Computer-Based Testing Implementation in Nigeria: Successes and Challenges from Historical Perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70886/ujer.24121.013Keywords:
Computer, Computer-Based Testing, Implementation, Success, ChallengesAbstract
It was established that computerised form of testing began in the early 1970s. However, limited computer availability in addition to high costs of maintenance and other related challenges has caused serious hindrance to the full implementation of computer-based testing. In recent times, with the introduction of new technologies in teaching / learning process, computer-based testing has begun to be developed and implemented in large-scale testing programmes such as for certification, admissions, licensure as well as psychological testing situations. Despite numerous challenges associated with computer-based testing, universities and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria are shifting from the traditional paper-and-pen testing to the new computer-based testing. In this paper, the concept of computer-based testing was discussed, including the two major types. This was followed by the historical development of computer-based testing as well as the guidelines for computer-based testing as published by the Association of Test Publishers (ATP) in 2000. Advantages as well as the challenges of computer-based testing were later discussed, and the paper ended with a summary, conclusion and recommendation on how to make improvement in computer-based testing.
References
Alabi, A. T., Issa, A. O., & Oyekunle, R. A. (2012). The use of computer based testing method for the conduct of examinations at the University of Ilorin. Ife Journal of Educational Leadership Administration and Planning, 1(1), 226 – 236. ISSN: 1592-3113.
Chalmers, D. & McAusland, W. D. M. (2002). Computer Assisted Assessment. Retrieved August 2018, from http://www.economicsnetwork.ac.uk /handbook/printable/caa_v5.pdf
Charles, O. O., Michael A, F., Fasasi, Y. A., Christopher, O. O., & Festus, O. (2013). Computer-based tests: A system of assessing academic performance in University of Ilorin, Nigeria. American and Academic Scholarly Research Journal, 5(2), 110 – 123. Retrieved Sunday 12th August 2018, from Questia webpage: https://www.questia.com/read/1p3-3016000081/computer-based-tests-a-system-of-assessing-academic
Conole, G., & Warburton, B. (2005). A review of computer assisted assessment. ALT-J, Research in Learning Technology, 13(1), 17 – 31.
Dammas, A. H. (2016). Investigate students’ attitudes towards computer-based test (CBT) at Chemistry course. Archives of Business Research, 4(6), 58 – 71.
Daniel, (2013). JAMB CBT: Reps order suspension of e-test, summons education minister, JAMB registrar. An article reported in the Metro Section of the Information Nigeria Newspaper of 6th February, 2013. Available: www.informationng.com/2013/02/jamb-cbt-reps-order-suspension-of-e-test-summons-education-minister-jamb-registrar.html
Daramola, F. O. (n.d.). Impact of computer-based test in Nigeria tertiary institutions: A theoretical view. International Journal for Innovative Technology Integration in Education, (accessed online), 109 – 116.
Drasgow, F. (2002). The work ahead: A psychometric infrastructure for computerized adaptive tests. In C. N. Mills, M. T. Potenza, J. J. Fremer, & W. C. Ward (Eds.), Computer-based testing: Building the foundation for future assessments (pp. 67 – 88). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Drasgow, F., Luecht, R. M., & Bennett, R. (2006). Technology and testing. In R. L. Brennan (Ed.), Educational measurement (4th ed.), pp. 471 – 515). Washington, DC: American Council on Education / Praeger Publishers.
Hosseini, M., Zainol Abidin M. J., & Baghdarnia, M. (2014). Comparability of test results of computer based tests (CBT) and paper and pencil tests (PPT) among English language learners in Iran. Procedia - Social and Behavioural Sciences, 98, 659 – 667.
Joshua, M. T., Joshua, A. M., & Ikiroma, B, (n.d.). Computer-based testing in Nigeria’s University entrants’ matriculation examination: Readiness and acceptability of critical stake-holders. Retrieved 24th April, 2018 from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0e51/376b6e664be7f79fd0f80424b5da9136299f.pdf
Lim, E. C. H., Ong, B. K. C., Wilder-Smith, E. P. V., & Seet, R. C. S. (2006). Computer-based versus pen-and-paper testing: Students’ perception. Ann Acad Med Singapore, 35(9), 599 – 603.
