1.1 Introduction
Computer Based Test is a test with an implementation system using a computer as a medium for conducting tests. 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). It can be a multiple choice question based examination system that provides an easy to use environment for both Test Conductors and Students appearing for Examination.
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
The history of computer-based testing began in the early 1970s with the introduction of the early computers in the 1970s which revealed the potentials of using technology not only for new learning environments but also for completely new settings in the design and administration of tests (Hedberg et al., 1995; Greiff, 2014).
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.
The main objective of a Computer Based Test System is to provide all the features that an Examination System must have, with the interfaces that do not scare its users (Baddi, 2010). In evaluating learning outcomes, conventional exams that have been running are seen to be less effective because they consume a lot of cost, time, place, and personnel. The cost, in this case, is the number of funds spent by the school to provide exam documents such as photocopies of exam questions. Time, in this case, is the length of the stages of work and reporting of exam results. In conventional examinations, it cannot be separated from the evaluation process and students’ grade data reports, which are carried out manually one by one.
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 Problem
Investigation revealed that the challenges faced with paper based test is overwhelming, they include but not limited to exam malpractice, inaccuracy in marking, delay in marking results.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to design and implement an Online Computer Based Test (CBT) System using Springlight ICT Academy, Uyo as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To develop a CBT system that automatically generates exam numbers for students.
- To design a CBT system with real time processing of results for candidates.
- To develop a CBT system with enhanced security features to avoid exam malpractice.
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.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Design and Implementation of an Online Computer Based Test (CBT) System using Springlight ICT Academy, Uyo as the case study.
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.
Registration: This means to keep records received from the management for reference purposes.
Management: It is the co-ordination of all the resources of an Organization through the process of planning, Organization, directing and controlling
