Electronic marking and mark capture
Summer 2008: facts and figures
In summer 2008 we used new technology to mark nearly all our 7.5 million exam papers: 2.5 million of these exam papers were marked directly from a scanned image.
Virtually all of our examiners were involved in electronic marking and mark capture: a PC or laptop is now as important to examiners as the traditional red pen.
On-line Standardisation
AQA has developed a bespoke web-based system tailored to the conventional standardisation process.
Examiners in 28 components were standardised on-line, involving 667 examiners.
Examiners received training in the use of the software and had access to on-line support materials in advance of the examinations.
On-line standardisation will be rolled out to most components over the next few years.
e-Portfolio
80 centres submitted the coursework of over 1,000 candidates to moderators electronically using AQA's new bespoke e-portfolio system. The system worked well and will be rolled out over the next few years.
On-screen testing
In GCSE Science (Spec A) 41 centres entered 1,923 candidates for the on-screen version, which was delivered smoothly.
In the Functional Skills pilots 9 centre entered 172 candidates in English and 10 centres entered 277 candidates in Maths. In January ICT will also be offered on-screen in the Functional Skills pilots.
We continue to use new technology where it best serves our students and the assessment process. All uses of new technology are underpinned by rigorous research.