Algeria shut down the internet for an hour on June 25th in an attempt to prevent cheating during exam time for high school diploma exams. The shut down affects both fixed land line connections and mobile connections - which is mainly intended to prevent any leaks from occurring during the entire exam period. Algeria had also blocked off access to Facebook across the nation.
These measures are extended and in place because of some conflicts that took place during exams over the past few years. In 2016, some test questions were posted online before and during exam time. Authorities took a step in this incident by asking ISPs to block access to all social media platforms, but it didn't seem to be very effective.
During the exams, both student and staff members were not allowed to bring in any devices with internet access into the exam rooms. To help prevent this, metal detectors had been used and installed to detect anyone carrying a smartphone or smartwatch. It is fairly easy to get text messages, memos and other types of data on a smartwatch which could potentially elevate concerns for cheating in that circumstance
Cheating with the use of technology has become more sophisticated, too - the common cheat sheet has been replaced with electronic erasers, wireless earpieces, and even cell phones. Teachers in Belgium are taking advantage of the latest technology too by using DDI Phantom Drones that are equipped with GoPro cameras. They are used to hover over student's desks and take real-time images of the tests and send it back to the teacher to monitor. These drones have about 15 minutes of flying power, and if they're not operated correctly, they can crash onto the student's heads. If the drones do get too close to the students, they may end up getting their hair caught in the propellers or may even have their test papers blown off the desk. Overall, not a great idea.
China's Education Ministry holds the cocoa exam every year. It's considered to be equivalent to the SATs in the United States, and over 9 million students take part in it. When students are writing out the test, they have video cameras monitoring their testing, so that teachers can keep a closer eye on their progress. Police officers also sit outside the exam rooms using wireless signal detectors so they can intercept any exam questions or answers being passed on through radio devices. In 2011, police officers took 62 people in for selling wireless headphones, two-way radio devices and any other electronic devices that were aimed towards cheating during the exam.
China's patrolling drones are in effect to monitor radio activity and catch anyone in suspicion of cheating. (Image Credit: STR/AFP/Getty Images)
One province in China is also using drones to monitor any signs of radio activity during exam time. When something has been detected by the drones the exam invigilator becomes aware of the culprit's location. The punishments for cheating on the gaokao exam are harsh, so students will need to be advised on the threat of punishments if cheating is on their minds.
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