New exam barcode system has been poorly planned
I'm writing in response to the article 'New exam procedure worries principals' in the South China Morning Post on March 16.
Introducing the new barcode system at such short notice could be chaotic. I believe that doing things without testing them first will always produce errors.
The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessments Authority's intention with the new system is good, but the way they have implemented it isn't.
Why don't they ask principals or teachers for advice? Why don't they test the system first on a small group of students? I believe that the lack of planning will cause them problems.
ROBIN CHEUNG
St Paul's College
Thanks for your letter, Robin. I know many people were worried about the new barcode system, but there is good news: it seems easy to use.
SCMP reporter Will Clem spoke to students leaving the HKCEE physical education theory paper and most had got to grips with the new system easily.
Judy Kwok, 17, was quoted as saying: 'I hadn't seen or heard anything about the stickers until I went into the exam room. But it was quite simple, and we were given very clear instructions.'
Over the last six years the Exam Authority has lost or misplaced more than 80 papers, so this new system should stop that happening! Change is always a little scary, but I'm sure students will manage.
Kate, Editor
