New Gadgets Emerge to Help Exam Cheaters

The concern over possible cheating on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is growing. The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development said Sunday it had received information of test taker's intentions to cheat in the national test using tiny electronic devices. The ministry called on the police to investigate the case. ``We are now monitoring various distribution channels through which suspicious electronic gadgets can be circulated,'' the ministry said. ``But many electronic gadgets retailers are hesitant to reveal information about their customers and identify them.''The most popular means to cheat in the past were mobile communication devices such as cell phones, pagers and other wireless communication devices. But the latest alert involves an extremely small wireless camera and a microchip, which is small enough to be attached inside the ear. The video device can photo printed questions and then transmit them to a receiver installed in the vicinity. People wearing the microchip can listen to correct answers through the gadget. The ministry said the latest gadgets are too tiny to be easily detected. ``The wireless devices work within the range of one to two kilometers,'' police said. ``We will enhance monitoring these actions taking place near schools.'' Tips are still inconclusive, an official at the ministry said, ``We will work with the police to step up efforts to prevent cheating.'' Current regulations prohibit examinees found cheating from applying for the test for the next year. Depending on the severity of the case criminal charges may also be laid.