Students Who Use Keyboards Get Better Exam Results, Research Finds

Students who use keyboards to write exam answers get better test scores, according to new research, raising questions about how schools will be affected when digital exams for GCSEs and A-levels become widespread.

- Richard Adams

The research carried out at University College London (UCL) tested state school pupils, comparing their scores in essays using handwriting and word processors under mock exam conditions, and found big improvements for all pupils with the latter, including those with learning difficulties.

Emma Sumner, a senior lecturer in psychology and education at Liverpool John Moores University who led the research, said the "dramatic" improvements meant schools needed to provide laptops and teach touch-typing, as examination boards are seeking to introduce online exams within the next five years.

"Exams are time-bound and require students being able to quickly transcribe their ideas. If typing is quicker for the majority, or gives the flexibility to revise without lots of crossing-outs, then that's helpful," Sumner said.