Weekly topic: Is the use of a computer for essay based exams unfair?

I used a computer in my exams, but was not granted extra time. I cannot write at speed for a long period of time without getting a debilitating pain in my hand (enough to leave me almost in tears), which has meant that in previous exams I have had to leave papers semi-finished and not been able to produce my best work as a result. If I didn't have a computer, it would have been physically impossible for me to have got through my English, History and Government and Politics A2 exams.

tldr; no, it isn't unfair, but there must be a legitimate justification for it.

do you use word?

what's your opinion?

Everybody writes at a similar pace, but there is a LOT of variation in typing speed, so I'd say unfair as it's not representative under timed conditions

This may be true - however it would increase the clarity for all students as examiners don't have to figure out their handwriting (which could get even worse when students are trying to write quickly).

I use a laptop in my exams, as well as having 25% extra time, and did all essay subjects in my A-Levels (History, English Literature and Philosophy)

The whole point in having exam conditions like this is so that it makes it fairer for the individual, as they are put in place in order to put you on a level playing field with all of the other candidates. If someone who had no reason to need these arrangements had them, then that would be unfair. However, allowing a candidate to type is supposed to be a way in which exams are fairer. For example, I type my exams because I have dyspraxia, meaning I write very slowly, have messy handwriting and a lot of pain in my hand when I try to write at speed for more than a couple of minutes. My extra time is for dyslexia, as this causes me to have slower processing speeds than some. Because I type I am on a much more level playing field than everyone else, and I seem to write a similar amount to them as well, so I don't feel as if I am at much of an advantage to them really.

I feel like having these sorts of things in exams is often misunderstood, as people often say you can get them for just writing slowly , but in reality there normally need evidence as to why you need it, such as a diagnosis.

Thank you so much, somebody who understands! I get rest breaks in exams due to a diagnosis a few years ago, and people literally think that it's unfair they don't get it too! It simply levels the playing field for us guys - do we have to reapply at uni or are they carried forward?

Thank you so much, somebody who understands! I get rest breaks in exams due to a diagnosis a few years ago, and people literally think that it's unfair they don't get it too! It simply levels the playing field for us guys - do we have to reapply at uni or are they carried forward?

Just wondering, but do you get to delete and re-order stuff on the computer?

I know right! I think a lot of the problem is these things are due to invisible problems a lot of the time, so people don't actually realise why you need these things, it can get very annoying! I think they are carried on at uni. Have you applied for a DSA? I've just had a meeting for one today and they write up a report for you, which has recommendations and they put things like rest breaks on there for you. The person I had my meeting with said if you have had arrangements at school, it's unlikely that you will be refused them at uni.