Computer-Based Testing and its Prospects

COMPUTER-BASED TESTING AND ITS PROSPECTS

        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 with the aid of various IT equipment or mechanisms to include computer, the internet, networking, as well as 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 used it for their semester examinations. 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 ongoing 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). Whilst, 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 at ease, or without much constraint. In some standardized tests such as TOEFL and 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/her scores on the computer screen, except in the case of essay-writing whose answers cannot be possibly programmed.

         One can sit for a CBT even if s/he 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 a prospective candidate may have nothing to worry regarding an awaited CBT. However, it’s imperative to note 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, internet speed, physical security, manpower, and what have you, must be considered seriously. 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. 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 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!

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2016 Int'l Day of Persons with Disabilities

ENDING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 

        Today, December 3, the world over is commemorating the 2016 International Day of Persons living with Disabilities. The United Nations (UN) Decade of Disabled Persons was held from 1983 to 1992 to enable governments and organizations at all levels to implement measures to improve the life of disabled persons all over the world.

        On October 14, 1992, as the decade drew to a close, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 3 of every year as the International Day of Disabled Persons. This day was first observed on December 3, 1992. Subsequently, on December 18, 2007, the Assembly changed the observance’s name from the International Day of Disabled Persons to the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’. The new name was first used in 2008. The theme of this year’s anniversary is ‘Achieving 17 goals for the future we want’.

       Disability is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, sensory, mental, cognitive, emotional, developmental, or a combination of these. A certain disability may be present from birth, or occur during a person’s lifetime. Disability is an umbrella term covering impairments, participation restriction, and activity limitations. Impairment is a plight in one’s body function or structure; participation restriction is a problem experienced by a person in involvement in life situations; whilst an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action.

         This implies that disability is indeed a complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which he/she lives or belongs. For instance, various forms of chronic disease may also qualify as disabilities. Some advocates object to describing certain conditions such as deafness, vision impairment, or autism as disabilities, arguing that it is more appropriate to consider them as developmental differences that have been unfairly stigmatized by the society. In the same vein, others argue that disability is a result of exclusion from mainstream society and not because of impairment.

         The term ‘disability’ broadly describes impairment in a person’s ability to function as an individual, caused by changes in several subsystems of the body or in mental health. The degree of disability may range from mild to moderate, severe, or profound. A person might also be suffering from multiple disabilities. Irrespective of the degree or nature of the disability, it can be measured objectively or subjectively.

         Considering the causes of disability, the condition could be inherited or genetically transmitted; congenital, meaning literally caused by a mother’s infection or other diseases gotten prior to or during pregnancy as well as soon after birth, or via embryonic/fetal developmental irregularities. It could also be acquired, such as conditions caused by illness, injury, or accident; or even of unknown origin, as the case may be.

         There are currently several classes of disability including physical disability, sensory disability, vision impairment, hearing impairment, olfactory and gustatory impairment, balance disorder, somatosensory disorder, intellectual disability, mental disorder, pervasive developmental disorders, and developmental disability, among others. Whichever type that is involved, it is worth noting that an individual with any form of disability can function as effective as, even more effective or efficient than, able-bodied individuals if given the needed support or encouragement.

         Against this backdrop, based on our individual/corporate social responsibilities, we are expected to always endeavour to do everything within our reach and humanly possible to ensure that persons living disabilities at our respective jurisdictions are duly given a sense of belonging starting from the classrooms to working places with a view to strengthening nation building.

        At the various institutions of learning, from primary to tertiary level, rather than discriminating the said set of people, they are meant to be given special attentions by the teachers and management of the schools. For instance, those suffering from vision impairment such as the albinos are supposed to be provided with special sunglasses and also meant to sit at the front of their classrooms or closer to the board. Such treatment ought to be replicated during their various examinations, either internal or external.

         Similarly, during electioneering eras, the electoral umpire is expected to make a different arrangement towards the sensitization of the electorate with disabilities in line with the nature of their challenges. And, on the election days, the persons in question deserve a preferential treatment throughout the polls to enable them cast their votes properly and at ease as demanded.

          More so, it is no longer news that in the labour market as well as political settings, the degree of discrimination faced by persons living with disabilities is presently on the rampage. In view of this, there’s a compelling need for the legislators to enact a strict law that would stipulates a basic statutory percentage of persons with disabilities expected to be found in any public sector, or a certain minimum number of persons with disabilities that must be employed or appointed in the civil service or political arena, respectively, in accordance with the directive of the UN. Establishing a separate ministry coupled with an agency for persons with disabilities would go a long to resolving the anomaly.

          Worse still, it is obvious that recently, several prospective students with disabilities such as HIV/AIDS or physical challenges of most citadels of learning across the country, especially the privately owned tertiary institutions, are invariably deprived of their chances of securing admission thereby making most of them lose interest of furthering their education. Undoubtedly, the level of post-traumatic stress disorder attributed to the aforementioned stigmatization cannot be overemphasized that if adequate and drastic approach is not taken by the appropriate authorities towards ending the anomaly, it is liable to degenerate into an untold societal menace.

         Above all, acknowledging that persons with disabilities easily fall victim of any disaster or crisis owing to vulnerability, there’s no need reiterating that they are meant to be attended to, or treated as a priority during any disaster management. To this end, any personnel/expert involved in the management of any form of crisis ought to ensure that individuals with disabilities that are resident in the affected area are first attended to as well as duly catered for before any other resident.

         As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I enjoin every Nigerian citizen, and civil society organization, to in their respective capacities endeavour to protect the rights of persons living with disabilities. We can actualize this by confronting any norm, cultural belief or perception that condones any kind of discrimination against them. In addition, thorough education cum reorientation among the citizenry as regards ending the menace remains inevitable. Think about it!

