A secure online examination system developed by a Brighton firm has been praised by leading politicians.

Exam on Demand (ExOD)

received backing for its unique system when it was visited last week by Hove MP Ivor Caplin and Lord Bassam of Brighton.

They were invited by ExOD chairman Jim Brathwaite to view the innovative technology the company has developed.

Both were impressed by the online examination process and recognised its potential to reduce the workload for teachers during examination time.

The system has potential for flexible and globally-verifiable online exams.

From its offices at the Sussex Innovation Centre, on the Sussex University campus at Falmer, the company has been developing relation-ships with government departments, education inst-itutions, publishers and businesses worldwide.

Lord Bassam said: "I can see lots of potential in the development of ExoD. It offers a safe, secure examination environment for those with access to e-technology and e-learning, with real possibilities for saving on valuable time used by teachers who get locked into unwelcome marking time.

"ExoD is the way of the future and it's here now. We should grasp the many opportunities it offers. The company is to be congratulated for investing in its potential and undertaking the development work behind it."

Mr Caplin said: "The technology and business being developed by ExOD will supply a secure examination system through a PC and will further increase the possibilities for e-learning.

"The Government recognises, through its e-learning strategy, the internet holds a great deal of potential.

"It can provide lifelong education and training after people leave school and can provide individuals with new and exciting opportunities to realise their academic and creative potential at their own pace.

"ExOD's unique system will mean people will be able to take exams and receive certification at their own pace too."

ExOD was formed after business development director David Russell was approached three years ago to come up with an online English language course.

He said: "At the end of the course, there was no way of taking an exam so I searched to see if there were any existing exam solutions. I found although there were lots of online assessments, they were easy to cheat.

"We found a gap in the market because everyone was concentrating on exam content rather than how to provide the exam itself."

The company has recently secured £200,000 of private investment to develop its product.

www.examondemand.co.uk