Typing the Leaving Cert.

ldxo15wus6fpgm

Right lads, I'm 99% sure I'm going to be typing on a laptop for the some exams in the Leaving. I'm just wondering what the set up will be. Has anyone here done this/ know anyone that did it?

I'd mainly like to know if there's any certain word processor used or do they just stick you on microsoft word or notepad.

Oh and also if there will be any USB hubs or any other external memory inputs on the laptop

I know I'm not going to be in the main exam hall for whatever exams I choose to type, but there are a couple of people in my year who can sit the exam in a different room too, because of learning difficulties etc. I would like to know if I'll be in with them or completely alone, however I don't really expect an answer to that one here.

With regards to the first Q though, if anyone knows someone that typed for the LC could you please ask if they remember what program was used to type it, that would be much appreciated.

Moshimoshi

I think each student gets their own room. That's the set up in my school anyway, it mightn't be the same everywhere.

I'm not doing the typing but my friend did and said he used MS Word for his LC

gemxpink

Dilan Vast Waterworks wrote: »

Right lads, I'm 99% sure I'm going to be typing on a laptop for the some exams in the Leaving. I'm just wondering what the set up will be. Has anyone here done this/ know anyone that did it?

I'd mainly like to know if there's any certain word processor used or do they just stick you on microsoft word or notepad.

Oh and also if there will be any USB hubs or any other external memory inputs on the laptop

I know I'm not going to be in the main exam hall for whatever exams I choose to type, but there are a couple of people in my year who can sit the exam in a different room too, because of learning difficulties etc. I would like to know if I'll be in with them or completely alone, however I don't really expect an answer to that one here.

With regards to the first Q though, if anyone knows someone that typed for the LC could you please ask if they remember what program was used to type it, that would be much appreciated.

As far as I know it's just Microsoft word. A guy I know did some of them on a laptop but he said it was "just like a normal PC". Iirc, they have a program set up on it that records everything you do and type too, kinda like the school computers. Of course they don't tell you this lol.

I'm sure it will have a USB port but iirc, the examiner sites behind you watching you so, eh, yeah. Haha don't even think about trying.

You'll most likely be in your own room with an examiner. Depending on how many rooms are available, you might have to be moved to an external location like a Parish Center room or something.

Gael23

I am probably typing mine too. I will be in a seperate centre on my own with just a superintendant. Im not totally sure what type of word processor can be used but I think I can use my own laptop however the spellcheck must be disabled. I think that the exam is saved onto a memory stick and then printed off.

**Timbuk2**

For people who type the LC, how do they do diagrams, such as in Geography, Physics etc.?

siobhanher

I'm really curious about this. I've spoken to my teacher about typing some of my leaving. How did you go about this, if you don't mind answering? Is it too late to do this? What are the conditions under which you can apply for this re: learning difficulties/disabilities or other?

ldxo15wus6fpgm

I think generally you would write "see appendix 1" etc. and then just draw the diagram on a sheet of paper and label it app.1 and so on.

Well I'm waiting for a certificate of some sort saying I need to type the exams. I'm not sure exactly how to go about it, but basically it started off with the school's special needs teacher, she was useless, was waiting for a good year for her to sort out assessments etc. still has nothing done about it, we asked her for contact details for the crowd that do the assessments.

Turns out after all that waiting, as I had one done as a kid (my writing has always been terrible) and I have a letter from the NHS (grew up in london) explicitly stating I should type throughout school, I just need a renewed cert. The crowd said they'll have one done out within like 4 weeks.

To qualify for extra resources i.e. typing the exams, you need a cert less than 3 years old stating you need the help. Something like that anyway. I can't remember the exact name of the group that does the assessments and unfortunately my parents are out of town, I'll let you know when I find out the name though.

I have a thankfully very mild case of dyspraxia/dysgraphia. I know you can get it if you have dyslexia and/or learning difficulties, but can't be too specific as I didn't really ask about it.

I don't think it's too late to apply for this year's exams, but if you're thinking about doing it you do need to get a move on. I believe the late applications deadline is fairly soon.


Cheers for the answers guys!

Fad

Do you not use your own laptop?

I remember Beaux1's laptop crashed last year midway through geography...... >_<

unknown13

You are given a separate exam centre, spelling & grammar was to be off but it is up to the invigilator to check. You will be using a laptop and it has to be cleared of all files. I used Microsoft Word for my Christmas exams and Mocks, so I presume it is the same for the LC.

Gael23

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

For people who type the LC, how do they do diagrams, such as in Geography, Physics etc.?

