Exam Entries Demo Report

The initial specification of the examination entries module was based on discussions with the physics department of Cambridge University. However, it is difficult for potential future users of this module to imagine what it will look like in reality and so important points may be missed.

In order to make it more tangible we prepared a Java-based demo and took it to the physics department. It emulates linking to a wider student information system and allows a student to log in and register for exams. These registrations are then checked against a list of registration rules, which are encoded into the system in a generic way. Once they pass this validation they are sent to the student's Director of Studies for approval.

A separate tool was demonstrated that allows members of staff in the department to change, remove and add new rules. It was demonstrated that this simple system is capable of covering most of the needs of the physics department with regard to examination registrations.

The feedback from Physics was enthusiastic and valuable advice was given on points that were not covered yet or were covered in an incomplete way. The full specification of the system will now be reviewed and improved, to be followed by a pilot module that will be deployed in Physics towards the end of the year.

Based on the comments received we are very encouraged and believe that other departments will also be interested in the pilot module, once it is available.