N4L helps NZQA get schools ready for digital exams
Exam support team to include technical readiness assessments led by N4L
AUCKLAND, New
Zealand, September 30, 2019 - Schools planning to
offer digital exams this year can get their technical
readiness assessed through a new programme led by Network
for Learning (N4L) in partnership with NZQA (New Zealand
Qualifications Authority).
Beginning this week,
N4L, the Crown company tasked with managing schools’
internet services, will offer a technical assessment to more
than 220 schools that have signalled their interest to NZQA
in offering students the opportunity to sit at least one
exam digitally in 2019.
With the help of the school’s local IT support company, N4L will go through a checklist of the internet equipment available in the school’s exam rooms and assess the performance of its wireless internet infrastructure.
The review will
help the school determine if there are any wireless
connection ‘dead spots’, and ensure the room’s
connectivity can cope with the number of students projected
to be simultaneously sitting one exam. Video streaming and
internet speed test results will also be assessed.
Schools will be presented the results of the
technical assessments in advance of the exam period. N4L CEO
Larrie Moore says it’s about helping schools ensure they
are set up to offer the best online exam
experience.
“We are pleased to be working with
NZQA to help prepare schools for what is likely to be their
first digital exam,” says Mr Moore. “Schools need their
internet to work seamlessly within every exam room so
students can fully focus on their exam questions while
having a positive online experience.”
Andrea
Gray, NZQA’s Digital Assessment Transformation Deputy
Chief Executive, said the N4L work is part of a package of
supports NZQA is providing to schools to help them get ready
for digital exams.
“We’re delighted schools are showing strong interest in digital exams and our focus is on helping them feel confident it will be a good experience for students,” says Ms Gray.
N4L will also assist
NZQA’s exam support team throughout the exam period by
providing technical helpdesk and engineering support where
required. The N4L team will help triage any exam room
connectivity issues with the school’s technical support
staff.
More than 220 schools have signalled their
interest in offering students the opportunity to sit at
least one exam digitally this year. This year students can
sit 14 NCEA subjects across three levels using a laptop or
computer rather than pen and paper.
Currently
schools are responsible for ensuring their classroom
wireless internet connections run smoothly throughout the
school and rely on a combination of in-house skills,
outsourced IT support, and online resources to guide
them.
ENDS