By Maya Ekladious
In recent years, a major part of students’ education has been shifted virtually. Technology has become a significant part of school due to virtual learning, hybrid classes and dual enrollment classes. Thus, it is no surprise that many on-paper Advanced Placement (AP) exams have been ditched and replaced with virtual exams on school-issued Chromebooks. However, there are many advantages and disadvantages of ditching traditional AP exams:
Advantages:
- Efficiency and Timeliness:
Writing pages of essays on English and history exams can be frustrating, especially with the clock ticking and the timer running. Students can go on writing for hours without any breaks which can cause hand cramps as well as a very stressful environment. Fortunately, with online AP exams, students can type faster and more efficiently. Additionally, it is easier to go back and change answers without having to cross out their answer in messy ink writing.
- Legibility:
“No matter how brilliant your thoughts or how cogent your analysis, the College Board cannot give you credit for an answer that they cannot read.” Luckily, students taking their exams online do not have to worry about the legibility of their handwriting in an exam where they often feel so short on time.
- Environmentally Friendly:
With nearly 1.2 million students taking more than 4 million ap exams each year, countless papers are wasted for question and answer sheets as well as for the possible overestimation of the number of exam takers. Thus, online exams are the more environment-friendly testing option.
- Accessibility:
It can be inconvenient for students with disabilities to take traditional AP exams due to far testing locations, writing and reading small fonts. However, virtual exams make it easier and more convenient for students with disabilities to take AP exams as it does not require a certain testing location and it will be easier for these students to adapt to the testing conditions.
Disadvantages:
- Technical Difficulties:
Being subject to technical difficulties is one of the major drawbacks of online AP exams. Exam disruptions can be caused by poor internet connection or computer issues which can result in unneeded worry and stress for the student and exam instructor. In such cases, students can be required to repeat their tests or can obtain partial credit.
- Long Screen Time:
Staring at a computer screen for two to three consecutive hours on exam days can be painful, eye irritating and can cause headaches for students, especially those who are scheduled to take more than one AP exam on the same day. Students use their full attention on exams and are most likely not to break focus from their screen due to their fear of the exam’s limited time coming to an end before they can finish their answers.
3. Inaccessible technology:
Although some schools provide students with testing devices, there might not be enough devices to replace a computer or laptop with issues. This leaves students with added stress and a risk of not being able to continue with the exams that they paid for and studied hard for.
Due to AP exams being a very significant and major way to demonstrate students’ hard work to colleges, students should be the ones responsible for making the decision of whether or not to take their exams digitally. It’s a complex decision because while online examinations provide efficiency, help with handwriting issues, are environment friendly and are accessible, they can be plagued by technical difficulties, long screen time and inaccessible technology. Therefore, students should be given the opportunity to vote on their exam preference, traditional or digital, based on a thorough revision of the risks and benefits involved.
