Online diploma exams to create more flexibility for students

Alberta students will soon be able to write their diploma exams in a digital format and have access to more exam sessions throughout the year.

Premier Alison Redford and Education Minister Jeff Johnson made the announcement today during a teleconference with student reporters from across the province. The Premier and minister also spoke about their continued focus on ensuring the needs of students remain at the forefront of decision making in education, as well as recent initiatives in support of that commitment.


“Alberta’s strength and forward-looking vision have always been a result of our shared priority on enabling young Albertans to realize their full potential,” said Premier Redford. “I’m always proud to have a chance to speak directly with students and share how our government is working to ensure we’re meeting the needs and aspirations of today’s learners.”

Piloting of electronic diploma exams, including the use of an online system and digital marking, is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2014. By the fall of 2017, all diploma exam sessions will be offered electronically. This transition is expected to lead to increased opportunities to write diploma exams, while also allowing students to more effectively demonstrate skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and communication.

“Students have repeatedly told us that they want to be able to learn at their own pace and have more flexibility in how their learning is assessed,” said Minister Johnson. “Moving to digital diploma exams is a key part of our overall shift towards the personalized and innovative learning approaches envisioned through Inspiring Education.”

Diploma exams will also be reviewed as provincial curriculum changes to focus on competencies and preparing young Albertans to be engaged thinkers and ethical citizens with an entrepreneurial spirit.