1.1 Introduction
Computer-based training (CBT) refers to the use of various kinds of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. Computer-based training (CBT) is an inclusive terminology that encompasses all forms of educational technology that electronically or technologically support learning and teaching. The presentation and selection of CBT questions are made in a computerized manner so that each participant who does the test gets a different set of questions. Examination with the CBT system or Computer Based Test certainly has a difference with the Paper Based Test system in terms of the working media. Examinees using an awkward CBT system can choose the correct answer on a computer screen, but using a paper and pencil test system, the students is required to discolor the dots on the answer sheet paper. A Computer Based Test System (CBTS) is a form of assessment in which the computer is an integral part of question papers’ delivery, response storage, marking of response or reporting of results from a test or exercise (Whittington et al., 2000).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
It is widely believed that all tests will one day be delivered on a computer of some sort (Bennett, 1998, 2002). However, it is difficult to accurately predict when this day will come. It has seemingly been just around the corner since the early 1990s, when a handful of early adopters, including the ASVAB (Sands, Waters, & McBride, 1997) and the GRE® (Mills, 1999), signed on to computer based testing (CBT). Today, dozens of admissions, placement, certification, and licensure testing programs are administered on computer, with the number growing each year. On the K− 12 front, several states already conduct their annual accountability testing on computer, and many others are poised to join in. Hundreds of schools or districts also employ CBTs in a formative or diagnostic role in service of instruction. Computer-based testing (CBT) is an efficient way for test sponsors to provide a secure, consistent environment forcertification and licensure while significantly enhancing the candidate experience. It is common for testing volumes to increase after a full conversion from paper-based testing (PBT) to CBT, often as a result of the availability of a greater number of testing locations and more flexible scheduling and testing opportunities.
Migration from PBT to CBT does affect candidate behavior, however, and it is possible for some testing programs to experience brief reductions in demand triggered by candidate apprehension regarding CBT. This sometimes results in either a last-minute increase in testing during final PBT administrations or candidate procrastination to the last available computerized testing date. Therefore, the question facing licensing organizations is how to keep test volumes up and candidate uncertainty down when migrating from a paper-based to a computer-based test? The key to mitigating test volume risk and ultimately driving an increase in demand is ongoing marketing, candidate education and outreach. In terms of promoting the new computerized testing program, marketing and effective communication can have an important impact on stakeholder acceptance of CBT and comfort with its use. In order to allay candidate fears and minimize questions, it is prudent to launch a communications campaign early in the conversion process that directly addresses constituent concerns and promotes sustainable program interest.
1.3 Statement of the Problem
The challenges faced with paper based test is overwhelming, they include but not limited to examination malpractice, inaccuracy in marking, and delay in marking results.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The main aim of the study is to design and implement a Web Based CBT that will Stop Examination Malpractice Using Webcam. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows to develop a CBT system that will:
- Detect Examination Malpractice Using Webcam
- Automatically generates exam numbers for students.
- Enhanced security features to avoid examination malpractice.
- Facilitate real time processing of results for candidates.
1.5 Significance of Study
This study is intended to assist in some small way those practitioners who are struggling with the decision of whether to test on computer and how they might best go about doing so. It is not intended to provide an introduction to the important methods and to the considerations that dictate use of those methods. It is far from comprehensive in this regard. To make truly informed decisions, one would need to be at least conversant if not quite familiar with most of the references listed here. In short, this is not just a road map intending to precisely direct practitioners on their journey to computerized delivery, but rather more a guidebook highlighting some of the landmarks they will likely visit along the way. As with all trips, we need to start by deciding whether the attractions of the destination outweigh the rigors of travel.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This study covered the design and implementation of a Web Based CBT that will Stop Examination Malpractice Using Webcam.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Computer Based Test (CBT): Is the use of information technology for any assessment-related activity.
Design: Is the creation of a plan or convention for the construction of an object or a system.
Implement: To put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.
Algorithm: A set of logic rules determined during the design phase of a data matching application. The ‘blueprint’ used to turn logic rules into computer instructions that detail what step to perform in what order.