They would be done the normal way then attached to the rest of the exam.

siobhanher wrote: »

I'm really curious about this. I've spoken to my teacher about typing some of my leaving. How did you go about this, if you don't mind answering? Is it too late to do this? What are the conditions under which you can apply for this re: learning difficulties/disabilities or other?

My school have always known that I have problems so when I was in 5th year I got a form completed by the school and my doctor, they then asked for info from my specialist in Dublin. As for conditions, diffrent accomodations are available for the students needs, I get quite a few things but it would differ from case to case. I would say its too late to apply

Fad wrote: »

Do you not use your own laptop?

I remember Beaux1's laptop crashed last year midway through geography...... >_<

I think you do and my parents are very afraid of it crashing

unknown13

siobhanher wrote: »

I'm really curious about this. I've spoken to my teacher about typing some of my leaving. How did you go about this, if you don't mind answering? Is it too late to do this? What are the conditions under which you can apply for this re: learning difficulties/disabilities or other?

You have to have proof that you are incapable of writing the exam and a Consultant's report and/or Occupational Therapists report that has been written within the last four years. It is too late because the 26th of March was the final date for deciding if you actually wanted them or not and my application was mad e to the SEC at the end of last year.

unknown13

Fad wrote: »

Do you not use your own laptop?

Yes, you do.

evolutionqy7

i did mine year and wish i could have typed mine out i ****ing hate writing and im brilliant at typing

ldxo15wus6fpgm

Unknown13, I've been told multiple times that I don't need to use my own laptop. I think it would be a bit much for them to expect every student who needs this facility to have their own laptop.

evolutionqy7

well if you were allowed to pick every person would choose their own or the one in school their used to type on and are familiar with the keyboard layout and position like my Desktop keyboard is diff from laptop and then my laptop keyboard is diff from my mums which is diff from my girlfriends...see the point

unknown13

Dilan Vast Waterworks wrote: »

Unknown13, I've been told multiple times that I don't need to use my own laptop. I think it would be a bit much for them to expect every student who needs this facility to have their own laptop.

You will be given one but do you really want to use something you haven't practised on for full length essays the day of English paper 1.

implausible

Using your own laptop varies from school to school; anyone in this boat would need to check with either the Special Needs co-ordinator or the Exam Secretary in their own school, not go by an individual poster's experience on this thread.

For English, the supervising examiner has to note on the answer-book envelope saying whether the spell-checker is enabled or not and s/he will obviously be in the room. Either way, the reasonable accommodations marking scheme is used i.e. your spelling and grammar are irrelevant.

unknown13

Does anyone know where I can get hold of the reasonable accommodation marking scheme

Gael23

All exams are marked the same way, regardless of disability. However, if you applied for DARE you wont need to get the full points needed for your course.

theowen

ryanf1 wrote: »

All exams are marked the same way, regardless of disability. However, if you applied for DARE you wont need to get the full points needed for your course.

No they're not. If you have a spelling/grammar exemption the 10 marks for mechanics are allocated between the other three categories e.g. Instead of 30 for coherence there will be 33 and so on.

ldxo15wus6fpgm

evolutionqy7 wrote: »

well if you were allowed to pick every person would choose their own or the one in school their used to type on and are familiar with the keyboard layout and position like my Desktop keyboard is diff from laptop and then my laptop keyboard is diff from my mums which is diff from my girlfriends...see the point

While I see what you're getting at, I have never seen two qwerty keyboards with a different letter layout. And I use a lot of computers.

I'm probably going to bring a desktop USB keyboard in, I make many more mistakes on a crammed up laptop keyboard.

rainbowtrout

unknown13 wrote: »

Does anyone know where I can get hold of the reasonable accommodation marking scheme

There wouldn't be any available. Reasonable accommodation can't be determined until it's known how many students have applied in each subject and what their needs are. It could essentially be on a case by case basis. Also while a subject like English is fairly straightforward - I assume Paper 1 is still an essay and comprehension, so marks allocated for spelling and grammar might be re-allocated in the case of dyslexia, it might not be as straightforward on a science paper. I can remember one instance of a blind student taking ag science a couple of years ago, and marks would have to be reallocated in a question where it says 'label/draw a diagram' or the question would be asked in a different way.

evolutionqy7

Dilan Vast Waterworks wrote: »

While I see what you're getting at, I have never seen two qwerty keyboards with a different letter layout. And I use a lot of computers.

