Edmonton – Diploma exams will be available digitally for Alberta students by 2017.
The province made the announcement Tuesday morning during a teleconference with student reporters.
“Students have repeatedly told us that they want to be able to learn at their own pace and have more flexibility in how their learning is assessed,” said Education Minister Jeff Johnson in a news release.
“Moving to digital diploma exams is a key part of our overall shift towards the personalized and innovative learning approaches envisioned through Inspiring Education Inspiring Education.”
The province says moving to a digital format will increase students opportunities to write diploma exams. Currently, students can write diploma exams twice a year.
The province also believes offering electronic diploma exams will allow students to more effectively demonstrate skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and communication.
“Alberta’s strength and forward-looking vision have always been a result of our shared priority on enabling young Albertans to realize their full potential,” said Premier Alison Redford.
Testing of the digital exams will begin in 2014. The province plans on having all diploma exams offered electronically by the fall of 2017.
Students will still be able to write exams on paper if they want.