Application of Computer-Based Examination System (A Case Study of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba)
Chapter One
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The following are the objectives of the study:
- The new system will bring about an efficient and effective way of writing examination
- To prevent any outsider attack or question leakage
- To create a strong database and reliable one that cannot be manipulated
- To make computer-based examination easy in choosing your options
- It will also stir and give focus to our institution of higher learning on the facilities obtained in the use of a modern system of
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Computer-based instruction seems to be the ideal answer for busy individual with a job who needs more education in order to advance or just keep pace professionally (Holt, 1999, Macht, 1998). This is simply referring to a way of keeping learning for far individuals who wish to study and is not close. A report by the university of Illinois, however, has found many campus students take many, if not all of their classes on-line (Regalbuto, 1999), a basic concept of online examination its facilitate around the online learning which is also a very important factor.
As distance and web-based learning becomes more popular and more accessible, high school, college and graduate courses are being offered via the web as part of complete diploma and degree programs by more and more institution. As a result students who cannot gain access to paper examination to higher institution can also write their exams online (Vecter, 1997).
The western Governors University and the university of phoenix online examination use series of comprehensive examination to know what classes their students are required to take. Some of these exams include essay of multiple-choice items while others are project. These high stake, standardized examination are usually administered in proctored, online environments (Carnellale, 2001).
However, multiple choice questions, which are probably the most commonly utilized objective are difficult to write, the items are easy to grade. These items could be constructed to measure simple recall and complex critical thinking skills.
Multiple-choice questions which are effectively used in examination higher order thinking skills, are very difficult to write. These questions can be answered quickly, as instructors can evaluate many different objectives in a single session (Bolton-Lewis, 1998, Davis, 1999, Gay, 1980, Science Education, 1997, Wakeford, 1999). While short answer questions are easy to write, they eliminate guessing, and stress to recall of information rather than recognition, critics feel that this type of question can place too much emphasis on rote learning. However, they can give limited insight into how students can express their thoughts (Davis, 1999, Gay, 1980, Science Education, 1997, Wakeford, 1999). Cheating, rather than having the personal state, that they themselves participate in those activities (Cizek, 1999). Two studies have used course outcome and exam grades in order to show the existences of cheating in specific instances. Ridey and Husband (1998) used a comparison of the grades of 100 students received from web-based class work and those received in traditional on campus classes to show that a significant difference did not exist in the rigor or integrity of the web-based courses. Gighotti, Smegha, Falk and Neiswander (1994) conducted a study to compare computer based online examination to in- class examination. Among other things, the computer base examination grouped scored lower grades than their in-class counter-part. The grades of the computer-based examination were normally distributed, while the grades from in-class examination group were skewed upwards. Giglotti et al; (1994) attributed this difference to the group that used computer base examination having less opportunity to ask for clarification during the examination. Sloss (1995), attributed this differences to cheating. He noted that, with the computer randomly generating questions, copying would be impossible and meaningless. The skewed results, he suggested, were the results of the poorer students cheating more than the better students, Gighotti, Smergha and Falk (1995) subsequently agreed with Sloss’s comments. Identification checks were done in the computer lab, while none was done for their in-class examination group.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The concept research methodology is simply referred to the specification of the relevant procedures for collection and analysis of information (data) which would help solve the research problem at hand (Agburu, 2001). The main reason for the analysis is to find out what information the system should manage, what to find in the search and how to execute those objectives. For the researcher to achieve all these stated above, I made use of the internationally accepted software engineering model, which Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM). Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM) is a system approach to the analysis and design information system. SSADM methods involves the application of a sequence of analysis, documentation and Design tasks concerned with analysis of the current system, logical data design and local process design etc.
SYSTEM INVESTIGATION
Investigation is defined as an act of trying to discover facts, information etc, by study or research. Hence, the system investigation is the in depth and through custody of the strength and weakness of an existing system regarding its procedures in working. To introduce a system that will help to improve the already existing one, its inputs and outputs with the objective of maximizing it efficiency through an organized transformation process. Basically two phases are involved in system investigation. They are:
CHAPTER FOUR
SYSTEM ANALYSIS/DESIGN
SYSTEM: Is a group of interrelated components working together towards a common goal by accepting input and producing output in an organized transformation process. Basically, there are (3) major components in every system namely inputs, processing and output. In the system the different components are connected to each other.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY
The computer based examination system has been designed and implemented in this project work. The exercise was carried out based on the loopholes that is in the existing system. Number of problems encountered in the manual system process which are delayed in the release of results, malpractices, cost implication of printing examination materials and human errors. This brings about the need for automation of the examination system. The new system will result in the following:
- Fast discharge of students
- Reliability in the management of student
- Accuracy of computation of student
- Provision of easy adjustment and to update student records.
RECOMMENDATION/CONCLUSION
In an evolving and technologically developing world such as Nigeria, where there is a dearth(lack or scarce) of lecturers who are saddled, with much responsibilities than they can handle, the need for a CBT that can take up some of their routinely but relevant task cannot be overemphasized. This work was aimed at designing and implementing a CBTs that prevents the human error(s) that is prevalent in the existing system.
I recommend the automation of examination, by automating the examination system it will minimize/remove human error(s) and overcoming their limitations by adopting ICT, since the technology promises compact storage, speedy retrieval of data and untiring diligent work. The following are benefits of automating examination system:
- Lack of examination venues, inadequate invigilators, inadequate examination materials, omission of student results and human error(s) during the marking/grading process will be automatically eliminated following the adoption of this E- examination system.
- By integrating and placing students database from different branches of examination at centralized computer server interconnected on LAN or internet, the data inconsistencies will be minimized and data can be available anywhere, anytime through internet.
- The new system will streamline the procedure for collation of exam records repetition of work will lead to duplication. There will be centralized, secure and robust database of the candidates appearing in the examination without duplication of records.
- The computerization of examination system will lead to effective monitoring of examination process and the possibility of fraudulence will be minimized.
- The computerization of examination will enable the management to see trends in results at various level and timely availability of compiled reports can be used to make strategic decisions in favour of the school and However, future research work should accommodate theory based question and opposed to only the multiple choice and structured questions formats that the CBT system currently accommodates. Also provision for video based e- assessment can be investigated.
CONCLUSION
In this work, a CBT system is developed and proposed for adoption in Nigerian institutions. The examination system is an online examination that delivers questions set by the lecturers to the student and generates the report of the results of students who take the examination as well as overall examination result summary based on the user’s query. The cost implication of conducting mass-driven examination will become drastically and significantly reduced, there will be no need to print questions or answer booklet anymore.
The CBTs system can store the records of each student and it can be recall when necessary reference is needed, the CBT will be very useful tool to have transparency, reliability and efficiency in writing school examination system. It will break down geographical barriers, thus bringing mass changes in the existing system. As a result of this ability of the system, students can take/write their exams within a remote location once it is connected to the web URL(Uniform Resource Locator).
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