Luecht, R. M. (2005). Operational issues in computer-based testing. In D. Bartrum, & R. Hambleton (Eds.), Computer-based testing and the internet. New York: Wiley & Sons.
Luecht, R. M., & Sireci, S. G. (2011). A Review of models for computer-based testing. College Board Research Report 2011-12. Available at www.collegeboard.org/research
McKenna, C. (2001). Introducing computers into assessment process: What is the impact upon academic practice? Paper presented at Higher Education Close Up Conference 2, Lancaster University, and 16 – 18th July.
Mojarrad, H., Hemmati, F., Gohar, M. J., & Sadeghi, A. (2013). Computer-based assessment (CBA) vs. paper / pencil-based assessment (PPBA): An investigation into the performance and attitude of Iranian EFL learners' reading comprehension. International Journal of Language Learning and Applied Linguistics World, 4(4), 418 – 428. ISSN (online): 2289-2737 & ISSN (print): 2289-3245
Obioma, G., Junaidu, I., & Ajagun, G. (2013). The automation of educational assessment in Nigeria: Challenges and implications for pre-service teacher education. A paper presented at the 39th Annual Conference of the International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA), Tel-Aviv, Israel, October 20 – 25. Retrieved from http://www.iaea.info/paper_5bc19d07
Olsen, J. B. (2000). ATP computerized testing guidelines: Current educational measurement theory and new standards. A paper presented at the Association of Test Publishers Conference on Computer-Based Testing: Applications for the New Millennium, February 17, 2000, Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel, California.
Onyibe, C. O., Juliana, N. O., & Abdulhakim, A. A. (2015). Computer based testing technique in Nigeria: Prospects and challenges. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications, 5(10), 17 – 21. ISSN: 2224-5782 (print) ISSN: 2225-0506 (online).
Peter, C. Bill, I., & David, S. (2004). Using computers for Assessment in medicine. British Medical Journal, 329(7466), 606 – 609.
Sareen, S. (2018). Advantage of taking a computer based test (CBT) exam - A detailed analysis. Retrieved from https://www.collegedekho.com/articles/advantage-of-taking-a-computer-based-test-cbt-exam/
Tella, A., & Bashorun, M. T. (2012). Attitude of undergraduate students towards computer-based test (CBT): A case study of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education, 8(2), 33 – 45.
Vanguard (8th November, 2012), JAMB Computer Based Test in 2013: Stakeholders react. Available at: www.vanguardngr.com
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
UMYU Journal of Educational Research recognizes the importance of protecting authors’ intellectual property while promoting the free exchange of scientific knowledge. The journal adopts a copyright-retention model that empowers authors to maintain ownership of their work while granting the journal rights necessary for publication and dissemination.
1. Copyright Ownership
Authors publishing with UMYU Journal of Educational Research retain full copyright and publishing rights to their work. By submitting a manuscript, authors agree to grant the journal a non-exclusive license to publish, reproduce, distribute, and archive the article in all forms and media for the purpose of scholarly communication.
2. Licensing Terms
All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial (CC BY-NC) license.
This license permits others to:
- Share - copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format.
- Adapt - remix, transform, and build upon the material.
- For non-commercial purposes only, provided that proper credit is given to the original author(s) and UMYU Journal of Educational Research as the source, a link to the license is provided, and any modifications are clearly indicated.
Commercial reuse or distribution of the content requires written permission from both the author and the editorial office.
3. Author Rights
Authors are free to:
- Deposit all versions of their manuscript (preprint, accepted version, and published version) in institutional, disciplinary, or public repositories without embargo.
- Use and distribute their published article for non-commercial scholarly purposes, including teaching, conference presentations, and research sharing.
- Include their work in future books, theses, or compilations, provided proper citation to the journal is made.
4. Publisher’s Rights
Upon publication, UMYU Journal of Educational Research retains the right to:
- Host, index, and disseminate the article through the journal’s website and partner databases.
- Archive the content in long-term preservation systems such as the PKP Preservation Network (PKP-PN) and the Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Institutional Repository.
5. Attribution and Citation
Users must give appropriate credit to the author(s), include a link to the article’s DOI or the journal webpage, and indicate if changes were made. Proper citation is required whenever the work is reused or referenced.
6. License Reference
For detailed terms of use, please refer to the Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0):
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
