High school graduation exam on computer: The biggest barrier is fairness

Digital transformation in education is an inevitable trend, and exams are no exception. From 2027, Vietnam will pilot high school graduation exams on computers under the direction of the Prime Minister.

This is not simply a matter of equipping machines, but also a complex process, involving technology, organization, social psychology and especially fairness as well as the whole society's trust in the exam.

NOT ALL DEVICES ARE REQUIRED TO ORGANIZE COMPUTER-BASED EXAMS

A common misconception is that all you need is computers and software to run an online exam. In fact, the equipment is just the starting point. The success of a digital exam depends on the ability to operate the system, handle problems quickly, ensure stable transmission, control data, and especially carefully prepare human resources.

Vietnam has implemented many exams on computers. These will be necessary experiences to implement the plan to conduct high school graduation exams on computers.

PHOTO: THUY DUONG

In Kenya, the Grade 9 entrance exam was controversial when rural students had to use phones borrowed from adults to take the exam, while urban students took the exam on computers in labs. This led to a disparity not only in results but also eroded confidence in the fairness of the exam.

Even in the US, Indiana experienced a system failure that caused thousands of students to be interrupted during their exams. This shows that modern software alone is not enough, but also requires a fast-response technical team, emergency support mechanisms and effective backup.

For Vietnam, it is important to invest in equipment, in addition to building a comprehensive, safe and stable ecosystem, from software to people.

Computer-based exams not only pose problems for infrastructure but also for the skills and psychology of candidates. Many students, especially those in rural areas, do not have early access to computers and are not familiar with typing, using the mouse or handling software, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to their peers in urban areas.

In France, when piloting the electronic baccalaureate exam, rural students were confused with operations such as saving papers and correcting spelling mistakes. Meanwhile, urban students, who were proficient in using computers, completed the test faster and more effectively, although their learning ability was not necessarily superior. This difference does not come from knowledge but from access to technology.

In India, the leaking of exam papers on social media between sessions has caused a huge controversy. This shows that without simultaneous exams or a random question generation system, it will be very difficult to ensure fairness.

In Vietnam, to successfully test on computers, it is necessary to standardize digital skills from secondary school level and invest in infrastructure equally. At the same time, it is necessary to have a plan to organize exams in one session or flexibly generate questions, ensuring the same level of difficulty to create a fair playing field for all students.

The specialized competency assessment exam of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education is also conducted on computer.

Photo: Ha Anh

B SECURITY AND FRAUD: SERIOUS ISSUES

Computer-based testing offers many benefits, but it also poses many risks regarding security and cheating. As technology advances, cheating methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated: from tiny headphones, screen-simulating software, to artificial intelligence (AI) that supports real-time test-taking, and even targeted cyber attacks.

In Nigeria, a civil service exam was forced to be canceled after a system attack left thousands of candidates unable to log in. In the Philippines, candidates used screen-sharing software to get help during their teacher certification exam. These incidents show that online testing is not just a technical issue, but also a security challenge.

Some countries like the UK and the US have applied webcam and AI monitoring to ensure honesty, but have also faced privacy concerns from parents and students.

In Vietnam, large-scale computer-based testing still has no clear legal framework. The Ministry of Education and Training needs to soon issue specific regulations on security, monitoring, incident handling and publicizing the organization process to create social trust.

Students need to get acquainted with it early

Vietnam is no stranger to computer-based exams. Computer exams, international English exams, professional aptitude tests, and vocational certificates have been used for many years.

In particular, the Hanoi National University's competency assessment test or the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education's specialized competency assessment test have been implemented on computers for many years. In 2025, Vietnam will also complete the PISA test for more than 7,000 students using international software. This is a valuable foundation for gradually digitizing the high school graduation exam.

However, in reality, many students, despite their good grades, are still confused and nervous when taking tests on computers. Many students are afraid of software errors, losing connection, or simply not used to the feeling of taking tests on a screen.

Even in Singapore (a country with a leading digital education system), many students reported feeling uncomfortable writing long essays on computers. Some said the worry of the computer crashing made them more stressed than taking a paper-based exam.

Therefore, the solution is to let students get used to it early. It is possible to organize small tests and mock exams on computers from grades 10-11. Creating conditions for students to get used to the interface and operations will help reduce pressure and reflect their true abilities. It is necessary to standardize digital skills early for students, from middle school they should learn computer skills such as typing text and processing multiple choice tests on software.

To successfully implement computer-based testing, Vietnam needs to avoid the mentality of chasing technology. It is not just a technical change, but a new way of thinking, requiring the coordination of many parties and putting the learner at the center. Some important principles to note:

Pilot selectively. Start in areas with good infrastructure, then expand gradually; evaluate effectiveness independently and transparently. Do not spread out, but focus on building modern testing centers that can be used for multiple exams.

It is necessary to build a strong and diverse test bank and organize exams simultaneously across the country to limit leaks. In addition, it is also necessary to explain to students, teachers and parents the benefits and risks of taking exams on computers, and at the same time, provide guidance on how to adapt.

Computer-based testing should not be for the sole purpose of facilitating the organization, or for the purpose of modernizing education on paper. Any change is only meaningful if it helps students demonstrate their true abilities, ensures fairness, and reduces exam pressure.

From exam regulations, software, monitoring methods to analyzing results…, everything must revolve around the needs, conditions and psychology of students. If the learner is not put at the center, the reform will easily fail.

Vietnam is facing a historic opportunity. If done correctly and systematically, computer-based testing will open a new era in educational assessment and analysis. However, if done hastily, without preparation and transparency, it can easily lead to many risks and loss of trust.

Not all subjects are suitable for computer-based testing.

One reality that needs to be faced is that not all subjects are suitable for complete digitization. Long essay subjects such as literature, or subjects that require drawings and formulas to be presented, still face many difficulties if the exam is completely on the computer.

In many countries such as Germany, Finland, and Japan, only a few multiple-choice subjects such as math, foreign languages, and history are tested on computers. Creative and essay subjects are still tested on paper or oral.

Therefore, computer-based testing should start with subjects that are highly multiple-choice, easy to monitor and score, and then expand gradually based on practical assessment.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thi-tot-nghiep-thpt-tren-may-tinh-rao-can-lon-nhat-la-su-cong-bang-185250709185942015.htm