to be a possibility.

These chromebooks are enrolled and managed by our department so there is a lot of things we cn do with them, but exams does not seem to be one of them.

 

In all of this, I want something that is more reliable than our current way which is simply to use Windows machines with office / internet disabled via GPO, with them using Wordpad whilst regularly (manually) saving to a network location. So any chromebook solution would have to auto save as you go along, like Google Docs does, and not the Google Forms route where it is only really saved once you have submitted (i believe, correct me if i am wrong!).

 

We will be very appreciative of anyone who has any good ideas or experience in using Chromebooks for exam purposes.

[FN-GM]

I can't take the credit, someone else suggested this to me. You could create a basic Google Form and make this a Kiosk app. I have been told there will be no spell checker. The form just has:

 

1. Candidates Name

2. Question Number

3. Response box

 

I haven't tested this (yet!).

[mjk]

This is probably what you need:

https://www.digiexam.com/

[fiza]

This sounds like something @rogerdnixon could answer

[just_david]

I'd be careful as I remember in the exam guidelines it does say the computer given to the user must be familiar to what they use day to day.

 

If all the student computers are windows and office, you shouldn't really be putting them into an exam on a chrome book and google docs

[mjk]

I'd be careful as I remember in the exam guidelines it does say the computer given to the user must be familiar to what they use day to day.

If all the student computers are windows and office, you shouldn't really be putting them into an exam on a chrome book and google docs

 

Hi David, I'm pretty sure the JCQ wording is that any students can use word processors if it is their 'normal way of working' . ie anyone can word process their exams if they normally write that way. The regulation doesn't go into the type of word processor because that would then stop people from using wordpad if they normally use office.

[just_david]

Hi David, I'm pretty sure the JCQ wording is that any students can use word processors if it is their 'normal way of working' . ie anyone can word process their exams if they normally write that way. The regulation doesn't go into the type of word processor because that would then stop people from using wordpad if they normally use office.

I guess it depends how far you'd take "normal way of working"

 

I'd say it would go so far as to cover word and windows (or apple and pages, whatever your chosen poison is)

 

I wouldn't want a student to come out of an exam then go to his parents, "i didn't do as well as i could of as i had to figure out a new computer system"

[mjk]

I guess it depends how far you'd take "normal way of working"I'd say it would go so far as to cover word and windows (or apple and pages, whatever your chosen poison is)I wouldn't want a student to come out of an exam then go to his parents, "i didn't do as well as i could of as i had to figure out a new computer system"

here is the actual wording:

 

Centres are allowed to provide a word processor (e.g. laptop, computer) with the spelling andgrammar check/predictive text disabled to a candidate where it is their normal way ofworking within the centre and is appropriate to their needs, unless an awarding body’s specification says otherwise. This also includes an electronic brailler or a tablet.

A word processor:

 

• must be used as a type-writer, not as a database, although standard formatting software is acceptable

• must have been cleared of any previously stored data, as must any portable storage medium used. An unauthorised memory stick must not be used by a candidate.Where required, the centre must provide a memory stick to the candidate, which is cleared of any previously stored data;

• must be in good working order at the time of the examination;

• must be accommodated in such a way that other candidates are not disturbed and cannot read the screen. Where a candidate using a word processor is accommodated inanother room, a separate invigilator will be required;

• must either be connected to a printer so that a script can be printed off, or have the facility to print from a portable storage medium. This must be done after the examination is over.The candidate must be present to verify that the work printed is his or her own.Word processed scripts must be attached to any answer booklet which contains some of the answers;

• must be used to produce scripts under secure conditions, otherwise they may be refused;

• must not be used to perform skills which are being assessed;

• must not be connected to an intranet or any other means of communication;

• must not give the candidate access to other applications such as a calculator(where prohibited in the examination), spreadsheets etc;

• must not include graphic packages or computer aided design software unless permission has been given to use these;

• must not have any predictive text software or an automatic spelling and grammar check enabled unless the candidate has been permitted a scribe or is using speech recognition technology (a scribe cover sheet must be completed), or the awardingbody’s specification permits the use of automatic spell checking;

• must not include speech recognition technology unless the candidate has permission to use a scribe or relevant software;

• must not be used on the candidate’s behalf by a third party unless the candidate has permission to use a scribe.

Edited June 12, 2017 by mjk