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As Anenih Retires, Who and What Next?

AS ANENIH RETIRES, WHO AND WHAT NEXT?

        The last time I checked, the renowned political gladiator – Chief Tony Akhakon Anenih – had graciously retired from active politics. The Edo-born 83-year-old statesman disclosed this penultimate week, precisely on Saturday 26^th November 2016, in Abuja during the public presentation of his autobiography entitled ‘My life and Nigerian politics’.

       ‘I am persuaded that I have no more ambition nor any point to prove in politics. I am, therefore, glad to declare that, from today, I shall be withdrawing from active partisan politics. I shall, however, continue to avail the country of my experience, give suggestions and offer advice, as a statesman’, he rightly stated. He went further to seek support and prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari to steer the country away from recession to prosperity, saying the present difficult situation is a national plight that must be tackled in unison, regardless of affiliations.

        Chief Anenih served as the Minister of Works and Housing from 1999 to 2003 during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, and was subsequently appointed as the Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In his early political life, he was state Chairman of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) from 1981 to 1983; later, he emerged as the National Chairman of Social Democratic party (SDP) between 1992 and 1993. He was a member of the Constitutional Conference in 1994. He was the Deputy National Coordinator of the Olusegun Obasanjo’s Campaign Organization in the 1999 and 2003 Presidential elections respectively.

       Considering his age and the level attained in politics, there’s obviously no gain saying that the recent decision taken by him was not just timely and commendable but well informed. Asserting that he has made history, and succeeded in doing what Napoleon couldn’t do wouldn’t be an overstatement, because retirement from political career is one thing an average Nigerian politician sees as a bad omen and forbidden. It appears this is the time to address the anomaly.

       In every profession, one ought to be ready to retire at a ripe age, and politics isn’t an exception. It’s indeed baffling and mind-boggling when we realize that the Nigerian political terrain is awash with men whom are supposed to be acting as grandfathers, or what have you. It becomes more troubling and pathetic to acknowledge that they still nurture ambition to vie for one political position or the other when they are supposed to act as reputable advisers. Some of them who see the country as their farmyard would be of the view, albeit ignorantly, that they are meant to be life president.

        Worse still, some of them would arguably be unhappy that Chief Anenih had gone for a rest at 83. I wonder if such set of persons wanted him to retire at 100, or perhaps when old age has told on him. If truth be told, at 83, Chief Anenih ought to be resident in the clan where he hails from, with a view to acting as an elder kinsman. His gray hair shouldn’t only be a blessing to Nigeria, but his people in particular.

        It has become conspicuous that everyone in the contemporary Nigerian society is afraid of retirement. Those in the civil service are not left out. But, it’s very understandable why on the average, a civil servant in the country is profoundly afraid of going for rest; they are not sure of gratuity and pensions after retirement. When they retire, the politicians sit on the pensions accruable to them as if they need to beg to have their entitlements. It’s only an uninformed mind that’s yet to realize that pensions are cumulated contributions made by a worker while in service.

         Since it’s clear the reason Nigerian workers are invariably filled with fear each time they overhear ‘retirement’, we are yet to know why those in the political circle equally exercise fear. Is it that they are also afraid their pensions wouldn’t be paid, or afraid of taking a sound rest having served meritoriously? Pension payment shouldn’t be their plight, because theirs are intact, even when we think they have been officially deprived of such entitlements. Although most of them aren’t constitutionally eligible to receive pensions, the unofficial pensions they receive on a weekly basis in the name of ‘royalty’ or what whatever is numerically twenty times greater than the wages of a professor in a certain Nigerian university.

        They keep telling the youth that they are the leaders of tomorrow while they are not willing to vacate the seats today. How do you reconcile this? Won’t the youth come in and settle down today before they could lead tomorrow; how possible can they emerge as the leaders come tomorrow when virtually all the positions are presently occupied by these gladiators? Yet, the youth in question seem so myopic to realize that things aren’t at ease. An average Nigerian politician intends to taste all the available political posts, and if he eventually emerged the president of the country having tasted all the lower positions, he would want to remain there till he kisses the ‘six feet’.

        The teeming Nigerian youths have been pushed to the wall to the extent that the few who are politically aware have begun to see revolution as the only option. They shouldn’t be allowed to dwell in such obnoxious mindset, else, soonest we might be colossally taken aback. It’s only in this part of the world that you would see a politician who would never train his aide to become a leader someday; rather, he would wish he remains his aide for eternity. And peradventure, if he eventually decided to rest owing to inevitable old age, he would import his child from nowhere to fill the position.

        As Chief Anenih takes a bow, who is the next person? I expect many others to follow suit. In the state where I hail from, Imo to be precise, there are countless of them. The funniest thing is, most of the existing socio-cultural groups across the federation, such as the Ohaneze Ndigbo, are dominated by these old politicians. If such observation holds water, you may begin to wonder the correlation between culture and politics. Really, things have fallen apart, and this cannot be the arrow of God; rather, manmade. In other words, fixing the problem lies in our bare hands.

        Inasmuch as I candidly bid Chief Anenih farewell, as well as wishing him success all the way in his future endeavours, I would want him to conscientize his allies to join him. Since we are ostensibly in the era of ‘change’, let the change start taking place in every facet, and such change ought to begin with the elders. They must be prepared to lead by example so that we will celebrate them many years after their eternal exit here on earth. Unless there’s something they are not telling us; if so, it’s high time they let the cat out of the bag because time really is ticking.

       Chief Anenih truly deserves tremendous applause for this step taken by his person. But, come to think of it, has he really retired from active politics? Think about it!

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

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