Unis to Test New Internet Tool

The University of Oslo and others institutions of higher education are setting out to test a new Internet-based search tool to guard themselves against student fraud when they hand in assessed essays and portfolio work. The Dutch computer search program Euforus is intended to uncover plagiarism and wrong use of sources. The need for such tools has risen as a result of the Quality Reform, which places greater emphasis on portfolio work than formal examinations. The leader of the Norwegian Student Union (NSU) is concerned that focus on uncovering plagiarism may lead to the neglect of more important goals, such as closer supervision and contact of individual students.

A new Internet gateway for students that was intended to reduce the confusing mass of information overwhelming students at the beginning of the semester, will not be ready until 1 October, three months later than it was intended to be up and going. The plan is that all students will be able to log themselves into their customized home page, where they will be able to view information about which exams they have registered themselves for, which lectures they are to attend, and other relevant messages from the University.