Commission to trial scanned exam papers over original answer books

The use of scanned exam papers instead of the original answer books is being trialled as part of this year’s State exams which begin at schools and other centres this morning. Around 25,000 Junior Certificate students will have scanned copies of their higher level French exams marked using online software.

The papers completed by students during 2.5-hour exam being taken next Wednesday morning will be scanned by the State Examinations Commission. It will then share the digital versions with examiners around the country, to be marked on their own computers.

The move to use practices already adopted in Northern Ireland, Britain, and elsewhere is being piloted as part of the commission’s efforts to make greater use of technology in delivery of exams.