O U S A
Statement issued by the Open University on 11th July 2008
O U S A has received the following statement from the University regarding the use of later versions of Dragon (Voice Recognition Software) in exams. This statement addresses students who have taken exams in April, June and July, as well as those who are due to take their exams in October 2008.
The University is taking action and I can assure students that I will be following this through towards a permanent resolution.
Chris Bell, Vice President Student Support. 11th July, 2008
(Note: This message is also being added to the O U S A website)
OU Statement:
The University is aware that some students have been caused distress by its decision to disallow the use of some versions of Dragon Software in examinations and is investigating the issues raised and potential solutions. A range of actions are already in place to respond to the needs of students.
The University will consider individual cases where a student feels that the use of an amanuensis in the October 2008 examination will not be adequate for their needs. Where the needs are demonstrated the O U will, on this occasion, allow the use of Dragon 7 or later with appropriate invigilation in place. Regional Centres will discuss this with students when making arrangements for the October examinations.
We are proceeding with urgency to find technical solutions that will enable the most recent versions of Dragon to be used in examinations in the future and hope that the statement above reassures students that their needs will be considered individually in the lead up to the October 2008 examinations.
The O U is currently identifying students who sat examinations in April, June and July this year and who had previously confirmed arrangements changed at short notice. We will contact these students and invite them to tell the University how they feel the alternative arrangements disadvantaged their performance. Where appropriate their course results will be reviewed.
Jenny Bull
Head, Examinations and Assessment
