Hong Kong's school examination watchdog is considering installing handset detectors in toilets and examination halls in schools to curb cheating during exams, it was announced on Sunday.

 

The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) held a forum to discuss ways of preventing students from cheating during exams, and the feasibility of installing handset detectors in all schools and examination halls.

 

It was estimated that it would cost two million Hong Kong dollars (about US$257,400) to buy handset detectors. The plan was still under discussion, an HKEAA official said.

 

Critics of the plan, including Kam-yuen Yip, chairman of the Association of Heads of Secondary Schools, believe such a measure would have an adverse effect on students. If authorities detected the use of a mobile phone but were unable to identify the culprit, this would only cause panic among students.

 

Yip suggested low-cost steps to combat cheating such as having students sign their names before visiting the toilet during an exam.

 

Nearly 100 students complained in May that some Hong Kong Certificate of Education Exam candidates had used mobile phones during trips to the toilet to look up answers on Websites. After an investigation, the HKEAA found that only one student had cheated in this manner.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 6, 2006)