A teenager in Norwich has passed what is believed to be the first online A-level ever taken in England.
Ian Scott, 18, took both theory modules of his A-level in electronics on computer, typing his answers directly into the machine. He scored a B in the exam, to go with two A-grades in maths and information technology, and a C in design and technology.
Mr Scott was a pupil at Earlham high school in Norwich, but would not have been able to take the theory modules of the electronics A-Level without the online capability developed by his tutor at Norwich City College, Alan Twiddy.
Mr Twiddy said the ability to study for qualifications using computers instead of the traditional pen and paper meant people living in remote rural areas would have more choice of courses. Those who had to move abroad could carry on with their studies uninterrupted, he added.
Following Ian's pioneering example, 14 more students at four Norfolk schools - Reepham, Hellesdon and Taverham - have taken their AS-level electronics theory modules online this summer and would do the same with A2s next year.
Mr Twiddy said up to 50 pupils could soon be taking the online option as he had also developed a course in computer maintenance.
Exam boards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to make increasing use of computers in the next few years. Testing watchdog the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority wants to see a big expansion of electronic marking, as is already commonplace in America.
The next wave of technology should enable many more candidates to take tests on computer, although the days when they type, rather than write, English literature and history essays under exam conditions are still some way off.
One of the things online education can do is enable teachers to keep a close eye on their pupils' progress, even if the students are miles away geographically.
Mr Twiddy disclosed that some of the AS-level students had not always been working when they were supposed to be.
Asked whether this amounted to "cyber-truancy", he replied: "I wouldn't say truancy. Maybe they've been in school but they've been playing pool when they should have been studying."
Mr Scott, by contrast, had been very self-disciplined, he said.
