Innovations in examinations

Examination hall is the most interesting and creative place. I myself never believed in what i just said...until i started looking with a different perspective.Lets see together something most of us have never realized before.

Each student in an examination hall fights a battle against the common enemy, the only difference is of the degree of greed, the greed for marks.Some have to ' Top' the exams, else the purpose of their life is lost. Some already know they cram less and battle for the next coveted positions. Some are at the mercy of their personal Gods ,they give up even before the battle begins. My attention has been attracted by the remaining lot (lets call them "iLot" : i stands for idiot), those who are not greedy (for marks) , they just want to get through, the so called average students who don't study until and unless they realize that next day is the D day.

What i have observed is that it is the iLot which is the most creative lot you will ever come across in your life. They are the real innovators, the ones who have the potential to bring about the change. It is the situation that molds these so called 'idiots' who don't study into great innovators when the situation demands.And isn't it what we need : people who think out of the box under pressure...

Lets analyze what has attracted my attention. The above average lot is definitely good at one thing(exceptions excluded), cram and vomit. This is their skill set.But everyone can not posses this fabulous ability which is a sure shot marks earner.So what should the iLot do , they don't have this skill.So the only choice left with them is to turn innovative ( by no means i am supporting unfair means).Look at them when they resort to the so called unfair means .They are audacious enough to attempt such tweaks and tricks under the nose of the biggest enemy at that time, the invigilator. This is their skill set, their niche.What if they can not cram, they have other methods to get through and that is skill too. Look at the bravery with which they face the challenge, isn't that bravery inspiring...

The best use of modern technology is not seen in some hi tech project or some space mission, it is seen in any normal examination hall.Mobile phones are used (GPRS) to surf the web(google answers all) during the exam,to transfer answers through SMS and take pictures of graphs/diagrams or store documents for reference.Or doing the 'zero' photostat for that matter.The entire syllabus is concise d in a few bits of paper.In the long run , these are the people who are going to make the full and efficient use of latest technology.Are we not always talking about efficient technological and capacity utilization...

Take another instance.A student dictating answer to one sitting in front and the one being dictated doing the same to the one in front of him and that to in such a way that no modern detector can detect, let alone the invigilator.There is not a single trace of expression on their face, or lip movement for that matter.Don't we need such effective communication during wars and hostage situations...

The most fascinating thing: the teamwork , coordination and understanding . Even the guys who can't stand each other are cooperating like its Barcelona Vs Inter Milan.Look at the way they pass among themselves ( though answers in this case). Joining hands to fight a common enemy, isn't that what we always need...

There are numerous other innovative techniques used by students.Like chewing the chits and throwing them to roof where they stick, taking answer sheets home to write answers in advance for next examination etc. But the point is not to encourage unfair means , rather identify the potential a student has that can be exploited for future development.

Lets use their skills and utilize them to find out new methods to optimize processes, to utilize resources and technologies more efficiently and develop more effective value chains and distribution networks.

The more innovative and out of the box thinkers, the greater progress the country will do.

Hail iLot...!!!

P.S. : Please do not cheat in the exams...