Leaving Cert subject to be examined electronically
Design and Communication Graphics, the Leaving Cert subject which replaced Technical Drawing and will be examined for the first time in 2009, is to be partially assessed on the basis of a project submitted on CD.
The new subject involves concentrated use of computer-aided design software. An assignment in Design and Communications Graphics would involve a candidate building a 3D drawing - which lends itself to electronic presentation and examination.
However, ensuring that the work on the CD is the candidate's own, especially since there is no handwriting involved, could be a major challenge.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is currently researching ways in which a student's electronic presentation could be authenticated, to satisfy the standards of the State Examinations Commission. (Source: Irish Independent)