I'm probably going to bring a desktop USB keyboard in, I make many more mistakes on a crammed up laptop keyboard.

well i have a full keyboard on my acer aspire timeline 5810T and in start buttons being kinda crammed in was annoying cause my previous acer laptops only had a normal keypad no num pad... and they were decently spaced out but actually the more i get used to it the more spaced out ones are annoying smaller gaps means smaller distance to next key and lets me type faster

gonker

Just wondering why you are allowed type your leaving.
My daugher has just been diagnosed with Dyslexia...at 17 and is sitting her leaving this year.
She prefers to type rather than write with pen and paper.

theowen

gonker wrote: »

Just wondering why you are allowed type your leaving.
My daugher has just been diagnosed with Dyslexia...at 17 and is sitting her leaving this year.
She prefers to type rather than write with pen and paper.

I don't think you'd be allowed for dyslexia. It's more so for physical difficulties. Probably too late now anyway:rolleyes:

unknown13

gonker wrote: »

Just wondering why you are allowed type your leaving.
My daugher has just been diagnosed with Dyslexia...at 17 and is sitting her leaving this year.
She prefers to type rather than write with pen and paper.

People are allowed to type their leaving certs if they have don't have sufficient handwriting speed compared to an average student and if it has been proven aswell. It is most common with physical disabilities such as Dyspraxia.

Dyslexic students will be given the spelling and grammar waiver but it is up to the SEC to decide if their handwriting speed is slow enough to warrant the use of a laptop. The SEC could even turn around and refuse a laptop but grant a scribe.

My advice to you would be to go to the school's resource ASAP because he/she would have to apply for the spelling and grammar waiver (which may not be accepted by the SEC due to the final deadline for choices being the 26th of March)

ldxo15wus6fpgm

Surprisingly you can type because of dyslexia, as long as she has actually been diagnosed with it. I'm not sure of the deadlines, you'd want to get on to the school immediately, as in tomorrow morning, if you were to have any chance of getting it.

I have a condition called dyspraxia, branching off into dysgraphia. Basically, my writing is great when I really try to keep it pristine, but I can't keep that up for too long and doing so even for short periods causes serious cramping in my hand. After a short while, it becomes illegible to most people.

gonker

She was diagnosed on Monday..got the report....I drove to Athlone from Drogheda this morning with the grammar and spelling exemption request. I had to make sure they actually got it, as I feel so bad about not spotting it...the school are great I think they feel guilty actually. She has dyspraxia as have I (didnt know it 40 years ago I was a clumsy child).
She was in a bad crash at the weekend lucky to be alive. So off school now:mad: Stupid speeding drivers.

Thanks for the info lads. She has trouble writing on the yellow paper that they give in the exams and that is what sparked the dyslexia test. Seemingly people who have dyslexia can have problems with coloured paper, so I applied for her to be able to write on white lined paper. I hope she gets it. I wonder has anyone been diagnosed so late in the day?

implausible

unknown13 wrote: »

Does anyone know where I can get hold of the reasonable accommodation marking scheme

I only know about English, but there isn't a different marking scheme for reasonable accommodations. The essays are marked the same way e.g. P=30, C=30, L=30, you just don't give a mark for M, so your 100 mark essay is actually marked out of 90. At the end of marking the paper, the marks are totted up, the total is divided by 9 and added on, so the student ends up with a mark out of 400.

Mark Long

gemxpink wrote: »

they have a program set up on it that records everything you do and type too, kinda like the school computers. Of course they don't tell you this lol.

Are you certain about that? I don't see how they could see what you have typed if you delete if after

ldxo15wus6fpgm

Mark Long wrote: »

Are you certain about that? I don't see how they could see what you have typed if you delete if after

Keyloggers are actually very often used on computers, especially in offices and the like.

I doubt they'd use them for this though. It's kinda frowned upon by most people, same as tapping phones etc. and I don't think the SEC would be getting involved in any shady tactics like that lol

As for the person you quoted, if they don't tell us then how would he/she have found out? :pac: I really don't think they'd use them tbh.

theowen

Dilan Vast Waterworks wrote: »

Keyloggers are actually very often used on computers, especially in offices and the like.

I doubt they'd use them for this though. It's kinda frowned upon by most people, same as tapping phones etc. and I don't think the SEC would be getting involved in any shady tactics like that lol

As for the person you quoted, if they don't tell us then how would he/she have found out? :pac: I really don't think they'd use them tbh.

It'd would be very easy to just stick in a usb key with crap loads of info really?

ldxo15wus6fpgm

theowen wrote: »

It'd would be very easy to just stick in a usb key with crap loads of info really?

As far as I'm aware, you have to save your work at regular intervals so they can see you're actually progressing through the exam. It would still be quite easy to just cut and paste chunks though...

However if there was a keylogger, you could just open the documents on the USB side by side with your actual exam document, and type the pre-prepared answers manually into your exam document, so all the keystrokes are logged and it looks legit.

