10th February 2010 9:00
By Blue Tutors
The BBC have reported that cheating in exams has increased because of better technology, according to a reported recently published by Ofqual. Misconduct in exams has increased by 6% in the last year, although Ofqual were quick to point out that misbehaviour in exams still only affects 0.03% of all exams taken.
As technology has improved, it has become more and more difficult for teachers to notice someone cheating. The two changes that are most affecting exams are increased internet access on mobile phones, and wireless earpieces that can receive signals remotely (either playing back revision notes, or receiving help from outside the examination room.
To combat the problem schools are buying more sophisticated detection equipment, but equipment that can be used to cheat is also being aggressively marketed at students, and it’s difficult for schools to keep up with the rapidly improving technology.