3M Privacy Filters simplify e-assessment

3M announced that its screen-mounting computer privacy filters are suitable for use as privacy screens in e-examinations, eliminating the need for partitions

[ClickPress, Mon Nov 12 2007] 3M, the diversified technology company, today announced that its screen-mounting computer privacy filters are suitable for use as privacy screens in e-examinations, eliminating the need for partitions or the other security measures specified in section 5.14 of the 2008 Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) standards for conducting e-examinations.

Vikuiti Privacy Filters from 3M simply attach to the monitor of the computer, and can be readily removed and stored when not required. Using the filters enables far more efficient utilisation of computing and staff resources by allowing more students to sit e-exams simultaneously.

Privacy filters allow examination centres to site workstations closer together than the specified 1.25 metres without using cumbersome and costly partitions. These requirements are included in paragraph 5.14 of the Instructions for Conducting Examinations issued by the JCQ, on behalf of major examining bodies including AQA, City & Guilds, Edexcel, OCR, CEA and the WJEC.

Designed to fit most monitors and laptops, 3M Privacy Filters restrict the viewing angles of the screen so that only the user positioned directly in front can view on-screen data. From either side, the screen simply appears blank. Other benefits include protecting the monitor from scratches and other damage, reduced glare and enhanced contrast for viewers directly in front of the monitor. The filters can be installed and removed easily, with no training or special technical skills required.

3M Privacy Filters have been successfully used in pilot installations at Farnborough Sixth Form College and Kings College London Dental Institute. According to the Farnborough College Principal, Dr John Guy, "We didn't want to recreate an exam hall with serried ranks of computers in individual screened compartments - that is why the privacy filters are so appropriate for school and college exams."

For further information please visit www.3M.co.uk/privacyfilters.

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3M and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M

3M – Practical and ingenious solutions that help customers succeed
3M is a $22.9 billion diversified technology company, creating innovative products that help make the world smarter, faster, healthier and safer. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.

3M has pioneered innovation since 1902 and, today, invests more than $1.5 billion a year in R&D. It has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention and detection solutions; and its digital signage offerings are revolutionising the way businesses communicate with their customers, their employees and the general public.

3M employs 75,000 people worldwide to deliver more than 55,000 products to customers in some 200 countries. Its diverse technologies touch nearly every aspect of modern life, serving markets such as consumer and office, display and graphics, electronics and communications, healthcare, industrial and transportation, safety and protection services, and security systems.

The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 3850 people across 17 locations, including 11 manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, respirators, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings, secure documents and passport scanners.

3M Centre, Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8HT
Tel: 08705 360036

Press contacts:
Nick Hughes Beky Hughes
3M UK Plc Neesham Public Relations
Tel: + 44 (0) 1344 858 576 Tel: +44 (0) 1296 628180
Email: nhughes1@mmm.com Email: bekyh@neesham.co.uk

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