Computer-Based
Testing (CBT), otherwise known as e-assessment, can be defined as a pattern of
administering tests in which the responses are electronically recorded and/or
assessed.
It is conducted by the examiners by
the use of various Information Technology (IT) equipment or mechanisms to
include computer, the internet, networking, with the aid of special softwares.
The candidates, on their part, can sit
for the test with the use of personal computer (PC) or an apt computerized
gadget such as cell phone, particularly Smartphone, either at a testing hall or
in their respective homes, as the case may be.
CBT
is currently used for different purposes by various educational institutions.
Many deploy it for entrance aptitude tests, some others for Continuous
Assessment (CA), whilst few use it for their semester examinations.
It’s noteworthy that it is mainly in
the case of CA or quiz that candidates are allowed to attend to the questions
from any locality of their choice, thus the questions would be answered under
no supervision.
In recent times, several academic institutions
in Nigeria have adopted the CBT as an alternative assessment mode in contrast
to the manual method that involves the use of paper and pen/pencil.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation
Board (JAMB) now deploys it for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination
(UTME) that tests the ability of candidates seeking admission in various citadels
of higher learning in the country. JAMB fully commenced the use of CBT in the
2015/2016 UTME; prior to the said era, it was an elective mode.
Similarly, many professional bodies
across the federation are making use of the CBT. It is equally used for
promotional tests by some federal cum state’s Ministries, Departments and
Agencies (MDAs).
There are two major types of CBT namely:
linear and adaptive. A linear test is a full-length exam in which the computer
selects different questions for the candidates without consideration of their
performance level. This method is scored in the same way as a Paper-Based Test
(PBT).
On the other hand, an adaptive test
is one in which the computer selects the range of questions based on each of the
candidate’s performance level. This means that different test takers – even in
the same exam room/hall – would receive different questions.
The
CBT mode of assessment is arguably crucial and helpful, because it can measure
different skills or sets of knowledge in order to provide new and better
information about the candidate’s abilities. Moreover, the concerned
institutions receive CBT results more quickly than those from the PBT, thereby
enabling them to make their admission or promotion decisions, as might be the
case, as fast as possible.
Furthermore, testing environments are more
comfortable and individualized; hence, candidates can write the test/exam with
ease, or without much constraint. For instance, in some such standardized tests
as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Graduate Record
Examination (GRE), a word processor may be employed for writing essays more
quickly contrary to the manual pattern.
In most CBT, a candidate might have
access to immediate viewing of his or her scores on the computer screen, except
in the case of essay-writing whose answers cannot be possibly programmed.
It’s worthy of note that one can sit for a CBT
even if he/she has minimal or no previous computer experience. Instructions
provided in a basic computer tutorial before the scheduled date of the test
would give the candidate the required guidelines. This implies that any
prospective candidate may have nothing to worry regarding an awaited CBT.
However, it’s imperative to
acknowledge that there are numerous challenges attached to the CBT pattern
required to be tackled, that if not duly addressed, both the candidates and the
examiners would continue to groan while making use of it.
For the use of the CBT mode to be thoroughly
successful in Nigeria, issues pertaining to power supply, software maintenance
cum protection, and internet speed must be considered seriously. Also, cases
concerning physical security, manpower, and what have you, ought not to be
swept under the carpet.
Unsteady power supply can lead to many crises
while the test is ongoing. Use of outdated softwares as well as lack of
foolproof websites can warrant hacking among other dubious acts, which could
make the test questions to be leaked to the public domain prior to the exam
date. In the same vein, use of unreliable internet service provider or web
browser invariably leads to poor internet speed, and can as well make the site
to hang, freeze, or crash. Even bad hardwares such as mouse, keyboard and
connectors, can cause several distortions.
Inadequate security personnel would
enable criminals to invade the venue of the examination where valuables are
kept with the purpose of causing obstruction or making away with the gadgets.
Above all, the use of inexperienced manpower coupled with unavailability of IT
experts cannot be undermined if we are truly determined to sustain this feat.
Aside institutions that subscribe to the use
of the CBT or e-assessment mode for entrance and promotional exams, which are
usually annual or quarterly exercises, those who make use of it for CA are
expected to be more vigilant and proactive.
The sites and gadgets being utilized
ought to from time to time be upgraded, and a close monitoring and evaluation
approach must be employed. CBT is good and viable, but the users must endeavour
to do the needful. Think about it!
Comrade FDN Nwaozor
Chief Consultant, Docfred Technologies
_____________________________
+2348028608056
Twitter:
@mediambassador
No comments:
Post a Comment