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Preservice Economics Teachers Perception And Attitude Towards The Use Of Computer-based Test For Assessment
[A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN]
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Meaning and Types of Computer-Based Test
One big change in the field of education and assessment under the influence of modern technology is the transition from paper-and-pencil based to computer-based assessment. Computer-Based Test (CBT) can be defined as tests or assessments that are administered by computers in either stand- alone or dedicated network, or by other technological devices linked to the internet or world- wide web, most of them using multiple choice questions (MCQ) (Sorana-Daniela & Lorentz, 2007). CBT is now gaining popularity over the traditional Paper-and-Pencil Test (PPT) because of the numerous advantages that it can offer – such as immediate scoring and reporting of results; reduced costs of test production and administration. Furthermore, it is fair; it is accurate; it is more secured and it is one of the global best practices (Peter, Bill & David, 2004).CBT came into Nigeria education system through ETC (Electronic Test Company).
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to a technology employed in the form of tools, equipment and application support which helps in the collection, storage, retrieval, use, transmission, manipulation and dissemination of information as accurately and effectively as possible for the purpose of enriching the knowledge and developing communication, decision making as well as problem solving ability of the user. ICT has now imparted positively in virtually all areas of human endeavour – Medicine, Education, Banking, Agriculture and Transportation. In the recent past, ICT was mainly used in Education for teaching and learning purposes. Recent developments in computer technologies have also influenced many areas including educational testing and assessment (Ogunmakin&Osakuade 2014).
In the realization of the laudable benefits of CBT and to keep trends with international global best practices, CBT is now gaining trend in Nigeria. Some tertiary institutions have started using CBT to conduct their Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, while Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) used it to conduct 2013 UTME, although it was made optional. The 2013 edition of UTME was unique as candidates were presented with three options – PPT, CBT and Dual-Based Test (DBT). Out of 1,735,720 candidates that applied for the UTME, 1,629,102 (93.86%) candidates applied for PPT, 15,008 (0.86%) chose DBT and 91,610 (5.28%) candidates applied for CBT. The great disparity between the number of candidates that applied for PPT and CBT is a clear testimony that majority of the candidates shunned the CBT. Personal interaction with the candidates showed that fear of using computers (technophobia) and inadequate knowledge in using computers were reported by some of the candidates to shun CBT. They further stated that if they use CBT they might likely score lower than when they used PPT. The perceived reasons (factors) was initially noticed and classified into two by (Leeson, 2006) as factors originating from “Users†and “Technology usedâ€. Leeson (2006) stated that the user’s gender, his/her ability to process information, ability to use a computer and his/her level of computer anxiety could have an influence on an application.
The uses of computer technology for educational assessment in the global world have been recognized by various sectors (Raikes & Harding, 2003). The use of computer for assessment can provide several benefits for educators and test-takers. Oladipo (2009) concludes that a Computer-Based Test (CBT) is a system which spurs development in education as well as other sectors of the economy. CBT will also ensure that candidate’s identity in the examination hall is efficiently cross-checked. A combination of pictures and thumb prints in the biometrics scan prevents points of failure between registration and school administration.
The face of examination in Nigeria is gradually getting a new look due to the introduction of the Computer-Based Test CBT system. CBT system has been used by a number of Nigerian Universities to conduct their post UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) for prospective students. It all started with the University of Ilorin and Covenant University in the year 2008. CBT has long been regarded as a potentially powerful asset for providing assessment. Ever since computers were first introduced and adapted to the field of assessment, they have been a valuable scoring, data processing, and even interpretation of test results (Butcher, Perry & Hahn 2004).
The era of CBT came into existence because of the disadvantages of paper-based test. According to Leland (2012) Paper-based test dates back to the development of the Army Alpha and Beta tests with the purpose of screening recruits for mental competence. There are challenges and opportunities in equal measure in the use of computer-based test but there are unethical conducts during computer-based tests. To curb unethical conducts during computer-based test, practical solution using biometrics user authentication during computer-based test is incorporated. CBT has gained popularity since 1999 as a means of testing with large-scale professional examinations such as the United State Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE. CBT has been used in Nigeria for Post Joint Admission Matriculation Board in Nigerian Board in Nigerian Universities like the University of Technology, Minna (Oladipo, 2009).
Chalmers (2011) described CBT as a test that can be used in a supervised or non-supervised environment. It allows students to check their own progress through self-assessment. It can also be used for testing lower-order skills (such as knowledge, understanding and application). With consideration, however it can also be used for testing higher-order skills so as to improve students’ analysis, synthesis and evaluation skills. Computer-based tests have the ability to automate a very time consuming task, marking and monitoring progress.
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ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]ABSTRACT COMING SOON ... Continue reading---
APPENDIX A - [ Total Page(s): 2 ]APPENDIXUNIVERSITY OF ILORINFACULTY OF EDUCATIONINSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONQUESTIONNAIRE ON PRESERVICE ECONOMICS TEACHERS PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE USE OF COMPUTER-BASED TEST FOR ASSESSMENT IN UNIVERSITY OF ILORINDear Respondent,The objective of this questionnaire is to elicit information on Pre-service economics teachers perception and attitude towards the use of computer-based test for assessment in university of Ilorin. The information provided will be treated as strictly confidential an ... Continue reading---
CHAPTER ONE - [ Total Page(s): 5 ]This study might as well enlighten lecturers on the uses of computer-based test and paper-based test.Examination bodies like the West African Examination Council, the National Examination Council and the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board may find the result of this study useful to them during their policy formulation and implementation with regards to test. The result of this study may prompt examination bodies in Nigeria to use computer-based test. Examinations and professional bodies will a ... Continue reading---
CHAPTER THREE - [ Total Page(s): 2 ]The research instrument wasvalidated by the researcher’s supervisor and
three lecturers from the Department of Social Science Education,
University of Ilorin, Nigeria. The face and contents validation of the
instrument was done to ensure that items in the questionnaire are
appropriate and suitable to assess exactly what it is meant for. The
reliability of the instrument was determined by administrating the
instrument on 10 randomly selected pre-service teachers from Social
S ... Continue reading---
CHAPTER FOUR - [ Total Page(s): 5 ]Summary of FindingThe following finding findings were derived from the study through research questions;1. Pre service Economics teachers’ perceived CBT to be usefulness for assessment in University of Ilorin.2. Pre service Economics teachers’ perceived CBT to be easy to use for assessment in University of Ilorin3. The attitude of Pre service Economics teachers’ towards the use of CBT for assessment in University of Ilorin is not positive. ... Continue reading---
CHAPTER FIVE - [ Total Page(s): 2 ]ConclusionIn light of this, the study discovered that though CBT is usefulness and easy to use but students still have a negative attitude towards it due to factors like anxiety and computer competency.RecommendationsBased on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations were made:1. Nigerian universities should improve the efficiency of computer-based test to increase its credibility.2. Lecturer sand students should be encouraged on the use of computer- based test irre ... Continue reading---