If you have any know-how at all with computers you could fairly easily overcome most of what they throw at you, which as far as I've heard is all pretty basic stuff.
What I reckon they'd do, if they've any sense, is uninstall the drivers for the USB ports in the computer. Seeing as you don't have the net you won't be able to get the drivers again, so there's not much you could do.
The only way of beating that would be to stick a CD/floppy in on the sly during the exam - much harder to do as they both make a little noise and are more easily seen when you're putting them in.

unknown13

gemxpink wrote: »

they have a program set up on it that records everything you do and type too, kinda like the school computers. Of course they don't tell you this lol.

Sorry but that is a load of crap. The SEC aren't that harsh for starters and secondly you are in a separate room, so the chances of you cheating are extremely low because the examiner will be in the room with you and is going to see what you are doing and if you take out notes he will catch very quickly and your exams cancelled.

Mark Long

Could you not just go into the room the day before the exam and save all the stuff you need?

unknown13

Mark Long wrote: »

Could you not just go into the room the day before the exam and save all the stuff you need?

The laptop / computer has to be wiped clean. They can check that easily and have to right to check it for that reason.

Mark Long

out of interest, who is 'they'? Is that the person who comes in to supervise you?

ldxo15wus6fpgm

Mark Long wrote: »

out of interest, who is 'they'? Is that the person who comes in to supervise you?

I'm not sure about other schools, but there's a guy (employed by the SEC I think) who has come in to ours specially to oversee all the reasonable accommodations stuff. He'd be the guy who is setting up the laptop I'll be using.

unknown13

Mark Long wrote: »

out of interest, who is 'they'? Is that the person who comes in to supervise you?

The invigilator

gruffler91

munkymanmatt- are u using your own laptop or are the school giving you one?

ldxo15wus6fpgm

Using one of the school's. There's an outrageous fee for using your own because they have to wipe it (which takes all of 10 minutes) - I think it's something like €150 :mad:

rainbowtrout

Mark Long wrote: »

Are you certain about that? I don't see how they could see what you have typed if you delete if after

No they don't it's just a standard computer/laptop, but you have a supervisor looking over your shoulder, you won't be able to do anything untoward.

ldxo15wus6fpgm

rainbowtrout wrote: »

No they don't it's just a standard computer/laptop, but you have a supervisor looking over your shoulder, you won't be able to do anything untoward.

I've been told that it's very unlikely they'll be looking over your shoulder. I wouldn't be too bothered if they were, but someone who is nervous would have major problems with that.

I already know my supervisor anyway and I doubt she'll be doing that

rainbowtrout

Dilan Vast Waterworks wrote: »

I've been told that it's very unlikely they'll be looking over your shoulder. I wouldn't be too bothered if they were, but someone who is nervous would have major problems with that.

I already know my supervisor anyway and I doubt she'll be doing that

Well not in the physical sense but they will be watching you do your exam. That's their job.

theowen

rainbowtrout wrote: »

Well not in the physical sense but they will be watching you do your exam. That's their job.

I've seen and worked on the laptop I'll be using and it has USB ports and no watcher programmes etc. I'm sure if you really wanted to, you could just click off the pre prepared stuff you have before they walk over. Just food for thought...:rolleyes:

ldxo15wus6fpgm

rainbowtrout wrote: »

Well not in the physical sense but they will be watching you do your exam. That's their job.

Ah yeah they'd be checking on you often enough. Just depends how far they sit from you, if you're not too close you could do stuff on the sly :cool:

theowen wrote: »

I've seen and worked on the laptop I'll be using and it has USB ports and no watcher programmes etc. I'm sure if you really wanted to, you could just click off the pre prepared stuff you have before they walk over. Just food for thought...:rolleyes:

I reckon they wouldn't have the software set up on the computer before the exams... it would make it all too easy for someone to look up the software and find out how to exploit it/ beat it. That is, if they do put software on them at all lol

branie

When I did the Leaving cert, I had a separate room and of the school computers.

Mark Long

branie wrote: »

When I did the Leaving cert, I had a separate room and of the school computers.

Cheers mate. Do you remember what they did in terms of checking if you were cheating?

Ian Beale

They will check to make sure you aren't cheating, and also it's possible to check if anything was connected to a pc with time stamps, if your caught cheating the penalty is very high, exam is cancelled and your not allowed sit state exams for 5 years.

In short - don't try it.

Mark Long

Ian Beale wrote: »

and also it's possible to check if anything was connected to a pc with time stamps,

I think you need some software to do that and I don't think the computer would have it

Ian Beale

Mark Long wrote: »

I think you need some software to do that and I don't think the computer would have it

There's in built tools in windows that do it, if anyone is seriously thinking about cheating by bringing in memory cards don't do it you will get caught