Scratch Paper and its Effects on Online Exams

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Is physical scratch paper the only option?
Is physical scratch paper the only option?

Academic professionals differ about whether scratch paper should be allowed during exams and classwork. While some disciplines believe the presence of scratch paper weakens the integrity of the test, other fields of study believe note paper is critical to the problem-solving process.

Advantages to scratch paper might be that it saves time to write out a problem rather than trying to keep track of it mentally, and, in most cases, it will afford more accuracy. However, physical scratch paper being an element outside of the digital work space poses a problem. A student looking off-screen during a proctoring session can create an issue with continually ensuring academic integrity.

Technology has transformed many areas of life, including education. While sometimes serving as a distraction to students, technology has also exponentially increased the possibilities for learning and growing in the classroom and continues to do so.

A simple technological product that may serve a valuable purpose in the online testing world is digital scratch paper. Physical scratch paper may pose issues in proctored exams where a proctor is required throughout an exam to see the test-taker’s face, chin-to-forehead, because the test-taker is continually looking down and off the screen.

What to do, then? Online applications and websites that offer digital, on-screen scratch pads could be paramount. Keeping everything on screen from scratch paper to calculators to, of course, the exam, would reduce the amount of time that a student’s eyes are off screen, in turn reducing the threat of academic dishonesty.

Digital scratch paper is also more environmentally conscious. A student simply opens a tab and goes to the website, which has a pencil and eraser tool. Once the screen is filled up, the student erases and begins again, no trees harmed.

One example of a free online scratch paper application is Sketchpad 4.1. It’s easy and fun to use, and there are many writing utensil options. Shrib.com is an online notepad that would be useful for drafting while writing an online essay.

What do you think? Does scratch paper pose a threat? Is digital scratch paper a good solution?